Business Licenses

COVID Hardship Tax Deferral Option

If your business is experiencing hardship due to COVID-19 you may request a tax deferral. The deferral is for businesses with 100 or fewer employees. It is for renewals for the two-year business license cycle 2021-22. The taxes you owe will be deferred to June 30, 2021. Email your deferral request.

Who Needs a Business License?

Anyone engaging in or carrying on any business in Sunnyvale is required to obtain a business license from the City.

The City has a two-year tax cycle. To receive your Business License Tax Certificate the tax for both years MUST be paid. Renewals are due January 1. Penalties and interest will be assessed starting 30 days after the due date.

Business License Central

Do the following online:

• Apply for a new business license
• Renew an existing business license
• Update an existing business license
• Close an existing business license
• Pay a balance
• Search for an existing licensed Sunnyvale business

Business License Forms

You may submit your business license application, renewal or business status change form (to update or close an existing business license), by mail or in person. We send renewal reminder notices to all businesses with expiring business licenses. If you do not receive a renewal reminder notice, contact us for assistance.

City of Sunnyvale
Department of Finance/Business Licensing
650 W. Olive Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Business License Application with (2020-2021) Tax Table
Business License Application with (2021-2022) Tax Table 
Business License Status Change Form

Contact: Email Business License or call 408-730-7620

Additional Requirements

If your business is physically located in Sunnyvale, you may need to meet additional zoning and safety requirements and occupancy ordinances prior to receiving your business license.

Check you meet the requirements:
Review Planning's guide for business licenses
Visit the One-Stop Permit Center

Businesses Exempt from the License Tax

• Banks and financial institutions
• Charitable institutions and nonprofit organizations
• For-hire motor carrier of property
• Home day care provider for fourteen or fewer children
• Insurance broker-agents
• Public utility franchise
• Residential care facilities that serve six or fewer residents
• Veteran-operated businesses that meet specific criteria

You may also need special business or fire operating permits.