How To Register Your Business Name In California

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.

How to register your business name in california. The dba you seek to register your business address your contact information and the first day of business. The california business investment services unit. File a fictitious name statement with your county clerk s office if applicable. Protecting your business name. After certifying all copies the clerk will keep the original and return the copies to you.

To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. California sole proprietorship naming rules. To use a different name the business owner must file a dba doing business as also known as a fictitious name in california. Check existing names and reserve a name not already in use by mail or in person with the secretary of state. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register.

Be sure to bring the following information which is required for registration. To register a business name in california visit your county s website for instructions on submitting a fictitious business name statement. Use the guidelines below for how to register a business in california. You ll have to provide the county with your dba of choice and the names and addresses of yourself and any partners you have. If stopping anyone from using your business name is important you can protect it through a trademark learn.

The clerk may require several copies to be filed. 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. 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. For easy step by step instructions for filing a dba in california visit our free state dba guide. To register the name of a partnership llc or corporation.

While registering your trade name will keep someone else from registering the exact same name in california it does very little from someone else operating a business under that name in other states. This business structure must operate under the surname of the owner. Small business administration website to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california.