You can apply online or download an application to mail, fax, or bring to City Hall. Some businesses requiring extra information will not be able to apply online. The application must be fully completed to be accepted, please be very detailed in your business description and provide all required ownership information.

Before applying, please have ready any of the following items that may apply to your business:

• Federal Tax ID number (for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and more)
• Social Security number (for sole proprietors)
• Driver's License number (for primary contact)
• Sellers Permit showing an address in Orange (required for all retail or wholesale businesses)
• For Hire Motor Carrier of Property license
• Professional License number - County, State, or Federal
• Job location and job value (contractors and some outside services)
• 501(c)(3) - for nonprofit or charitable organizations
• A Visa or MasterCard Credit Card

• Application Fee of $76.00 is non-refundable.
• State Mandated Fee* of $4.00 is non-refundable.

*About the State Mandated Fee:
Assembly Bill 1379, requires cities to charge a state fee of $4.00, on any business license application. This fee provides funding for increased education on disability access and compliance with construction related accessibility requirements to facilitate compliance with federal and state disability laws. For questions regarding this fee, contact the Division of the State Architect at (916) 445-8100.

• Inside Application (for businesses based inside the City)
• Outside Application (for businesses based outside the City)
• Contractors or Subcontractors
• Apartment Rental Property Owners
• Commercial Rental Property Owners