The voters of San Benito County approved Measure H, the San Benito Business License Tax, in November 2018. This tax took effect July 1, 2019 in the unincorporated area of the County.

San Benito County recognizes the value and importance of a strong and vibrant community. The purpose of the business license tax is to maintain the commitment of providing services that enhance the quality of life for the residents of San Benito County.

Businesses operating in the unincorporated area of the County are required to have a Business License on display at their principal location of operation, unless the business qualifies for an exemption.

The easiest and fastest way to apply for a new business license is using the online filing method. To begin, simply click on the "Submit a Business License Application" located below under the Apply subheading.

If you need further assistance applying for a business license, you are welcome to contact us at SanBenitoCounty@hdlgov.com or by phone at (831)-233-6550. Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST).

Disability Access

AB3002 - On and after January 1, 2019, each city, county, or city and county shall provide to an applicant for a business license or equivalent instrument or permit and to an applicant for the renewal of the business license or equivalent instrument or permit, the following notice to applicants for business licenses: DISABILITY ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

SB1186 - On and after January 1, 2013, each city, county, or city and county shall provide to an applicant for a business license or equivalent instrument or permit and to an applicant for the renewal of the business license or equivalent instrument or permit, the following information:

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:
The Division of the State Architect at:
https://www.dgs.ca.gov/dsa

The Department of Rehabilitation at:
https://www.dor.ca.gov/

The California Commission on Disability Access at:
https://www.dgs.ca.gov/CCDA

To get started, please select one of the online activities below:
Apply
Renew
Pay
  • Pay a Balance Due

    Start here to pay a balance due on an established account with the County of San Benito. Please do not use this option to begin the license renew process.

Other
Update
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Download Forms

Please download below

Business License Application .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Business License Fee Schedule .pdf   file_download
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Frequently Asked Questions

A business license is an annual business tax for doing business within the unincorporated area of the county. San Benito County requires that you obtain a license when you conduct any business activity within the County, even if your business is located outside of the unincorporated area of the county or if you have a business license from another City or County. Businesses that are based within the unincorporated area must also have a business license. This includes home based businesses, building contractors, independent contractors, and non-profit businesses.

All licenses are annual with an expire date of June 30th and should be renewed each year no later than July 1st.

Yes. A separate business license is required for each branch establishment or location of the business transacted and carried on, and for each separate business at the same location.

No, a business license cannot be transferred or re-assigned. As the new owner, you will need to apply for a new business license.