How to Obtain a DBA in California
DBA stands for "doing business as." Many states across the country, including California, require businesses that are operating under assumed names to register these names with governmental bodies. In the case of California, DBAs are referred to as fictitious names. Business owners in California must register these names with the County Clerk's office of the county where the business will predominantly operate.
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Instructions
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Visit or call the County Clerk's office for the county where you will be predominantly operating your business. To find the contact information for your County Clerk, visit the county's website. Visit the California State Association of Counties' website at Counties.org for a full list of California counties and their respective contact information.
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Request a copy of the county's Fictitious Name Statement.
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Fill out the Fictitious Name Statement. You will need to include your name, your contact information, when your business was founded and in what state it is incorporated if applicable, the purpose of your business and your business's fictitious name.
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Mail or return the Fictitious Name Statement to the County Clerk's office. Be sure to include the filing fee, which will vary from county to county.
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Publish an announcement in a local newspaper noting the registration of your fictitious name. This must be done for four consecutive weeks within 30 days of filing your form.
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Tips & Warnings
Your business's fictitious name will automatically expire after five years from the date of filing.
