How To Register A Name For A Business In California
Steps to register a business name in california.
How to register a name for a business in california. Registering with the irs i e get an ein number getting relevant licenses and or permits. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. 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. 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. 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. Business name registration is one step of many in the business registration process.
The california business investment services unit provides tailored site selection services for businesses real estate executives and site selection consultants. Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy. There is no provision in california for registration in a central registry at the state level of fictitious business names. 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. The business has a legal name that is different than its brand name.
Other key steps for how to register a business in california include. Choose a business structure. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. Registering a business name in california depends on the type of business structure you already have or want to form. 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.
Use the calgold tool to determine which if any licenses your business needs.