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Business licenses & tax certificates

Check the local authority, requirements, applications, renewal, changes and public license searches for your business.

Check or apply for a business license Renew a business license Close or update a business license Look up a business license Register a business for stormwater compliance

Before you start

Start with where your business is located and where it will operate. A county license may apply only to unincorporated areas or specific activities; cities can have their own requirements.
Some county offices provide guidance or referrals and do not issue a general business license. Read the entry before choosing an application.
A business license or tax certificate, an FBN/DBA filing, business entity registration and a professional license serve different purposes. Zoning, health and other activity permits may also apply. Business stormwater registration is a separate local programme where required.
Check the license period, renewal date and rules for changes in ownership or location. A renewal may not cover a move or a new owner. Fees and application steps depend on the license category.

1 guide with reviewed service links · Merced

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County government · Merced

Community & Economic Development — business licensing

Business licensing requirements and referrals depend on the business activity and its location. Read the specific service scope before applying.

Unincorporated Merced County business-license requirementsOfficial instructions

Check local land-use approvals and apply through the county Licensing & Permitting Portal. Renewals, ownership changes and location changes have different requirements.

Service area: Businesses physically located and/or conducting business in unincorporated Merced County. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Merced County official website · Merced County — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

All businesses either physically located and/or conducting business within the unincorporated areas of Merced County must apply for and obtain a Merced County Business License. Business license applications may be submitted by visiting the Licensing & Permitting Portal.

Saved evidence: d98ba61162fded0d · Agent source review

Apply through Merced County Licensing & Permitting PortalOfficial online service

Official county application portal. Staff review land use and any additional agency approvals before issuing the license.

Service area: County business-license applications for businesses located or operating in the unincorporated area. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Merced County official website · Merced County — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Apply online using the county's Licensing & Permitting Portal.

Saved evidence: d98ba61162fded0d · Agent source review

Renew an existing Merced County business licenseOfficial online service

Create a portal account and link the current license using its User ID PIN. Ask staff for the PIN if it is missing.

Service area: Renewal of county licenses for businesses located or operating in unincorporated Merced County. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Merced County official website · Merced County — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Renewals will be processed by creating an account via the Licensing & Permitting Portal. Instructions for how to register for an account can found on the website.

Saved evidence: d98ba61162fded0d · Agent source review

Update or close a license when business information changesOfficial online service

Report changes through the official county portal. Ownership or address changes may require closure and a new license; check with licensing staff.

Service area: Changes to county licenses for businesses located or operating in unincorporated Merced County. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Merced County official website · Merced County — business licensing discovery (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

If there have been changes to your business license information that you need to update you may do so before it is time to renew. Please keep in mind that since Merced County Business Licenses are non-transferrable (Merced County Code Section 6.02.140), some changes may require the closure of your current business license and a new business license will be issued.

Saved evidence: d98ba61162fded0d · Agent source review

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