How To Register A Business Name In California Online

Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register.

How to register a business name in california online. The registration requirement was designed to protect consumers from business owners hiding anonymously behind the name of a business. To register a business name in california visit your county s website for instructions on submitting a fictitious business name statement. You can find the information you need to navigate the steps below. Choose a business structure. When a business wants to operate under a name other than their legal name the state of california like most states require the business to register their business name.

Sole proprietorship doing business under a name not containing the owner s surname such as smith accounting services. Generally all businesses that wish to conduct business in california need to register and form their legal entity with the california secretary of state s office file appropriate taxes register as an employer and obtain business licenses and other permits from appropriate cities or counties. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. Or doing business as must be registered with the county clerk of the county of the registrant s principal place of business if the business is any of the following.

The california business investment services unit provides tailored site selection services for businesses real estate executives and site selection consultants. You ll have to provide the county with your dba of choice and the names and addresses of yourself and any partners you have. Registering your business is a key part of getting up and running. In addition to avoid trademark infringement issues you should do a federal and state trademark check to make sure the name you want to use is not the same as or too similar to a name. See choose and register a domain name for more information.

If the name is available for use in california to protect the name for future use a foreign not california corporation that is 1 not registered with the california secretary of state and 2 not transacting intrastate business in california can register the corporate name with the secretary of state by filing a registration of corporate name by foreign corporation pdf. Registering with the irs i e get an ein number getting relevant licenses and or permits. Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy. A brief overview of the following types of legal business structures available in california can be found on our entity types website. A fictitious business name statement or d b a.

Use the calgold tool to determine which if any licenses your business needs. All companies doing business in the city of los angeles need to register with the city and depending on how your business is set up you may also need to register with the county state and federal government.