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California . Name Reservation

Reserve a California business name before you form.

If your formation is not ready but you need to lock in a name, California lets you reserve it. This guide explains the California Secretary of State reservation process, fee, duration, and how to convert a reservation into a finished entity.

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Why reserve a name in California

  • Lock the name while raising capital.
  • Hold the name while building the business plan.
  • Protect the name during a trademark search.
  • Coordinate domain + name + branding.
  • Block competitors from filing the same name.

How California name reservation works

  1. 1Check name availability. Run a California business search to confirm the name is not in use.
  2. 2File Application for Reservation of Name.
  3. 3Receive certificate. Typical reservation: 120 days (varies by state).
  4. 4Convert to formation. File Articles of Organization or Incorporation referencing the reserved name.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long can I reserve a name in California?
Most states allow 120 days. Some allow renewal.
How much does California name reservation cost?
State fees vary. Typically $10-$50. File.Business handles the filing for $49.
Can I extend a California name reservation?
Some California reservations are renewable; others are not. Check current California Secretary of State rules.
What if my reserved name is challenged after I form?
Reservation only blocks identical filings. Trademark and DBA rights are separate.
Does a California name reservation work for an out-of-state entity?
Yes. Foreign entities can reserve a name in {s["name"]} before foreign-qualifying.
Can File.Business reserve my California name?
Yes. Or skip the reservation and form directly through our flow.
What if I find my desired name is taken in California?
Consider a variation, an assumed name (DBA), or a different state.

Ready to handle this the easy way?

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.