How to File a DBA in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is a DBA?

A DBA is an alternate name that you may choose for your business. You may also hear it referred to as a fictitious business name (FBN), fictitious name, or trade name. It is not a separate legal entity, merely a method for businesses to operate under a different name than their legal one. This lets businesses enter into contracts, open separate bank accounts, and perform other essential tasks under their chosen name.

Who must register a DBA in California?

Under California law, sole proprietors, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations must file a DBA if they plan to operate under a different name. A sole proprietor must file a DBA if he or she does not intend to use his or her surname or if the business name suggests other unnamed owners, e.g., "Smith & Sons."

For-profit businesses must register their DBAs, while nonprofit corporations and unincorporated real estate investment trusts are exempt from this requirement. 

How to register a DBA in California

The process of registering a DBA in California involves four essential steps.

Step 1: Choose a compliant DBA name

Your chosen DBA name must comply with California naming requirements:

• Must be distinguishable from existing DBAs in your county
• Should accurately reflect your business activities
• Cannot suggest additional owners who don't exist
• Must be in English or include an English translation
• Does not include restricted words like "bank," "insurance," or "corporation" without proper licensing for those industries
• Does not include profanity or offensive language

Step 2: Check your name’s availability

Before registering a DBA, you need to check the availability of your preferred name. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Search state and local databases to find the required information.
2. Contact the county government for additional details.
3. Conduct a business name search through the Secretary of State's website.
4. Search for FBN filings on individual county websites.

The California Secretary of State offers enhanced online services for verifying the availability of a DBA. At bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov, you can submit a name reservation online and renew it as necessary. You can also use the Secretary of State's website to search for existing business entities in California.

Step 3: Complete the FBN statement

Once you’ve confirmed the availability of your preferred DBA name, the next step is to file an FBN statement for your respective county or city. This form must be submitted with the necessary signatures to the city or county office itself.

The form must be notarized by an officer, partner, member of the company, or the owner. The filing fees for registering vary by county, and additional costs may be incurred for publication requirements. Here’s an overview of costs for various counties:

• Los Angeles County: $26 for the first business name, $5 for each additional name
• San Diego County: $54 for the first business name, $5 for each additional name
• Orange County: $23 for the first business name, $7 for each additional name
• San Francisco County: $67 for the first business name, $17 for each additional name
• Alameda County: $40 for the first business name, $7 for each additional name

Step 4: Publish your DBA in a newspaper and file proof of publication

California law requires publication of your DBA in a newspaper of general circulation within the county where your business is located.This publication must occur once a week for four consecutive weeks.

Once the publication is complete, you must obtain the county clerk's signature on the affidavit from the publication within 30 days of the last publication. If the magazine does not give testimony to the county clerk, there may be consequences, so staying on top of this requirement is essential.

Publication costs can vary widely depending on the county and specific publication. Generally speaking, you should expect to spend anywhere between $75 and $200 for publication of your DBA.

How to get professional help with your DBA

If you’re feeling unsure about the process of registering your fictitious name, LegalZoom’s DBA service can make it easier. We can help you with all required steps, including searching for available names, filling out paperwork, and completing your publication requirement. Our premium service also includes a month of unlimited 30-minute consultations with a business attorney for everything from document review to legal advice on next steps from your business.