Small Business & Property Ownership · Starting a business
Common registrations when starting a business
In this guide
- Most businesses need at least a local business license or tax certificate from their city or county.
- Using a name other than the owner’s legal name or the entity’s registered name requires a fictitious business name statement with the county.
- Selling taxable goods requires a seller’s permit from the CDTFA, which is free.
Registrations depend on the structure, the location, and the kind of work. The list below covers the ones that come up most often and the agency that handles each. The state’s Office of the Small Business Advocate and local Small Business Development Centers help people identify which permits apply.
| Registration | Issued by | Generally applies when |
|---|---|---|
| Entity formation (LLC, corporation) | Secretary of State | Forming an LLC, corporation or LP |
| Fictitious business name (DBA) | County clerk | Doing business under a name other than the owner’s or entity’s legal name |
| Business license or tax certificate | City or county | Doing business in most cities and unincorporated areas |
| Zoning, home occupation or health permits | City or county | Depends on location and type of business |
| Seller’s permit | CDTFA | Selling or leasing taxable goods |
| Employer Identification Number (EIN) | IRS | Having employees, partners, or most entities |
| Employer payroll tax account | EDD | Paying wages to employees |
| Professional or trade license | State licensing boards (DCA, CSLB and others) | Work in a licensed profession or trade |
Fictitious business names
A fictitious business name statement is filed with the county where the business is based, generally within 40 days after starting to use the name. The statement must then be published in a local newspaper once a week for four weeks. It generally expires after five years. A county filing does not give trademark rights in the name.
Time frames
- Fictitious business name statement: generally within 40 days of first using the name
- Publication: once a week for 4 weeks
- Statement expires: generally after 5 years
Common questions
Is a business name protected once it is registered?
A DBA filing or entity registration records the name, but it is not the same as a trademark. Federal trademark registration is handled by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and state registration by the Secretary of State.
Official sources for this guide
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