Starting A Business
Squeeze Burger Credit: Stockton Record

Name Your Business

Choosing a business name is an important step in the business planning process. Not only should you pick a name that reflects your brand identity, but you also need to ensure it is properly registered and protected for the long term.


Create a
Business Plan
Finance Your
Business
Find a
Location
Name
Your Business
Hire
Employees
Business
Licenses & Permits
ADA
Compliance

Name Your Business

State Registration

If you chose a partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC) as your business structure you must register or incorporate with the CA Secretary of State. This can be accomplished in two steps.

Step 1: Name

Check if the name you want is available. You can check name availability and reserve an available name by mail with the CA Secretary of State.

Step 2: Registration

Once you know the name you want is available, you can file the appropriate forms for your business structure with the CA Secretary of State:

Corporation Limited Liability Company Limited Partnership General Partnership
  • The Secretary of State's Office does not have filing tips for forming a General Partnership, but not to worry - the GP process is the most simple of the five.
  • This business type requires you to file a Statement of Partnership Authority (Form GP-1).
Limited Liability Partnership
Note

If you are an out-of-state or out-of-country company that plans on doing business in California, you may need to register as a foreign business entity.