How To Register A Business Name 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 a business name california. The name of the firm must meet the requirements set forth in section 5060 of the business and professions code and section 75 5 of title 16. Use the business registration section of the california business navigator to find out what forms and steps you need to take to form your legal entity pay taxes register as an employer sell tangible goods and register at the city and county level in california. In california if you re doing business under a name other than your own last name you have to register it with your county government. To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. The california business investment services unit.
The registration requirement was designed to protect consumers from business owners hiding anonymously behind the name of a business. Small business administration website to find a tutorial on how to create a business plan. You must contact the city and or county clerk and or recorder where the principal place of business is located for information regarding. Licensees intending to operate under a fictitious name should carefully review section 67 of title 16. Fictitious business names are not filed with the secretary of state s office.
Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. He must also file an extra fictitious business name statement at the county level. Go to the u s. A fictitious name will not be issued to an accountancy corporation or accountancy partnership. Partnerships llcs and corporations must register their businesses at the state level.
In california business name registration requirements depend on your business entity type. Then submit the application. Fictitious business name a fictitious business name or doing business as dba. 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. Before you register a business name in california check that the county doesn t already have a similar name in its files.
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.