Fictitious business names can be filed online on the LA County Clerkâs portal. Copies of the forms can be obtained by calling or visiting in person. For a copy of your Los Angeles city business license, contact (213) 974-2011 or visit ttc.lacounty.gov. To search for a DBA in California, use the name search page and ensure compliance with naming requirements.
What Is a Fictitious Business Name?
A fictitious business name statement is a public record that makes the identities of persons doing business under the name available. In California, filing this statement is mandatory for anyone conducting business for profit under any name not on record with the Secretary of State. DBAs also establish branding and can be a simple method to grow a business.
Registering a DBA in California
To register for a DBA, check that the name is not already in use with the Secretary of State. Should the name be unique, proceed by filling out the necessary forms and paying any applicable fees where your business operates. Tips for selecting a name include using a generator for ideas and ensuring the domain is available online. Getting feedback to make sure the name conveys the appropriate message is also important before registering it to secure trademarks and copyrights.
After choosing your business name, publish a notice of the fictitious name in a local newspaper. For Los Angeles, file the DBA or Assumed Business Name forms in LA County. Forms can be downloaded from the county website. Remember, any business operating under a different name must file a DBA in California within 40 days of commencing operations. Sole proprietorships and partnerships often need to file since their legal names aren’t typically registered.
Summary
To summarize the process for registering a fictitious business name in California:
- Verify with the Secretary of State that the desired name is available.
- File the fictitious business name statement with the appropriate county clerk. For out-of-state companies, file in Sacramento County.
- Publish a notice of the fictitious business name in a local newspaper.
A DBA is simply a registration for a name different than your own and does not equate to a business structure like an LLC. It also does not provide liability protection or tax advantages.