DBA filing · California
In California, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk. Register with the County Clerk-Recorder — Fictitious Business Name for $26–$46.
A DBA — short for “doing business as,” also called a fictitious business name, assumed name, or trade name — lets you legally operate under a name that isn't your own legal name or your company's exact registered name. In California, a DBA is filed locally — usually with the county clerk.
Here's exactly where and how to register your DBA in California — and what it costs — so your filing is accepted the first time.
DBAform is a resource either way — do it yourself with the official link, or let us handle it.
Use the official California link and the details on this page to file it yourself at no charge.
Open the official California filing page →Prefer to hand it off? File through LegalZoom, our recommended service (plus the $26–$46 state fee).
File through LegalZoom →Don't want to navigate the County Clerk-Recorder — Fictitious Business Name yourself? File through LegalZoom, our recommended filing service — they prepare the paperwork and submit it to the correct office (from $99 plus the $26–$46 state fee). DBAform may earn a commission if you use our link, at no extra cost to you.
In California, a DBA is filed with the County Clerk-Recorder — Fictitious Business Name. This is handled at the county level.
California's government filing fee is $26–$46. You can file it yourself and pay only that fee, or file through LegalZoom (from $99 plus the state fee).
A California DBA must be renewed every 5 years.
Yes. Filed at the county level; publish in a local newspaper within 30 days of filing.
If you operate under any name other than your own legal name (as a sole proprietor) or your business's exact registered name (as an LLC or corporation), California requires you to register it. If you use only your legal name, you generally don't need one.
No. A DBA is only a registered trade name -- it doesn't create a legal entity or protect your personal assets. An LLC does both. Many owners form an LLC and then file a DBA under it.
Filing in more than one state, or not sure this is the right one? Browse every jurisdiction or jump to a popular state:
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