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1. Who needs a City of Modesto Business License?

Anyone that conducts business in the Modesto city limits is required to have a Business License.

2. Are there any other requirements?

Businesses with permanent locations in the Modesto city limits must meet Zoning and Fire regulations. Contact the Zoning Department at 209-577-5279 and the Fire Prevention Bureau at 209-571-5553 for further information.

3. How do I apply for a Business License?

1. Choose the correct application(s) based on the business location.
   • Please read all the information provided before filling out the application(s).
2. Print out the application(s).
3. 
   
   • Be sure that all information is filled in, especially the business start date and owner information.
4. Sign the completed application(s) and return by mail or in person with the appropriate fee.
   • We are currently unable to process applications electronically.
5. After the application is processed and approved, the Business License will be sent to the mailing address listed on the business license application.

4. What applications are required?

- If business is located from a commercially zoned location within the Modesto city limits, you will need a Business License Application.
- If business is conducted from a home address within the Modesto city limits, you will need a Business License Application & Home Business Permit and Agreement Application.
- If you are an outside business coming into the Modesto city limits you will need to complete an Outside Business License Application.

5. How do I pay my Business taxes?

With our current Business License system, we are not able to accept online payments for the Mill/DID taxes. To pay Business License taxes, business owners will need to either come into our office 1010 10th Street, Suite 2100 or mail in their “Declaration of Gross Receipts” report with the payment to PO Box 3442, Modesto Ca 95353.