Key Takeaways

  • A city of Los Angeles fictitious business name (DBA) is required if you operate under a name different from your legal personal or business name.
  • You must file a fictitious business name statement with the Los Angeles County Registrar within 40 days of starting business.
  • Before filing, conduct a name availability search online, in person, or by mail to avoid conflicts.
  • Applications require details about ownership, business address, and a Notarized Affidavit of Identity.
  • After filing, you must publish your statement in an approved newspaper for four consecutive weeks.
  • Businesses in Los Angeles must also obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) from the Office of Finance.
  • Statements expire after five years unless renewed; they must also be updated if business ownership or address changes.
  • Failure to comply can result in penalties, loss of legal protections, and limits on enforcing contracts.

Fictitious business name Los Angeles refers to someone doing business in the city under a name that isn't their personal given name, the names of their partners, or their registered business name. A fictitious business name can also be called a DBA, which stands for "doing business as."

Filing a Statement

In California, all entrepreneurs operating under a fictitious business name have to file a fictitious business name statement with the county clerk or registrar where their main business operations are based. Exceptions to this include non-profits, organizations, and associations.

You need to submit the document no more than 40 days after you start doing business with the fictitious name.

Who Must File a Fictitious Business Name in Los Angeles

A fictitious business name filing is required when the name of your company does not clearly state the owners’ legal surnames or when you operate under a name that differs from the official corporate or LLC registration. For example, if John Smith runs a bakery as "Sunrise Treats," he must file a DBA since the name does not include his surname. Corporations, LLCs, and partnerships must also file if they use a name other than their registered entity name. Noncompliance can make it difficult to open bank accounts, enter contracts, or protect your brand legally.

Conducting a Name Search

Before you register, perform a search to confirm that the DBA you'd like to use is available and doesn't conflict with any existing fictitious names. You can find this information by initiating a search in person, on the internet, or by mail.

If you want to search for your business name online, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar's website, where you have the option of searching through existing fictitious business names for free.

To perform the search by mail, ask for a name search by sending a letter to Business Filings and Registration, P.O. Box 1208, Norwalk, CA 90650. In your letter, include:

  • Your desired business name
  • Your business address
  • A non-refundable fee of $5
  • A stamped, self-addressed envelope

You can also initiate a search in person by visiting the Los Angeles County Registrar LAX District office. You can request a search between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Additional Tips for Choosing a Business Name

When conducting your search, avoid names that may confuse customers with existing companies or suggest government affiliation. Ensure your chosen name does not infringe on trademark protections, since a DBA filing alone does not grant exclusive rights. Business owners who want nationwide protection should also consider applying for a federal trademark with the USPTO. Taking these steps early prevents costly disputes and strengthens your brand identity.

Submit an Application

To get an application form for a fictitious business name statement, visit the Los Angeles County Registrar's website and go to the "Document Examples" section. Alternatively, pick the application up in person at the Los Angeles County district office.

To complete the application, you should:

  • Enter the fictitious name of the business and its location
  • Note the structure of the business
  • Include the street address for the principal place of business
  • Give details of all owners and their residential addresses
  • Sign the application form

Once the form is complete, mail it to the Los Angeles County Registrar's office or deliver it personally between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Note that you have to pay a filing fee of $26 for a fictitious business name statement application. In addition, the registrar only accepts applications accompanied by a Notarized Affidavit of Identity form. If you're submitting the application on behalf of someone else, you must show valid identification and complete a Notarized Affidavit of Identity and Agent form.

Application Deadlines and Processing Time

Your statement must be filed within 40 days of conducting business under the new name. Applications are usually processed within several weeks, but delays can occur if the Affidavit of Identity is incomplete. The county will then return a certified copy of the statement, which you will need for publishing in a newspaper and for opening a business bank account. Missing deadlines may require you to restart the filing process.

Publishing Your Statement

After you've filed your fictitious business name statement, California law states that you must print the statement in a newspaper of general circulation in Los Angeles County. Go to the Los Angeles County Registrar's website and click on the publications tab to find out which newspapers you can use.

Bear in mind that the statement must be published on four consecutive weeks.

Why Publication Is Required

California law requires publication of your fictitious business name statement to inform the public of who is operating the business. This transparency helps prevent fraud and ensures accountability. You must publish once a week for four consecutive weeks in an approved newspaper within Los Angeles County. If you fail to complete publication, your DBA registration will not be considered valid, which may affect your ability to enforce contracts signed under that business name.

Business Taxes

If you're conducting business in Los Angeles, you have to apply to the city's Office of Finance to obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Depending on the kind of business you run, you may also have to register for state and federal taxes.

To apply for a BTRC, you should include:

  • Your business's employee identification number
  • Details of your business's activities
  • Your DBA name
  • Your legal business name
  • Business type
  • Main business address
  • Business start date

You will receive confirmation via email after you've finished the online application. Then, you can use your BTRC number to file your taxes with the city.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating without filing a DBA or failing to obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate can result in fines and penalties from both the county and the city. In addition, businesses may lose access to certain legal remedies, such as the ability to sue in California courts to enforce contracts. For this reason, compliance is not only a legal requirement but also a safeguard for your business interests.

Expiration

After five years, your fictitious business name statement will expire. If you want to renew your statement, you must pay a fee of $26 to renew your registration.

You can update your fictitious business name statement before it expires online by going to the Fictitious Business Name Statement Renewal page.

However, if you stop doing business under your fictitious business name before your statement runs out, you have to inform the registrar. You must also publish this statement.

Renewal and Changes to Business Information

If you continue to operate under your DBA beyond the five-year expiration period, you must file for renewal. You must also file an amendment if there are changes to your business structure, address, or ownership. Amendments follow a similar process to new applications, including updated publication requirements. Keeping your DBA current ensures uninterrupted recognition of your business under its chosen name.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need a DBA if I use my own name in Los Angeles?
    No, if your business name includes your legal surname and clearly indicates your business type, you do not need a fictitious business name statement.
  2. How long does it take to get a fictitious business name in Los Angeles?
    Processing usually takes a few weeks, depending on how you file. Publication in a newspaper adds additional time.
  3. Can I trademark my fictitious business name?
    Filing a DBA does not give trademark rights. To secure exclusive rights, you must apply for a state or federal trademark.
  4. What happens if I don’t publish my DBA in a newspaper?
    Your filing will be invalid, meaning you cannot legally enforce contracts or fully operate under that business name.
  5. How much does it cost to file a fictitious business name in Los Angeles?
    The base filing fee is $26, plus additional costs for newspaper publication and renewal every five years.

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