Business Licensing

The Business License Tax Division ensures businesses operating within the City of Stockton comply with the Stockton Municipal Code Business and Rental Tax requirements:

• Using field enforcement and multiple lead sources, including the State Board of Equalization, fictitious business names, inter-governmental referrals, and citizen reports/complaints; and
• Generating additional revenue for the General Fund, which provide police and fire protection, street maintenance, libraries, parks, and other City services. 

• Stockton Municipal Code - Section 5.04.040
• No person shall engage in any profession, trade, calling, occupation, or business without first having procured a license.
• Self-employed persons and independent contractors are also required to pay the Business Tax.

• Stockton Municipal Code - Business License and Regulations
• Stockton Municipal Code - Chapter 3.28 Transient Occupancy Tax

Obtain Business License

1. Complete a Business License Application.
2. Mail, fax or deliver completed application to Administrative Services, Business License Division.

Annual Renewals

Business licenses are renewed annually and payment is due within 30 days of the expiration date. Penalties apply for payments received after 30 days.

Renewals for Business Licenses that Expired December 31, 2021 Updated January 21, 2022

Due to conditions related to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we are extending the payment due date for business licenses that expired on December 31, 2021, from January 31, 2022 to February 28, 2022. Penalties will apply if renewals are received March 1, 2022, or after.

Business License Applications & Forms

• Business License Application
• Bingo Application Packet
• Declaration of Business Closure in City of Stockton
• Home Occupation Permit Application
• Motor Food Wagon Application Packet
• Ice Cream Application Packet
• Pawnbroker / Secondhand Dealer Application Packet
• Police Clearance Application
• Prior Years Form
• Private Security Application Packet
• Request for Duplicate License Certificate
• Request for Information - Information / Copies / Research Requests
• Request for Refund

Disability Access and Education Fee - SB 1186

On September 19, 2012, Governor Brown signed SB-1186 adding a state fee of $4 on
any applicant for a local business license or similar instrument or permit, or renewal.

This fee helps:

• increase disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements
• develops educational resources for businesses to comply with federal and state disability laws.

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious responsibility for all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. Learn more about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws in External Links below.

External Links

California Commission on Disability Access 

California Department of General Services - Division of State Architect

This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 3/9/2022