Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Fictitious Business Name in Los Angeles Online

A comprehensive instruction set to establish your DBA in LA digitally

Los Angeles business district street view

Key Takeaways

Research and Verify Name Availability: Ensure your desired name is unique before proceeding.
Gather and Prepare Required Information: Collect all necessary business and owner details.
Complete and Submit Online Forms: Follow official procedures for filing, payment, and publication.

Introduction

Establishing a fictitious business name, often known as a "Doing Business As" (DBA), is an essential step if you plan to operate your business under a name different from your personal or corporate name. In Los Angeles, the process is streamlined and can be executed entirely online through the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s website. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step breakdown to help you navigate this process confidently—from verifying name availability to completing the necessary filings and publishing the DBA notice.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Research and Verify Business Name Availability

Check Distinctiveness

Before embarking on the filing process, it is crucial to check that the business name you intend to use is both unique and distinguishable from other registered names. This involves leveraging the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Fictitious Business Name Search tool, which helps verify that your proposed name is not already in use. Additionally, you may want to cross-check with broader databases like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the California Secretary of State's online resources.

Use Online Resources

Visit the official Los Angeles County website to perform your name availability check. Tools provided by the county enable you to search the database easily. Once you have confirmed that the name is available and compliant with legal requirements (i.e., not deceptively similar to any existing names), proceed to gather the necessary required information.

Step 2: Gather and Prepare Required Information

Owner and Business Details

To complete your DBA filing accurately, make sure you collect all necessary details, which typically include:

Owner Details: Full legal name, residential address, email address, and sometimes additional identification information.
Business Details: The proposed fictitious business name (DBA), the principal business address, and the business purpose or description.
Entity Type: Specify whether the registration is for an individual, partnership, corporation, or LLC, and, if applicable, provide supporting documentation that validates the existence and active status of your business entity.

Required Forms and Documentation

You will need to complete the Fictitious Business Name Statement along with a Notarized Affidavit of Identity. These forms can be downloaded from the Los Angeles County Clerk’s website. Save copies of all filled-out forms and any additional documents as you will need them during online submission and for your personal records.

Step 3: Access the Los Angeles County Online Filing Portal

Navigating the Official Website

Navigate to the official Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk website or the dedicated online portal for DBA filings. Often, you will find a section titled "File a Fictitious Business Name" or similar. This portal is designed to allow you to complete the entire filing process online without the need to visit a physical office.

Online Application Process

On the online filling page, begin the application by entering all required information. Make sure that every field, particularly those concerning owner identity and business specifics, is accurately filled. Errors or omissions at this stage can delay your registration.

Step 4: Complete the Fictitious Business Name Statement and Affidavit Forms

Filling Out the Forms

The core of your DBA application is the Fictitious Business Name Statement. This form will capture essential business details as well as the names of the business owner(s). Six crucial steps include:

Enter Business Information: Input the proposed name and the primary business address.
Owner Information: Provide your full legal name and contact details.
Entity Type Designation: Clearly indicate whether you are operating as an individual, partnership, or any other recognized business entity.
Notarization: If required by the guidelines, include a Notarized Affidavit of Identity. This may necessitate a visit to a notary or, if available, utilizing a digital notarization service.
Review: Verify all data before submission.
Submit: On completing the entry of all details, you can proceed to file the application.

Fee Details

Most filings involve a filing fee that can vary depending on the method chosen; for online submissions, sources indicate fees around $9 to $26. You will be prompted to make this payment online as part of the application process after you have filled out the form and covered your identity verification.

Step 5: Submit Your Application Online

Online Payment and Identity Verification

Once your completed forms are submitted, you will be directed to a payment gateway. Here, you will need to verify your identity via online checks (which may include a digital signature or additional identification documents) and pay the necessary filing fee. The user interface is generally straightforward, guiding you through a secure payment process.

Confirmation of Submission

Upon successful submission and payment, you will receive a confirmation email. This email should include:

A digital copy of your submitted Fictitious Business Name Statement
Receipt of payment
Details regarding the next steps, particularly the publication requirement

Step 6: Publication of Your Fictitious Business Name

Understanding the Publication Requirement

In Los Angeles, state law and local regulations require that newly filed fictitious business names be published in a newspaper of general circulation. The publication must run for a specified period—typically once a week for four consecutive weeks—so that the public is informed about the new business name.

Choosing a Newspaper

Select an adjudicated newspaper, as specified by the county guidelines, where your business information can reach a wide demographic. Ensure the paper is recognized as meeting legal standards in the county.

Obtaining Proof of Publication

After the publication period is completed, the newspaper will provide you with an affidavit of publication. This document serves as proof that you have met the legal requirement. You may need to submit this affidavit to the county clerk’s office if requested.

Step 7: Final Verification and Post-Filing Actions

Review and Digital Confirmation

After the publication is complete and all forms have been processed, confirm that you have received the final digital copy or "Fictitious Business Name Statement" via email. This document is often essential for practical applications such as opening a business bank account or applying for additional state or local permits.

Record Keeping

It is highly recommended that you keep a personal copy of all documents, including:

The Fictitious Business Name Statement
The payment receipt
The affidavit of publication

These records serve not only as proof of filing compliance but may also be necessary for any future renewal or dispute resolution.

Additional Practical Tips

Using Third-Party Services

Several third-party services, such as SunDoc Filings, specialize in handling fictitious business name filings in Los Angeles. These providers offer user-friendly online interfaces that guide you through the application process. While their services involve a small additional fee, they can expedite your filing and help ensure that all documentation is accurately completed.

Legal Consultation and Professional Assistance

While the online process is designed to be self-explanatory, consulting with a business attorney might be advisable if you have any uncertainties or if your business structure is complex. Professional advice can help clarify:

How the DBA fits within your overall business framework
The impact of the DBA on your legal liability
Renewal and maintenance procedures post-registration

Remember that a DBA does not offer legal protection of the business name in terms of trademark rights. If you plan to build a recognizable brand, consider following up with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Renewal and Compliance

After your DBA is filed and published, maintaining compliance is essential. In Los Angeles, a fictitious business name registration is typically valid for a period of five years. Set reminders before the expiration date to renew your DBA accordingly. The renewal process might involve a fee similar to the initial filing, and you may once again have to publish a notice in a local newspaper. Keeping abreast of any changes in local laws will ensure that your business remains compliant.

Supplementary Information: A Comprehensive Table Overview

Step	Key Actions	Details
1. Research Name Availability	Check using LA County and federal resources	Ensure distinct and unique name
2. Prepare Required Information	Collect owner and business details	Includes full legal names, addresses, and business purpose
3. Access Online Filing Portal	Navigate to the official LA County website	Begin the DBA filing process online
4. Complete Forms	Fill out the Fictitious Business Name Statement and the Notarized Affidavit	Double-check for accuracy before submission
5. Submit Application Online	Upload forms, verify identity, and pay fees	Receive a confirmation email with filing details
6. Publication Requirement	Publish in a qualified local newspaper	Typically four consecutive weeks; obtain affidavit of publication
7. Final Verification and Record Keeping	Collect digital copies and maintain records	Essential for future renewals or legal reference