California Business Name Checker
Check if your business name is available in California. Search the CA Secretary of State business registry instantly to verify name availability for your LLC, corporation, or partnership.
Search the official California Secretary of State business registry to verify name availability
1.Click the button above to open the official California Secretary of State business search
2.Enter your desired business name and search for existing registrations
3.Check for federal trademarks at USPTO.gov
4.Verify domain availability for your business name
5.Reserve the name by filing your LLC or corporation formation documents
California Business Name Requirements
✓ Name Requirements
- • Must be distinguishable from existing entities
- • LLCs must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
- • Corporations must include "Inc", "Corp", or "Corporation"
- • Cannot suggest government affiliation
- • Cannot be misleading about business activities
- • Must comply with California Business and Professions Code
✗ Restricted Words
- • "Bank", "Trust" (requires special licensing)
- • "Credit Union" (restricted use)
- • "University", "College" (requires approval)
- • "Engineer", "Architect" (professional licensing)
- • "Insurance" (requires licensing)
- • "Olympic" (federal trademark)
How to Check Name Availability in California
Use our tool above to search the California Secretary of State's database of registered business entities. This checks LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and DBAs.
Search the USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) database at uspto.gov to ensure you're not infringing on existing trademarks.
Check if the matching .com domain is available for your business name. Your online presence is crucial for modern businesses.
Verify that your desired business name is available on major social media platforms (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) for consistent branding.
You can reserve a business name in California for 60 days by filing a Name Reservation Request (Form NR) with the Secretary of State (fee: $10).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to register a business name in California?
Once you file your Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation), it typically takes 5-7 business days for standard processing, or 1-2 business days for expedited processing (additional fees apply). Your business name becomes officially registered once your formation documents are approved.
Can I use a DBA (Doing Business As) name in California?
Yes, you can register a DBA (also called a "Fictitious Business Name") in California if you want to operate under a name different from your legal business name. You must file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with your county clerk's office and publish it in a local newspaper.
What if my desired name is taken?
If your desired name is already registered, you'll need to choose a different name. Try adding descriptive words, using synonyms, or changing the business structure designation (LLC vs Corp). You can also use our Business Name Generator to find creative alternatives.
Do I need to trademark my business name?
Registering your business with the California Secretary of State gives you state-level name protection, but not trademark protection. If you plan to operate nationally or want stronger legal protection for your brand, consider filing for a federal trademark with the USPTO. This prevents others from using similar names in your industry across the United States.
Can I change my business name after registration?
Yes, you can change your California business name by filing an Amendment to your Articles of Organization (LLC) or Articles of Incorporation (Corporation) with the Secretary of State. There's a filing fee, and you'll need to ensure the new name is available before filing the amendment.
How much does it cost to register a business name in California?
The filing fee for an LLC is $70, and for a Corporation is $100 (plus $15 Statement of Information fee). Expedited processing costs an additional $350 for 24-hour service or $500 for same-day service. Name reservation is $10 and optional.