How To Register A Business Name In California
A brief overview of the following types of legal business structures available in california can be found on our entity types website.
How to register a business name in california. Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy. California sole proprietorship naming rules. If the principal place of business is out of state for foreign entities such as corporations and llcs they will register in sacramento county. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. Use the guidelines below for how to register a business in california.
Looking for information on how to register a business name in california. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. Choose a business structure. This video will help entrepreneurs find information on legally registering their bu. There is no provision in california for registration in a central registry at the state level of fictitious business names.
Check existing names and reserve a name not already in use by mail or in person with the secretary of state. To use a different name the business owner must file a dba doing business as also known as a fictitious name in california. 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. 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. 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. 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. Fictitious business names are not filed with the secretary of state s office.
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. To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state.