What you need to know to get started:

1. Business licenses are renewed on a calendar-year basis.

2. Business start date is the first date your business started in the City.

3. Employee identification number is REQUIRED. A sole ownership may provide a social security number, drivers license number, or FEIN. An LLC, Limited Partnership, Trust, or Corporation is required to provide a FEIN for the business.

4. If the business is located in the City, you must also file a zoning application with the Planning Department. The application is available at the City’s website.

5. Payment will not be required until your application has been accepted. You will receive an email verifying the receipt of the application. Within 10 days an email will be sent containing the amount due and instructions on how to make payment on-line .

6. Regulated Businesses: Applicants for these business types must apply with the Police Department/Permits Unit before applying:

Itinerant merchants, Peddlers, Solicitors, Adult book stores, advertising benches, ambulance services, carnivals, circuses, detectives/private investigators, entertainment permits, escort services, pawnbrokers, seasonal lots, secondhand dealers, taxicabs, massage therapist/establishments and theaters.

Santa Clara Police Department/Permits Unit (408) 615-4867

Per AB 2184, you may protect your residential address by providing a different Service of Process address in accordance with Sections 16000.1(a)(2) and 16100.1(a)(2) of the Business and Professions Code. To do so, please Apply in person - you may not apply online.


We wish you much success in your business venture.