Managed Doing Business As (DBA) Services
We handle your DBA project from conception through maintenance. We navigate registration requirements across state lines, check name availability, prepare and file DBA registrations, track renewals, and prepare and file renewals.
- Access to a compliance specialist who consults with you on your project
- Complete document preparation, filing, and follow-up with government agencies through approval
- Full transparency of your project status and renewal tracking via the new DBA List feature in our software
Filing a Fictitious Business Name in California—All You Should Know
Applying for a fictitious business name in California is a fairly simple process since you only need to file with your specific county or city. There are multiple ways to obtain a legal fictitious name and certain requirements on who can file for it.
In this article, we’ll explain how to file a fictitious business name in California and introduce Harbor Compliance, a reliable service provider that can expedite trade name registration and business licensure processes.
What Is a Fictitious Business Name?
A fictitious business name (FBN), commonly referred to as a "Doing Business As" (DBA), designates a company's trade name. This term describes a name under which an organization conducts business, without necessarily revealing the identities of the owners or the entity managing the business.
Filing a Fictitious Business Name in California
In California, companies are not required to file an FBN with the state. Instead, they must register it with the appropriate city or county in which they operate.
According to the government website, if the business name includes the owner's legal last name, filing a DBA is not required. However, if the name does not clearly state the owner's surname, the organization must register an FBN in the county in which it operates. Additionally, if the business operates in multiple locations, the FBN only needs to be filed in the county of the principal place of business.
Your organization must file an FBN in California if it falls under the following categories:
- Partnership
- Corporation operating under a name different from its legal name
- Sole proprietorship conducting business without using the owner's surname
Steps To Register a Fictitious Business Name in California
Generally, there are three ways you can file an FBN, but the exact procedures may differ for every county. It’s important to note that FBNs must be renewed every five years to remain relevant.
As an example, we’ll walk you through the different registration methods available in Los Angeles County:
- File an FBN online
- Schedule an in-person appointment
- Put in a mail request
File FBN Online
From uploading proof of identity to signature and payment, companies can directly file a fictitious business name on the official Los Angeles County portal. There are several fees associated with filing an FBN in Los Angeles County, and the total cost depends on the services utilized, such as:
- A $26 charge for registering a new FBN
- A $5 name search fee (if verifying name availability)
- A $9 online service charge (for online filings)
- A $3 fee for a certified copy
- A $5 charge for each additional business name beyond the first
Once the registration process is completed, the registrant receives the fictitious business name via email.
Schedule an In-Person Appointment
You can also arrange an in-person appointment to file a fictitious business name. However, you must complete the online application before scheduling the meeting.
Upon submission of the application, you will receive a confirmation number. After that, you can easily check available time slots and book an appointment up to three weeks in advance.
Put in a Mail Request
District offices in Los Angeles do not process mail requests for filing a fictitious business name—they can only be handled at the Norwalk Headquarters. If you are opting for a mail-in request, it must include a notarized Affidavit of Identity form along with an FBN Statement.
Outsource Your Business's Fictitious Name and Licensing Requirements to Harbor Compliance
In addition to registering FBNs, businesses must adhere to various regulatory requirements and obtain the necessary business licenses. While California doesn't have a statewide business license, many cities and counties require businesses to secure local licenses.
Navigating these regulatory obligations can be complex and time-consuming, taking away the time you'd spend running your business. That's why partnering with a professional service provider like Harbor Compliance is a wise choice. We offer a range of services to help businesses meet their regulatory requirements and stay in good standing. Our Doing Business As (DBA) Service simplifies the registration and renewal process for your fictitious name.
Harbor Compliance also helps companies throughout the U.S. obtain their general business licenses conveniently. More specifically, our Managed Annual License Service lets you assign the filing, managing, and renewal process to us.
Benefits of Using Harbor Compliance’s Services
Here are a few perks of using this service:
- Comprehensive service—We'll handle and prepare everything your business needs to file with the state or city/county.
- Team of experts—We have professionals who understand the complex regulatory requirements of states and businesses. Rest assured, you'll receive complete guidance on what licenses your business needs in a specific location.
- License Manager—The License Manager module (included in our proprietary Software Suite) allows you to view and track all your licenses from one place. Assign renewal tasks, check license information, and learn jurisdiction-level law changes under one roof.
Getting Started With Harbor Compliance's Service
To order our DBA Service, all you need is to fill out this form. If you wish to outsource your license management workload to us, follow the instructions:
- Visit the Business License Service page.
- Select the Order Online option.
- Provide your business information on the form provided.
- Complete your order by clicking Check Out.
Additional Harbor Compliance Services
Explore a wide range of services from our versatile portfolio that can benefit your business using the table:
| Category | Services |
|---|---|
| Business licensing support | |
| Registered agent service | |
| Entity lifecycle management | |
| Nonprofit formation | |
| Tax services | |
| Beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting | |
| Document filing and retrieval |
Choose Harbor Compliance for Comprehensive Business Licensing and Enjoy Peace of Mind
Registering a fictitious business name in California is not mandatory at the state level, but it can be required locally, depending on your jurisdiction. The FBN statement expires after five years from the filing date, and you need to renew it to continue operating.
Tracking deadlines and handling all the regulatory requirements can be challenging and get in the way of running your business. This is why you should outsource such tasks to Harbor Compliance.
Order our Managed Annual License Service and schedule a demo session to try out our License Manager tool.
Check your regulatory standing by using our free Harbor Compliance Score™ and contact us to inquire about our additional solutions.
To get more details on licensing and other regulations in California and other U.S. states, visit our Information Center or browse the following table:
