Renew Your Business License

Renewal Deadline

All businesses tax certificates (business licenses) expire on June 30 of each year. All business licenses must be renewed before July 1 of each year. It is the business owner's responsibility to renew the business license each year, even if a renewal notice was not received. For a full copy of the Business License Tax ordinance click here: Chapter 4.155 - Business License Tax

Business Licenses can be renewed online unless your business type is listed below:

These businesses can NOT renew online:
Tier 1 - Retail/Wholesale who is claiming an ApportionmentTier 2 - Adult Performers
Tier 2 - Massage EstablishmentTier 2 - Rental Mobile Home
Tier 2 - Cannabis Delivery ServiceTier 3 - Itinerate Merchants

If your business type is not on this list, then you may renew online.

Renew Online by logging into your e-file portal. Note: Additional documents may be requested online. Read the Renewal Instructions below before logging into your portal to ensure you are prepared. For step-by-step instructions with images, click here: How to Renew Online Guide


Why did I receive a renewal notice after I renewed my license?

Business License renewal notices were generated on May 18, 2022; therefore, you will still receive a renewal notice if your license was renewed on or after this date.

Did I already renew my license? How do I check the status of my Business License?

To check the status of your license click here: Check License Status (Note: Your business license status will update within 1-2 business days after renewing online. Renewal notices submitted by mail may take 3-6 weeks to process and update; however, we will mark your renewal as received on the date it was postmarked by the post office.) 

Renewal Instructions

  1. Renew Online

Renew Online by logging into your e-file portal. Note: Additional documents may be requested online. Read the instructions below before logging into your portal to ensure you are prepared. For step-by-step instructions with images, click here: How to Renew Online Guide

To renew online you will need:

  • Account # (business license #) and Security Code
  • Gross receipts for 2021, or previous tax year
  • A form of payment: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover, or e-check. For e-check payment you will need the routing # and bank account #
  • Have a question about your renewal? The best way to reach our office during renewal season is to send an email to [email protected] Include your Account # (same as Business License #) in the subject line of all correspondence.

If your business is one of the following, you will need to upload additional documents with your online renewal: 

  • Tier 2 Massage Professionals - 1. Copy of CAMTC certificate; 2. CAMTC picture ID with current address (driver license). Click here for Massage Professionals Instructions
  • Tier 2 Limited Exemption Massage - A business with ancillary massage services is Limited Exempt. A completed list of all massage professionals working at the establishment (employee list). Click here for Limited Exemption Massage Instructions and Employee List. 
  • Tier 4 Non Profit - 1. Articles of Incorporation, if changed in the last 5 years; and 2. Evidence of organization's non profit status (recent tax returns or federal or state tax exempt status letter). 
  • Tier 4 Disabled Veteran - 1. Honorable discharge paperwork; 2. Certification of medical or physical inability to obtain a livelihood by manual labor; 3. Voter registration from State of CA; and 4. A detailed description of proposed business activity. 
  • Tier 4 - Limited Income - 1. Copy of previous year's tax return showing income (gross, not net) of $2,400, or less. 

What else can I do online?

If your business is eligible to renew online, then you may also do all of the following by signing into the e-file portal above.

  • Make Account Corrections/Modifications - You can make corrections to your account and contact information PRIOR to completing your renewal so that changes will be reflected on your business tax certificate.  
  • Cancel Your Business License – You must cancel your business license to avoid penalties and further notices if you are no longer conducting business in the City of Ventura. Submit your business license cancellation online. 
  • View Your Renewal Form – You may view a copy of your renewal notice online. 
  • Print a Temporary License - You may view and print a temporary license online 2 business days after you have renewed your license.
  • Pay Your TOT  - You may submit your Hotel TOT and STVR TOT online.
  1. Renew by Mail

Additional Renewal Information

  1. Master Fee Schedule

Master Fee Schedule 

The City of Ventura Master Fee Schedule is subject to change annually. To view the most current fees related to business license, click on the link below with the context "Business License Related Fees". To view a complete listing of the Master Fee Schedule, click on the link below with the context "Complete Listing".

Master Fee Schedule - Business License Related Fees - Effective July 8, 2022

Master Fee Schedule - Complete Listing - Effective July 8, 2022

  1. NAICS and SIC Codes
  1. Industrial General Permit (IGP)
  1. Cannabidiol (CBD) Products