City of Sunnyvale - New Business License Application

What you need to know to get started:

1. Business licenses are renewed on two year basis and expire on December 31st of the second year.

2. The business start date is the first date your business started or will begin operating in the City of Sunnyvale. 

3. Employee identification numbers are required for all new businesses.  Sole proprietor or partnerships are required to provide Social Security numbers or Drivers License numbers for all owners/partners unless a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) has been established for the business.  Limited Liability Companies (LLC), Limited Partnership, Trust or Corporations are required to provide a Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) for the business.

4. No payment will be required until your application has been reviewed and accepted. You will receive an email verifying the receipt of application.  Within 7 business days you will receive an email containing the amount due and instructions explaining how to make a payment online.

The City of Sunnyvale would like to welcome you to its business community.  We wish you much success in your new venture!

To review our Planning Department's guide for business licenses, which includes home-based business regulations for your information, click HERE.

Massage type business that apply for a business license must also apply for a massage establishment permit from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which can take up to 60 days to process this application.  You can call DPS at 408-730-7117 to schedule an appointment.

Assembly Bill 3002 went into effect on January 1, 2019, which provides information regarding disability access requirements and resources to business owners. To read the full notice in English, click HERE. To view in other languages click HERE.

Per AB 2184, you may protect your residential address by providing a different Service of Process address in accordance with Sections 16000.1(a)(2) and 16100.1(a)(2) of the Business and Professions Code. To do so, please Apply in person - you may not apply online.

If you need any assistance with the application process, please call (408) 730-7620 or email businesslicense@sunnyvale.ca.gov.