Business License by State

Business License by State › California

California business license (2026)

General licenses are issued locally. The California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) says: “obtain business licenses and other permits from appropriate cities or counties”

  • State page read October 21, 2026
  • Quoted from the state

California at a glance

State rule
General licenses are issued locally
Next step
Contact your city or county for the license; the state does not issue a general one.
Forming an LLC
$70 with the California Secretary of State
Best overall in California

Mainstay Filing

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

$199 / year, same at renewal

  • LLC formation, prepared and filed
  • Registered agent, all year
  • EIN application (with an SSN or ITIN)
  • Annual report filed every year it is due where the state requires one
  • Compliance reminders and stored documents

Price from the Mainstay Filing pricing and FAQ pages, checked October 21, 2026. State fees are passed through at cost and shown before you pay.

Questions

Does California require a business license?

General licenses are issued locally. The California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) says: “obtain business licenses and other permits from appropriate cities or counties”

Who do I contact in California?

California Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) (page linked below), your city or county clerk, and the California Secretary of State for forming the company.

Is a California LLC the same as a license?

No. Forming the LLC is a filing with the California Secretary of State, which charges $70. A license, where one applies, is a separate step.

Sources