How to File a DBA in Los Angeles

California state law requires every business owner using a fictitious name to file a fictitious business name statement with the clerk of the county where the business is principally located. A fictitious business name is also commonly known as a DBA, short for "doing business as” and can be defined as a business name that is different from your personal name, the names of your partners or the officially registered name of your business. In Los Angeles County, sole proprietors, general partnerships, corporations and LLCs doing business for profit that choose not to use their legal name must file the appropriate "fictitious business name" paperwork with the Los Angeles County Registrar located in Norwalk, California. Please note that non-profit corporations, organizations or associations are not required to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement. There are several steps to remember when filing a DBA in Los Angeles:

Step 1 – Check for Name Availability

Conduct a name availability search to confirm that the DBA is distinguishable from other fictitious business names registered with the Los Angeles County Registrar. This check may be conducted online, in person or by mail.  For instructions on the search methods, please read below. 

Search for a Fictitious Business Name Online

To conduct a name availability search online, use the Online Fictitious Business Name Search Engine found on the Los Angeles County Registrar website.

Search for a Fictitious Business Name by Mail

To conduct a name availability search by mail, submit a written name inquiry request to the main office:

Business Filings and Registration

P.O. Box 1208

Norwalk, CA 90650

Be sure to include the business name, business address, and a non-refundable search fee of $5 per name by check or money order payable to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. If a search reveals the company name, a certified copy is $2 per document. Remember to also include a stamped, self-addressed return envelope.

Search for a Fictitious Business Name in Person

To conduct a name availability search in person, request the search at the Los Angeles County Registrar LAX District office, also known as the LAX Courthouse. There is no charge for the search done in person.  The LAX district office is located at:

11701 S. La Cienega Blvd.

6th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90045

Conduct a name search Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Holiday schedules may vary.

Step 2 – Complete the Application

Get an application for fictitious business name statement from the Los Angeles County Registrar website Forms and Document Examples page. You may also call 562-462-2177 to have an application sent by mail or pick up an application in person at the Los Angeles County LAX district office.

To complete the application, make sure the following is included:

• Provide the fictitious name and location of the business.
• Indicate the structure of the business and sign the fictitious business name statement.  Please note the owner must sign (corporate officer if corporation; manager or officer if limited liability company; general partner if partnership; trustee if trust).
• Provide the street address of principal place of business and make sure the county is listed (corporation/limited liability companies must include address as set out in its articles of incorporation on file with the Secretary of State and the state of incorporation/organization).
• List all owners and their residence addresses.
• Have application notorized

Step 3 – File the Statement

File the fictitious business name statement with the Los Angeles County Registrar. Mail the completed application to the main office in Norwalk, CA or deliver the completed fictitious name statement personally to the LAX district office Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Below you will find a table of FBN filing fees:

Fictitious Business Name Filing Fees

Document or Service	Fee
First-time Filing Fee for one business name and one registrant.	$26
Renewal Filing Fee for one business name and one registrant.	$26
Additional fee for filing for each additional business name and/or each additional registrant in excess of one.	$5

Step 4 – Publish the Statement

State law requires that within 30 days of filing, the registrant must publish a statement in a newspaper of general circulation in Los Angeles County. This statement must be published once a week for four consecutive weeks. A list of newspapers in Los Angeles County that satisfy the general circulation requirement can be found on the Los Angeles County Registrar website under the Publication tab.

Step 5- Renew Every 5 Years

A fictitious business name statement for a DBA expires five years from the date it was filed with the county clerk's office. A renewal statement must be filed before it expires if you intend to continue doing business under that name and if there are no changes from the original. As stated before, there is a $26 renewal filing fee, along with $5 for each additional business name/registrant. Renewals can be filed online by clicking the Fictitious Business Name Statement- Renewal tab.

Renewal filings do not have to be published. Please note that whenever the information in your company’s originally filed fictitious business name statement changes, you must file a new statement. If you stop using your DBA before your fictitious business name statement expires, you are required to file a statement of abandonment for the DBA in the same manner you filed your original statement, including publication. This statement of abandonment can be found on the Los Angeles County Registrar website.

If you have any questions or would like more information, check out our Fictitious Business Name Page or feel free to call us toll-free to help you with the process. 

Disclaimer:

SunDoc Filings is not a law firm.  The materials available at this web site are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem.