Contact Us

City of Vacaville
Finance Division
650 Merchant Street
Vacaville, CA 95688

(707) 449-5185, option 2

Business Licenses - Additional Resources

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

General Business Resources

Better Business Bureau

Vacaville Chamber of Commerce

Department of Consumer Affairs

Exterior Business Signs

Federal Employer Identification Number

Filing a Corporation, LLC, Partnership or Non-Profit (501(c)3)

Solano College Small Business Development Center

Solano County Business License

Solicitor's (Peddler's) Permit

State Employer Identification Number

State Sales Tax Permit, Seller's Permit, or Wholesale

Industry Specific Resources

Alcohol and Beverage Control

Automotive Repair

Child Care

Department of Social Services
Community Care Licensing Division
520 Cohasset Road, Suite 170, MS 29-05
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 895-5033

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/child-care-licensing

Must be state licensed if watching children from more than one family. Must have a City Business License and Home Daycare License if there are more than 8 children. Information available for elder care also.

Contracting

California State Contractors Board
9835 Goethe RD
Sacramento, CA 95826
(800) 321-2752
www.cslb.ca.gov

If you are a contractor, you will need to provide a copy of your pocket license issued by the State to obtain a business license. All subcontractors must have a Business License as well as a Contractor’s License.

There is an exception for a handyman that applies if a job is less than $500 (including both labor & materials).

Firearms

Food and Restaurants

Handyman

Massage

Taxi Companies or Drivers

Expand/Contract Questions and Answers

What is a Business License?
Business licenses are permits that allow a business to operate within the city limits of Vacaville. They serve as a registration of business and are revenue generating, not regulatory.
How can I apply for a business license?
You may apply online at https://businesslicense.cityofvacaville.com/primeweb

Or, obtain a paper application either on our website or in person at the Finance front counter at City Hall, 650 Merchant St, Vacaville, CA 95688
How are the fees charged?
Fees are based on the number of full-time equivalent employees (2 part-time employees who work 25 hours or less may equal 1 full-time employee). The owner of the business is considered an employee. Reduced and exempt fees are available for qualified residential businesses within the city limits of Vacaville only. Non-Profits are exempt from fees with proper 501c3 documentation.
What are the Business Classifications?
- SERVICE - bookkeeper, lawn care, janitorial, etc.
- RETAIL/WHOLESALE/MANUFACTURING - restaurants, clothing stores, bakery, etc.
- CONTRACTORS - general construction, electrical, plumbing, etc.
- PROFESSIONAL - notary, doctor, lawyer, consultants, etc.
Who else needs a business license?
- Vending Machine companies
- Apartments (2-units or more)
- Mobile Home Parks
- Motels/Hotels
- Taxi Companies (must register with Vacaville PD and the City Manager’s office prior to submitting your business license application)
- Rideshare companies (Uber, Lyft, etc….)
- Craft Fair Vendors
- Special Events
- Food Trucks
- Massage (may only apply at City Hall)
What is considered to be a "business?"
A business is anyone who holds transactions and or charges fees for their product or service within the city limits of Vacaville. This includes but not limited to:
- Anyone doing business within the city limits of Vacaville – even if only for 1 day
- Anyone living in Vacaville who is using their home address as their business address (please note we do not license to a P.O. Box, if you do not want your home address displayed please use the Service of Process section on the business license application)
- Anyone who has a business office or satellite office within the city limits of Vacaville.