How To Register A Name For A Business In California

After registering your dba you must file a fictitious business name statement in a newspaper.

How to register a name for a business in california. Also keep in mind that the name you choose cannot be too close to another company already doing business in california. The california business investment services unit provides tailored site selection services for businesses real estate executives and site selection consultants. Business name registration is one step of many in the business registration process. There is no provision in california for registration in a central registry at the state level of fictitious business names. Steps to register a business name in california.

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. A brief overview of the following types of legal business structures available in california can be found on our entity types website. Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. 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. If you are forming a california llc or corporation you will register your legal name when you file your formation documents. If you choose to have a different brand name you will need to file a dba. 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. Registering with the irs i e get an ein number getting relevant licenses and or permits.

To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. File a name statement in the newspaper. Choose a business structure. Use the calgold tool to determine which if any licenses your business needs. 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.

Sole proprietorships and partnerships are simpler than llcs and corporations but all of these business types have specific rules to follow in california they will have different filing requirements naming rules and processes.