Cost and Duration
You’ll need to file paperwork and pay a fee to register your DBA at the county level in California, not through the Secretary of State. Fees generally range from $10-$50 per DBA filing. You’ll pay more if you have multiple business names or owners. Processing times vary by county, but generally take 1-4 weeks. Some counties may take 6-8 weeks to process due to high application volumes.
Naming Guidelines and Legal Requirements
Your chosen name must meet the state’s naming guidelines and be distinguishable from other names. It can’t mislead consumers about products/services offered. A CA DBA is valid for 5 years after filing. It must be renewed after 5 years to maintain the fictitious name. No, it’s not legally required to have a separate bank account for your DBA but can be useful for financial separation. As a DBA isn’t a separate legal entity, finances don’t need to be kept separate.
Registration Process
DBAs are filed at the county level, not through the CA Secretary of State. Each county has its own forms, fees, and requirements. You can register an unlimited number of DBAs by completing the registration process and paying fees for each. Costs range from $10-80 depending on county. Most counties require publishing a notice within 30 days. Some counties allow online filing, but requirements vary. Check with your county clerk’s office for their specific process.