Finance — Business License Unit
Business licensing
Check the business address and activity. General licenses, special licenses, tobacco retailer licenses and short-term-rental licensing follow different requirements.
Service area: Sacramento County licensing for the specified activities or premises in the unincorporated area; incorporated cities have separate authorities. Area details & sources
The county FAQ lists weekday call-center hours of 9 am–4 pm; these are separate from counter intake hours.
Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources
The primary page states the last customer is taken at 4:30 pm. A different FAQ cutoff is unresolved; confirm visiting arrangements before going.
Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
Reviewed business licensing instructions
Sacramento County regulates businesses operating in the areas of the County not located within city limits (the unincorporated area of the County) to promote improved enforcement of ordinances that protect the public and prevent nuisances and neighborhood disturbances.
Saved evidence: 96510546973e4556 · Agent source review
Use the county application gateway to check the address and listed business activities before opening the application.
Service area: County business licensing in unincorporated Sacramento County; check the activity and stated exemptions. Area details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
Reviewed business licensing instructions
Will your business perform these activities in the unincorporated area of Sacramento County?
Saved evidence: b46bb37cbb9d168f · Agent source review
Read the category-specific renewal fees and expiry rules. A license expired longer than 90 days requires a new application.
Service area: Renewal of Sacramento County business licenses for their stated unincorporated-area activity or premises. Area details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
Sacramento County · Sacramento — business licensing questions (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed business licensing instructions
An $18.00 late renewal fee will be added to any license renewal received after the expiration date. If a license has been expired longer than 90 days, the license will be closed and the business owner will be required to reapply for a new license.
Saved evidence: 6d388bb73f4e8a6b · Agent source review
Short-term rentals use the separately designated portal. The county does not accept these applications through its ordinary business-license counter, mail or general online application.
Service area: County short-term-rental licensing; confirm the unincorporated-area address and programme requirements. Area details & sources
Use RentalScape for the STR permit, business license and TOT; the ordinary county application channels do not accept STR license applications.
Official information checked October 16, 2026 · Details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
Reviewed business licensing instructions
Are you interested in operating a Short-Term Rental? Please visit RentalScape to apply for a Permit, Business License, and pay Transient Occupancy Tax. We no longer accept Business License applications in our office, through the mail or the Sacramento County Online Business License application.
Saved evidence: 96510546973e4556 · Agent source review
Use the county instructions for the current business-license search tool, or contact the Business License Unit. This is a records lookup, not a license application.
Service area: Records of Sacramento County business licenses for the county licensing jurisdiction. Area details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
Reviewed business licensing instructions
Instructions on How to Use the Search Tool
Saved evidence: 96510546973e4556 · Agent source review
Transfer rules depend on the county license category. Contact the Business License Unit before changing the owner, premises or type of business; a simple account update may not be sufficient.
Service area: Changes to county business licenses within the Sacramento County licensing jurisdiction. Area details & sources
Source checked October 16, 2026
Sacramento County · Sacramento — business licensing questions (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed business licensing instructions
General Business Licenses and Tobacco Retailer Licenses may not be transferred to another person, location or type of business. Special Business Licenses and Employee Permits may not be transferred to another person or type of business, but the business location may change.
Saved evidence: 6d388bb73f4e8a6b · Agent source review