How to Find a DBA in California

Many businesses operate under more than one name.

A "doing business as" name, often known as a DBA, is an alternative name a business can use in addition to the name under which the business is formally registered. An enterprise that diversifies its operations from its original business may find it advantageous to market its goods or services under a DBA name. States generally require businesses to register all names under which they operate. You can search the California Secretary of State's business database to find a DBA registered in the state.

Instructions

1. Visit the "Business Search" page of the California state secretary's website.

2. Check the button for either a search under "Corporation Name" or "Limited Liability Company/Limited Partnership Name." If you are not certain, repeat the search for each option.

3. Enter all or part of the business name in the "Entity Name" field. Click "Search."

4. Review the list of business names in your search results to see if the business you searched includes a "DBA" listing. An example would be "Borla, Inc. DBA Borla Medical Inc."

Tips & Warnings

• Other business databases, such as Dun and Bradstreet or the Better Business Bureau, also include DBA names for many California businesses.

• DBA names may be registered with a county rather than the state government and do not always show in the state secretary's database.

References

• California Secretary of State: Business Search

Resources

• Better Business Bureau: Check Out a Business or Charity
• Dun and Bradstreet
• Entrepreneur: Encyclopedia; Doing Business As (Dba)