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Do I need to file a DBA if I just plan to use my initials? |
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Yes, you would still need to file a DBA. For example, you do not need a DBA if you are doing business under the name John Doe Plumbing, but you would need a DBA if you are conducting business as J.D Plumbing. |
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What is a Los Angeles County DBA name? |
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A DBA (\"Doing Business As\") or FNBS (\"Fictitious Business Name Statement'\") is a declaration by an individual or other business entity stating that they intend to conduct their business under the name they have chosen. It is illegal in the state of California to do business under any name which has not been registered with the county in which the business resides and published in an adjudicated newspaper in the same county. |
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Why do I need a Los Angeles County DBA name? |
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1. It is the law! By law, you have to inform the public that you are Doing Business As any name other than your own personal name. California law states that all Fictitious Business Name Statements (aka DBAs) must be published for four (4) consecutive weeks in an adjudicated newspaper after filing with the County Clerk/Recorder's office.
2. Banks will not open a business account for you without proof of your DBA filing.
3. By filing a DBA, you are protecting your business name in the county in which you do business. |
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Who shall file a DBA? |
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Every person who regularly transacts business in California for profit under a fictitious business name shall: (a) File a FBN not later than 40 days from the time he commences to transact business; (b) File a new FBN on or before the date of expiration of the FBN on file. |
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Who is not required to file a DBA? |
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Organizations not required to file a FBN are non-profit corporations or associations such as churches, labor unions, fraternal and charitable organizations, non-profit hospitals, etc. and real estate investment trusts with permits under Government Code Section 23002 which have statements on file designating an agent for service of process, or has qualified to do business under Chapter 21 of the Corporations Code. |
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Do I need to do anything differently if I am filing a renewal DBA? |
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DBAs need to be renewed every five years. If you are renewing your DBA and none of your information has changed since your original filing, it does not need to be published. If there are any changes, then it is treated like a new DBA and needs to be published to protect your name. It is our policy to publish all DBA filings whether they are renewal or new. This is for your protection. (It is better to be safe than sorry!) |
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I wish to register as a corporation or a limited liability company. Do I need to do anything special? |
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A corporation is a unique legal entity; therefore, the corporation is the registrant, not a person. Also, your articles of incorporation number is required on the form along with a copy of the cover page of the articles of incorporation. |
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Where can I find the California Business Law that covers business name registration? |
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Fictitious Business Name statement law is found in California Business and Professions Code Sections 17900 - 17930. You should refer to these sections or consult with an attorney for any specific legal questions.
When a section number is cited hereafter, the reference is to that section in the Business and Professions Code, unless otherwise noted.
Fictitious Business Name Statements are referred to as "FBN" and are also commonly referred to as "DBA" (Doing Business As). |
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Where to file a FBN? |
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Filing will be with the Los Angeles County Clerk as a registrant able to conduct business legally and officially in the County of Los Angeles. |
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Who is required to sign the FBN form? |
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If the registrant is an individual, the statement shall be signed by the individual; if a partnership or other association of persons, by a general partner; if a limited liability company, by a manager or officer; if a business trust, by a trustee; if a corporation, by an officer. |
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