How To Register A Small Business Name In California

To register the name of a partnership llc or corporation.

How to register a small business name in california. A doing business as dba also known as a fictitious business name or assumed business name is a business name different than your personal name the names of your partners or the name you officially registered for your limited liability company llc or corporation. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. Pick a business name. Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy. If you would like help deciding on a location for your business contact the california business investment services unit of the governor s office of economic development go biz.

To register a gp at the state level a statement of partnership authority form gp 1 must be filed with the california secretary of state s office. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. How and where you need to register depends on your business structure and business location. Assuming you ve already worked out your business idea how you re going to fund your company and have at least done a simple business plan these are the steps for starting a business in california. Check existing names and reserve a name not already in use by mail or in person with the secretary of state.

To register a business name in california visit your county s website for instructions on submitting a fictitious business name statement. 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. 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. File a fictitious name statement with your county clerk s office if applicable. In many states like california business owners must use a dba if they plan on operating their own business using a.

Small business administration website to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan. Register your business to make it a distinct legal entity. Decide on a business structure. To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state.