One Stop Shops

An effort has been made at all levels of government in California to simplify and consolidate the permitting and licensing process as much as possible. This does not mean that you can go to only one of these centers and take care of all the paperwork that may affect your business. But you should be able to obtain the correct applications for that jurisdiction and receive referrals to additional local, regional, state or federal agencies.

Business Licenses

The State of California does not require or issue business licenses for sole proprietorships or general partnerships. Other business structures, however, must register with the state. All businesses located in an incorporated city in Sonoma County must first obtain a business license from that city. The county does not require a business license to do business within its unincorporated areas, but all fictitious business names must be registered with the Sonoma County Clerk. Generally, this registration would apply if:

• an individual is doing business under a name other than their own
• the name suggests the existence of additional owners
• the name does not include the surname of each general partner.

Some links in the Sonoma County Business Assistance Guide may take you to sites that the county does not maintain or control. The County of Sonoma does not warrant the accuracy of the information contained in such sites, and the content of such sites does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards, or policies of the County of Sonoma. You should independently verify the accuracy of any information or representation on such sites before relying upon them.

Top of Page