How to File a DBA in California

To file a DBA in California, you file a fictitious business name (FBN) statement with the county clerk in the county where your business operates — not with the state. After filing, you must publish the statement in a local newspaper for 4 consecutive weeks. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from filing to completion.

A DBA in California is a fictitious business name (FBN) — a registration that lets a business operate under a name other than its legal name. California uses the term "fictitious business name" in official filings, but DBA (doing business as) means the same thing. Filing a DBA does not create a new legal entity and does not provide liability protection.

You're required to file a DBA in California if you're a sole proprietor doing business under any name that doesn't include your legal surname, or if you're a partnership, LLC, or corporation operating under a name other than your registered legal name. The filing goes to your county clerk or recorder — not the California Secretary of State.

Filing a DBA lets you run your business under a name that reflects what you actually do — not just your legal name or your LLC's registered name. That matters for branding, for opening a business bank account under the trade name, and for accepting payments made out to that name.

A DBA also gives you flexibility without the cost of forming a separate entity. You can run multiple product lines or service brands under one business using different DBAs for each. Plus, filing a DBA ensures no other business in your county can register the same fictitious name — giving you local name protection even without a trademark.

One thing a DBA does not do: protect your personal assets. If your business gets sued, a DBA alone won't shield you. That protection comes from forming an LLC or corporation. A DBA is a name registration, not a liability barrier.

Filing a DBA in California is a county-level process. You file a fictitious business name statement with the county clerk or recorder where your business's principal place of business is located. The steps below apply statewide, but specific forms, fees, and online filing options vary by county.

Step 1: Search for name availability

Before filing, check whether your proposed DBA is already in use in your county. Most county clerks provide an online search tool for this. Los Angeles County, for example, has a public FBN search portal. A name conflict at the county level won't automatically block your filing, but it can create confusion and potential disputes — so check first.

Step 2: Complete the fictitious business name statement

Get the FBN statement form from your county clerk's office or website. The form asks for the fictitious business name exactly as you'll use it, your business's street address, and the full legal name of every owner or registrant — your personal name for a sole proprietorship, or the entity name for an LLC or corporation.

Step 3: File with your county clerk

Submit the completed statement to the county clerk or recorder in the county where your business operates. Some counties accept online filing, some accept mail, and some require in-person submission — the available method depends on your county. Los Angeles County allows fully online filing, including identity verification and payment. Check your county's clerk website to confirm what's accepted.

Filing fees are set at the county level. In Los Angeles County, the base fee is $26 for 1 business name and 1 registrant, with an additional $5 for each extra name or registrant on the same statement. Other counties have their own fee schedules — check with your county clerk before filing.

Step 4: Publish in a local newspaper

California law requires you to publish your fictitious business name statement in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where your business is located. Publication must begin within 45 calendar days of filing — there are no extensions to this deadline. The notice must run once a week for 4 consecutive weeks.

Step 5: File proof of publication

After the 4-week publication run is complete, the newspaper provides an affidavit or proof of publication. File this document with your county clerk to complete the DBA registration. Your DBA is valid for 5 years from the original filing date. After that, you'll need to renew it with the same county to keep using the name.