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California . DBA / Fictitious Name

File a DBA / Fictitious Business Name in California.

A DBA (Doing Business As) . also called a Fictitious Business Name, Assumed Name, or Trade Name . lets a California entity operate under a different name. This guide explains the filing process, where to file in California, fees, renewal cycles, and the critical fact that a DBA is NOT a substitute for forming an LLC or Corporation.

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When to file a DBA in California

Operating under a different name than your legal entity

"Acme Holdings LLC" wants to operate retail stores as "Acme Coffee".

Sole proprietors operating under a brand name

Sole proprietorships using anything other than the owner's legal name must file a DBA in California.

Operating multiple lines of business under one entity

Multiple brands run by the same LLC each get their own DBA.

Banking under a brand name

Banks require a filed DBA to accept payments made out to a name other than the legal entity.

Critical

A DBA is NOT a legal entity

Filing a DBA in California does not create liability protection, tax separation, or perpetual existence. A DBA is only a name registration. If you want liability protection, form an LLC or Corporation. The DBA can then be filed in the entity's name.

How to file a California DBA

  1. 1Determine state vs county filing. Some states file at the California Secretary of State, others at the county clerk. Some require both.
  2. 2Check name availability. A California DBA cannot duplicate an existing entity or DBA.
  3. 3File the Certificate of Assumed Name. Some California jurisdictions require newspaper publication.
  4. 4Track renewal cycle. California DBA renewals typically required every 5 years; some states sooner.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file a DBA in California?
Depends on the California jurisdiction. Some states file with the California Secretary of State, others at the county clerk. File.Business identifies the correct filing office.
How much does a California DBA cost?
State/county fees typically $10-$100. File.Business preparation: $79.
Does a DBA in California replace forming an LLC?
No. A DBA is just a name registration. No liability protection, no tax separation, no perpetual existence.
Can my California LLC file multiple DBAs?
Yes. Each brand can have its own DBA under the same LLC.
Do I need a DBA if I use my legal entity name?
No. Operating under your registered entity name does not require a DBA.
How long does a California DBA last?
Most {s["name"]} DBAs expire after 5 years. Some require sooner renewal.
Does File.Business handle California DBA filings?
Yes. We identify the correct jurisdiction, check name availability, prepare and file.

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Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.

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Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the California Secretary of State or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the California Secretary of State. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the California Secretary of State as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed California attorney or CPA.

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File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.