How to Register Your Business in California
Whenever you create a new business or change the name of an existing business, you will need to register the name of the business and acquire a license for “Doing Business As”, or a DBA.
What is a “DBA”?
Your DBA is any fictitious name, assumed name or trade name that you choose for your business. A DBA may be any name that is different from your personal name. For instance, if your name is Mary Baker, and you choose to conduct business as “Mary’s Muffins”, you will need to file for a DBA. Any name that differs from your own legal name will require a registered DBA, even if it is a relatively simple name like “John Grove Painting” or “Amy’s Pet Grooming”. Corporations and LLC companies must also apply if they want to do business under a name that differs from the officially registered name of the organization.
Without a DBA, the legal name of the business will default to the name of the person(s) or entity that owns the business. The legal DBA of your company registration will be required on all government forms and applications, including your application for employer tax IDs.
Not all states require the registering of fictitious business names or DBAs, but California does require this step.
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How to Register your “Doing Business As” Name
In California, you must register your DBA with your county clerk’s office. The fee to file a fictitious business name varies depending on the county or city where it is filed. Inquiries should be directed to the county clerk’s office in which the business will be located. Fees are typically about $25.
Before filing your application for a DBA, it is wise to conduct a business name search first to assure that your name is unique. This step is particularly important when organizing a corporation, LLC, trust or partnership as it may be cumbersome to change the name later. Corporations should wait until the filing process is complete to order stationery, signs, a corporate seal and open bank accounts.
The first step is to complete the required paperwork and file within 40 days of your business start date. The owner must sign the application (or the appropriate corporate officer or agent). All owners and their residence addresses must be listed. The county clerk will certify and return all copies to the registrant, keeping the original.
Within 30 days after filing a fictitious business name statement, you must publish the statement in a local, general-circulation newspaper. The notice must appear once a week for four successive weeks. Within 30 days of the last publishing date, you must file an affidavit of publication with the county clerk’s office.
In California, a DBA or fictitious business registration is valid for five years. You must file a renewal and pay the fee before the expiration of your DBA term.
