How to Register a Business Name in California (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

Coming up with the perfect name for your business is a big moment—it feels real. But before you start building your website, printing marketing materials, or setting up social media, there’s a critical step that many first-time founders overlook: registering your business name in California.

Whether starting an LLC, running a sole proprietorship, or filing a DBA, registering your business name properly can help you avoid legal conflicts, protect your brand, and start strong. In this guide, we walk you through the full 2025 process: checking name availability, reserving a name, registering it with the Secretary of State or county, filing a fictitious business name (FBN), and more—step by step.

Checking Business Name Availability in California

Before you fall in love with your business name, make sure it’s available. California requires business names to be unique and distinguishable from existing entities on file.

How to Check Name Availability:

✔️ Use the California Secretary of State’s business search tool.
✔️ Perform a trademark search on the USPTO website to make sure your name isn’t protected at the federal level.
✔️ Double-check for domain name availability if you plan to build an online presence.

📌 Tip: Online results aren’t a guarantee—final approval only happens once the state processes and accepts your filing.

Reserving a Business Name in California

Not quite ready to file your business formation documents, but want to lock in your name? California lets you reserve a name for 60 days to keep others from grabbing it first.

What You Need to Know:

✔️ File Form Name Reservation Request through bizfile Online.
✔️ Fee: $10 per reservation.
✔️ You can renew the reservation once for an additional 60 days.
✔️ You may cancel your reservation at any time if your plans change.

📌 Tip: Don’t wait until the last week—name reservations in California are not automatically extended.

Registering Your Business Name in California

Once you’re ready to make your business official, you’ll register your name as part of forming your entity (LLC, corporation, etc.). Unlike some states, California does not require a separate name registration if you’re forming a legal entity with that name.

Key Details:

✔️ When you file Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (corporation), the name becomes registered.
✔️ If you’re a sole proprietorship or general partnership, you’ll typically file a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) at the county level, not the state.

📌 Tip: If your business is registered outside California but wants to operate in the state, you must also file for a Certificate of Registration (foreign qualification) with the California Secretary of State.

Changing Your Business Name in California

Business evolving? Need a rebrand? You can change your official business name anytime, but it requires proper filing.

Steps to Update Your Name:

✔️ File a Certificate of Amendment with the California Secretary of State via bizfile Online.
✔️ Update your records with the IRS, California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), and CDTFA (if applicable).
✔️ Notify banks, vendors, and licensing agencies.

📌 Tip: Don’t forget to update your branding—website, business cards, social profiles, and anywhere else your old name appears.

Filing a DBA (Fictitious Business Name) in California

If you want to operate under a name that’s different from your official business name, you’ll need to file a DBA (Doing Business As)—also known as a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) in California.

This is common for businesses that want a more marketable, public-facing name while maintaining their formal structure.

What to Know:

✔️ Any type of business—sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations—can file a DBA.
✔️ DBAs are filed with the county clerk in the county where your business operates.
✔️ A DBA lasts for 5 years and must be renewed before expiration.
✔️ After filing, you’re typically required to publish a notice in a local newspaper for 4 consecutive weeks (check with your county clerk for rules and exceptions).

📌 Tip: Secure the domain name that matches your DBA to keep your branding consistent across platforms.

What Is a DBA in California, and How Does It Differ from Your Legal Business Name?

A DBA, or “Doing Business As”, allows your business to operate under a name other than its legal, registered name. In California, DBAs are officially called Fictitious Business Names (FBNs) and are most often used for branding.

FAQ: Legal Name vs. DBA — What's the Difference?

Is a DBA the same as my legal business name?

No. Your legal name is the one registered with the California Secretary of State when forming your LLC or corporation. A DBA is a secondary, optional name you can use for branding or marketing purposes.

Where do I register for a DBA?

DBAs in California are filed with the county clerk in the county where your principal place of business is located—not with the Secretary of State.

Does filing a DBA create a new business entity?

No. A DBA doesn’t create a separate legal entity or change your liability or tax status. It’s just an alternate name under which your existing business operates.

Can I have multiple DBAs under one business?

Yes. In California, you can register multiple DBAs under a single business entity, as long as each name is properly filed.

Do I need to publish a notice after filing a DBA?

In most California counties, yes. You must publish a notice in a local newspaper once a week for four weeks. Check with your county clerk for specifics.

Fees, Timing, and Other Details

Filing fees in California vary by county and business type. Here are some common costs:

✔️ Name reservation: $10
✔️ FBN/DBA filing (county level): $30–$60 (varies)
✔️ Certificate of Amendment (to change name): $30
✔️ Filing a new LLC or Corp with the chosen name: $70–$100

📌 Tip: Always keep digital copies of receipts, confirmations, and certificates—you’ll likely need them for banking, licensing, or compliance.

FAQs: Common Questions About Business Name Registration in California

How do I know if my business name is available?

Search the California Secretary of State’s bizfile database and check for trademarks on the USPTO site.

Do I need to file a DBA?

Only if you want to operate under a name that’s different from your registered legal name.

Where do I file a DBA?

At the county clerk’s office where your business is located.

How long is a name reservation valid?

60 days, with one renewal allowed.

Can I operate in California under a business name registered in another state?

Yes, but you must foreign-register with the Secretary of State to legally operate in California.

How Jupid Can Help You Register Your Business Name

Picking the right business name is a mix of creativity, legality, and strategic planning. At Jupid.com, we help entrepreneurs take the guesswork out of name registration and compliance.

Here’s how we support you:
✔️ Run name availability and trademark checks
✔️ Reserve or register your name with the state or county
✔️ File your DBA and make sure you meet publication requirements

📌 You bring the name—we’ll handle the paperwork.

References & Useful Resources

California Secretary of State – Business Filings: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities
California bizfile Online – Name Availability & Filings: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov
USPTO – Trademark Search: https://www.uspto.gov
CalGold – California Business Permit Lookup: https://calgold.ca.gov