In California, it is required that you register a business name if the name you are using is different from your legal name. Your business name will also get exposure when you list it in the state's directories. It is easy to register your business name with a few steps. Find out where to get the forms necessary to file your business name, whether your business name is available and where to send your forms.
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Difficulty:
Moderately Easy
Instructions
1
Search for your business name and its availability with the county clerk's office in your county. You can do this over the phone or in person. Alternatively, request a free check of name availability from the California Secretary of State's office using a name availability inquiry letter.
2
Register your business name with your county in California if you are registering for a sole proprietorship or a private partnership. Call your county's office for business registrations and ask for the appropriate application.
If you are opening a business that is not a sole proprietorship or a partnership, you must register your business name in California with the Secretary of State. Call 916-657-5448 or mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to
Secretary of State
Document Filing Support Unit
P.O. Box 944228
Sacramento, CA 94244-2280
Request your business name registration application.
3
Mail in your filled-out application for registration of your business name, along with the filing fee, to the appropriate county address, which is listed on your application. Drop off your application at the county's office if you do not want to wait for it in the mail. This will help to speed up the process.
4
Register a company trademark with the office of the Secretary of State using form LP/TM 100. A fee of $70 will be charged (as of 2008). Contact Secretary of State, Trademarks, at 916-653-3984 for further information.
Tips & Warnings
You may reserve an available business name for up to 60 days with the Secretary of State. A reserved name must be reviewed for compliance with state and federal requirements before it will be issued to you.
Avoid business names that imply affiliations with the United States government, established businesses or charitable organizations that may mislead the public.
Every business operating within the city limits of Bakersfield, California must register for a Business Tax Certificate. This certificate, also called a...
