The DBA Guide

This article will help guide you through how to file your DBA in Los Angeles County.
Note, local requirements may change from time to time, and the information here may not be applicable to DBA registrations in other jurisdictions.

Navigation

  • You can file your DBA online here —> https://apps.lavote.gov/#/

  • Click “File a Fictitious Business Name” —> “Online” —> “Fictitious Business Name Statement”

The Form

1. Search

  • They want you to verify that your DBA is "available".

  • This doesn't have much legal significance as DBA registrations do not directly equate to trademark rights, but you can run the search and check the box to confirm that your name is available. If you want an actual trademark search, contact us and we can coordinate.

2. Customer Information

  • Identify the customer, which is likely your business applying for the DBA.

  • If your business is an LLC or Corporation, list the full name of the entity including the "LLC", "Inc", or other corporate identifier. If you are a sole proprietor, list your name as an individual.

  • Add your corresponding address and e-mail. 

3. Registered Owners

  • This is who will own the DBA.

  • Select your business type, whether a Corporation, LLC, Individual, or otherwise. 

  • If you are an LLC or Corporation you will need to upload a certificate of good standing. Those can be requested from the Secretary of State. Assuming your entity is registered in California, you can lookup your entity and request the certificate here.

  • Again, list the details of your business name and address, including the "LLC", "Inc", or other corporate identifier if you have an LLC or corporation.

  • Assuming there are not multiple owners, go to the next page. 

4. Fictitious Business Name Signer

  • Identify the individual who will sign on behalf of your business. This will likely be you.

  • Also list your associated LLC or Corporation as applicable. 

5. Registered Business Name(s)

  • Add as many DBAs as you would like to register here. 

  • There may be slight costs per DBA, like $26 for the first one, and $5 for each additional one.

6. Registered Business Address

  • Add your business address again here.

  • If your business is an LLC or Corporation, include your articles of incorporation number, which can be found on the secretary of state’s website. Assuming your entity is registered in California, you can lookup that number here.

7. Requestor Information

  • Add your name and address information again as the requestor here, including the date you began using the DBA.

  • Note, the person you list here will have to complete a digital identity verification later. 

8. Review

  • Verify the information, and digitally sign at the bottom.

  • Note, the signature you include may need to match your identity verification signature later. 

  • Finalize by submitting.

Next Steps

  • Identity Verification - Next you will likely receive an email or other correspondence from the County Clerk’s office to coordinate your online identity verification. Complete those steps as instructed.

  • Newspaper Publication - Assuming your DBA application is approved, you will need to finalize it by publishing it in a local newspaper. There are many vendors who offer this service for relatively cheap. You can google “Los Angeles County DBA newspaper publication” and select a vendor of your choice. They should be able to complete both the newspaper publication and the filing of the final confirmation with the County that the publication requirement is complete.

  • Registration - Assuming all of that is completed, you should receive an official DBA registration which will last for 5 years before a renewal is due.

  • Implications - In short, this means that there is now an official registration with LA County confirming the connection between your business and the DBA name.

    • Note, a DBA different than a trademark, and will not automatically grant you any ownership to this name.

    • You may be able to take checks under the DBA name if you register the DBA with your bank.

    • Also note, you should generally still list your full official business name in certain places where your business may be identified, including in contracts, your website footer, web terms, licenses, permits, and other official uses of your business. That can look like “Awesome Creative LLC, a California limited liability company dba Wild Abundance”. This way the connection between your business and the dba is clear in those places, which can help ensure your actual business entity is being used in those places, which can help limit your personal liability.