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1. Who needs a Business License?

Any individual, corporation, sole proprietor, partnership or any entity that wishes to conduct a business within the City of Anaheim must secure a business license. City law states that no person shall engage in business or transact and carry on a business, trade, profession, calling, or occupation in the City without having procured a license from the City to do so or without complying with any and all applicable provision of Title 3 of the City ordinance relating to business license. (A separate license is required for each branch or location of business.)

2. Are there any exceptions?

Those businesses specifically exempted by State or Federal statute. These exemptions are available under the Anaheim Municipal Code Section 3.04.130. A copy of the Anaheim Municipal Code may be obtained from the City Clerks Office or available on our website.

Anaheim Municipal Code

3. What should I do before I apply?

Contact our office to discuss the details of your particular business operation. Inquire about city zoning requirements for your type of business and its planned location. This information can be obtained from the Planning Department. In addition to obtaining the business license, you must also comply with all City, County, and State regulations for zoning, building, health, and safety. You can obtain an application at the Business License Division or contact our office to request an application via mail, fax or email. Contact the Business License Division

4. How can I contact your offices?

Here is a list of telephone numbers and addresses for various City departments you may wish to contact. Offices to Contact

5. Where can I get permits and information from other county, state, and federal agencies?

View a list of permits and who you should talk to about obtaining and submitting an application for the permit. Permits and Information

6. How do I get an application for a City of Anaheim business license?

You can download a business license application online or you may also contact our office at 714-765-5194 so we can mail, fax, or email you an application. Business License Application

7. What information is needed in order to complete the application?

View a list of information that you will need to have when you submit your business application. Application Required Items

8. What do I need to know about zoning?

Contact the Planning Department to confirm that your business is an allowable use at your desire location. You may need additional permits before you are allowed to operate in a specific location. You can reach the Planning Department at 714-765-5139.

9. What if my business is home-based?

Every business conducted from a home in the City of Anaheim must have both a city business license and a home occupation permit. Home occupation permits are obtained from the Planning Department. The home occupation permit must be submitted with your business license application. The Planning Department will review the type of business you are conducting to ensure that it is allowed within a residential area and will not impact the surrounding neighborhood. Business License Application

10. Is there a processing fee for the business license?

A minimum charge of $35 is required for the processing of any initial or renewed license application. This fee shall be in addition to the business license tax, home occupation permit fee, or regulatory permit fee, and will not be prorated. The processing fee is non-refundable.

11. Are there penalties if I am late paying for my license?

Any business which operates without first obtaining a business license or which fails to pay a renewal shall pay a penalty of 10% or $10, whichever is greater, for each month delinquent, and an additional amount equal to 1-1/2% thereof per month calculated from the 1st day of delinquency to the date of payment.

12. When do I need to renew my license?

Once you have obtained a license, which is valid for 1 year, a renewal will automatically be forwarded to you 30 days before your expiration date. If you do not receive a renewal notice, please contact the Business License Office. Failure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve the business owner of his/her responsibility to renew the business license.

13. What if I sell my business?

A business license is not transferable. The license is terminated when business ownership changes. Advise the Business License Office should you sell your business for any reason. The new owner will be responsible for obtaining his/her own business license.

14. What if I move to a new location in Anaheim?

To process a change of business address, advise the Business License Office by calling 714-765-5194 or visiting the Business License Counter to request an application form to file for an address change. A processing fee of $35 is required to process a change of address if the business license is current.

Business Tax Input Form

15. Do I need to reapply if I change my business name?

To process a change of business name, advise the Business License Office by calling 714-765-5194 or visiting the Business License Counter to request an application form to file for a business name change. The completed application must be returned with a $35 processing fee if the license is current.

If there has been a change to the tax identification number or resale number, then the business is considered to have changed ownership as well as the business name. You will need to contact the Business License Office to obtain the application for change in ownership since the license is not transferable.

Business Tax Input Form (PDF)

16. Do I need to display my business license?

Yes. All business licenses must be displayed on the premises. For those businesses not having a fixed address, the license must be physically carried on the person while conducting business and presented upon request.