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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 licenseRenew a business licenseClose or update a business licenseLook up a business licenseRegister 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.

2 guides with reviewed service links · Reviewed local guides · “City of Anaheim”

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County government · Orange

Orange County — city business-license referrals

County-published municipal referral directory; it does not establish unincorporated-area licensing rules or county issuance.

Find the city authority for an Orange County business license (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Choose the municipality where the business will be located to find its licensing information. Verify that municipality’s current requirements; the county directory alone does not prove that a license is required or waived.

Source checked October 16, 2026

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

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Click on the City where your business will be located for more information on that City's requirements or process to obtain a business license.

Saved evidence: 3725cc13a0f2811b · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →
City government · Orange

Anaheim — Planning & Building — Business License Division

City of Anaheim business licensing or tax certificates.

Check Anaheim business-license requirements (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

City licensing can apply to businesses based outside Anaheim when they conduct business in the city. Check the activity and application category before applying.

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing and tax certificates (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

If you are planning to conduct business in the City of Anaheim, you must obtain an Anaheim Business License.

Saved evidence: a2b87539dc948be6 · Agent source review

Choose the city business-license application category (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Choose in-city commercial, home-based or outside-city forms. The city offers in-person issuance; arrive by 3pm and confirm hours because its pages give different counter closing times.

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing forms (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Business License Applications

Saved evidence: fbe58c918f381a22 · Agent source review

Review city business-license renewal channels (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

The city lists online, mail and in-person renewals. If information on the renewal form is incorrect, renew by mail or in person to make changes.

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing renew (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

You can renew online using your MasterCard, Visa or Discover credit card.

Saved evidence: 8d63d2f0ba9afd3e · Agent source review

Request closure of a city business license (opens in a new tab)Official online service

Open the city-referred closure form. A business-name, address or ownership-type change can require a new application instead of an ordinary renewal.

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing forms (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Request to Close Business License

Saved evidence: fbe58c918f381a22 · Agent source review

Open the city-referred new-contractor licensing portal (opens in a new tab)Official online service

This referral is for a new contractor license. Do not treat it as proof that all other business categories can submit through the same online process.

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing and tax certificates (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

New Contractor License

Saved evidence: a2b87539dc948be6 · Agent source review

Search city business licenses on the official map (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Open the city-referred interactive business-license search map. A record does not prove every other permit or approval.

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing and tax certificates (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

Business License Search

Saved evidence: a2b87539dc948be6 · Agent source review

Review the city SB 205 compliance form (opens in a new tab)Official instructions

Submit the city compliance form and check whether the activity actually needs an NPDES permit. Completing the form does not mean every business needs that permit.

Service area: City of Anaheim business activity; city programme, not county-wide licensing. Area details & sources

Source checked October 16, 2026

Anaheim government · Anaheim — business licensing stormwater (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed business licensing instructions

requires a person or entity applying for a new or renewed business license to demonstrate enrollment in an NPDES permit, if such a permit is required.

Saved evidence: 9acfa1acc8214e6b · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Selected agencies, with sources checked individually. See all coverage and sources.