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.

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. 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. 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. File a name statement in the newspaper. Business name registration is one step of many in the business registration process.

Use the calgold tool to determine which if any licenses your business needs. 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. A brief overview of the following types of legal business structures available in california can be found on our entity types website. There is no provision in california for registration in a central registry at the state level of fictitious business names. If you are forming a california llc or corporation you will register your legal name when you file your formation documents.

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. Other key steps for how to register a business in california include. Make sure the name and spelling you want are available before you actually register. To register your dba in california search and reserve a name online with the secretary of state. Choose a business structure.

Some counties let you submit online while others require hard copy. After registering your dba you must file a fictitious business name statement in a newspaper. If you choose to have a different brand name you will need to file a dba. To register a business name in california visit your county s website for instructions on submitting a fictitious business name statement. Steps to register a business name in california.

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