FAQs • Orange, CA • CivicEngage

How do I get a Security Code?: The Security Code can be found on your Business License Renewal Notice, under “Total Due.” If you do not have your Renewal Notice with you, call (714) 744-2270 and have your Federal Tax ID number ready, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number, whichever one is usually listed on your Renewal Notice.

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Business License Renewals

1. How do I get a Security Code?: The Security Code can be found on your Business License Renewal Notice, under “Total Due.” If you do not have your Renewal Notice with you, call (714) 744-2270 and have your Federal Tax ID number ready, or the last four digits of your Social Security Number, whichever one is usually listed on your Renewal Notice.

2. Can I change my Business License information online?: Yes. However, please make your changes before the Penalty Date, as some changes may lock you out of the payment process. You may update your mailing address, phone numbers, or email address, then continue to pay your business license renewal. If you change your business name your account will be locked until it is reviewed and updated by City Staff. It may take up to 1 business day before your account is unlocked and you can finish paying your online renewal, so please allow time for this to be taken care of before the penalty date. If you change your business address in Orange, your account will be locked until this is reviewed and approved. A $10.00 “Move Fee” will be added to your account. Your address change will either be approved and your account unlocked within 1 business day so that you can complete your transaction, or you will be sent an email asking you to apply for Zoning and Planning approval for the new location. Please do not wait until the Penalty Date to make this type of change. You cannot change ownership online. A new owner will need to apply for a new license. Please do not change the Primary Contact's home address to a mailbox or to a business address. This will not be accepted.

3. How early can I pay my renewal?: Your license must be in “renewal status”. This occurs about three weeks before the expiration date.

4. Can I renew online if my Business License is past the penalty date?: Yes, you can renew on-line up to six months past the Penalty Date. Late penalties of 25% per month are added to delinquent accounts.

5. Why was my online account access denied?: Check your renewal notice. Is it asking for missing information? If so, you cannot renew online until you provide this information. Is it asking for documentation such service providers, Sellers Permit, state license, and more? Fax these in to (714) 288-2170 and include a note asking us to give you access to your online account.

6. Can we renew online if we are tax exempt?: No, online renewals can only be done when there is a tax payment involved.

7. What is the maximum amount I can pay online?: The maximum credit card payment we can accept is $5,000.

8. Can I close my Business License online?: If your business license has a flat tax only, you may close your Business License online, but only if you did not continue to work in the City after the expiration date of your license, and there is no prior balance to be paid. If you worked in Orange after your expiration date, call (714) 744-2270 for extra help with this.
If you pay a Gross Receipts Tax, you cannot close your Business License online. You must send in your signed paper renewal notice, with the required tax calculations.