How To Register A Name For A Business In California

There is no provision in california for registration in a central registry at the state level of fictitious business names.

How to register a name for a business in california. You must contact the city and or county clerk and or recorder where the principal place of business is located for information regarding filing or registering fictitious business names. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. If you choose to have a different brand name you will need to file a dba. The business has a legal name that is different than its brand name. Registering with the irs i e get an ein number getting relevant licenses and or permits.

Specifically you must publish the statement within 30 days after filing the statement and it must be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the business name was filed. To register a business name in california visit your county s website for instructions on submitting a fictitious business name statement. If you are forming a california llc or corporation you will register your legal name when you file your formation documents. 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. File a name statement in the newspaper.

After registering your dba you must file a fictitious business name statement in a newspaper. A brief overview of the following types of legal business structures available in california can be found on our entity types website. Business name registration is one step of many in the business registration process. Use the calgold tool to determine which if any licenses your business needs. Choose a business structure.

To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. Steps to register a business name in california. Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are simpler than llcs and corporations but all of these business types have specific rules to follow in california they will have different filing requirements naming rules and processes.

Other key steps for how to register a business in california include.