How To Search California Business Entities

California is home to over 4 million businesses, and processes millions of business filing requests annually. The businesses include corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and more. The California Secretary of State's (SOS) office is generally considered one of the most reliable sources for accurate and up-to-date information on business entities in the Golden State.

Accessing the information held by the Secretary of State's office may help verify a company's legitimacy, conduct due diligence before a business transaction, or simply research a potential business partner.

Steps to Take Once You've Found an Available Business Name in California

After performing a thorough California LLC name availability check and verifying that your desired name is available, you will want to secure it. You can reserve a business name in California for 60 days before formally registering it with the Secretary of State.

Your post-search actions for a California LLC are as follows:

1. Determine the best structure for your business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, corporation). Your chosen structure will have legal and tax implications, so consult with a legal or financial professional before making your decision.

2. Reserve the name immediately if you don't plan on registering your entity yet. You can reserve the name with the Secretary of State for a fee (usually 60 days). This prevents others from registering it while you finalize your plans.

3. File formation documents with the Secretary of State (these will depend on the type of structure you chose). If you register a corporation or LLC, you will file Articles of Incorporation. If you register a partnership, you will file a Partnership Agreement, among other documents.

4. Designate someone as your registered agent who has a physical address in California. This person will receive legal and tax documents on behalf of your company.

5. Register a Fictitious Business Name (DBA) if needed. If you will be operating under a name different from your legal business name, you must register a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) or DBA with the county clerk's office in the county where your business operates.

6. Publish a notice of your DBA in the county newspaper.

7. Register your business name as a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to protect your brand and prevent anyone from copying it.

8. Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which you need for tax and banking purposes.

9. Apply for any state or federal business licenses or permits required for your type of business.

Do You Need to Register a DBA Name in California?

Yes, in California, you generally need to register a DBA (Doing Business As), also known as a Fictitious Business Name, if you're operating under a name different from your personal name or the legal name of your registered business entity. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.

A DBA allows you to conduct business under a name that isn't your name or your registered business name. A DBA is different from a trademark. A DBA allows you to operate under a specific name, while a trademark protects your brand name and logo from infringement.

The purpose of registering your DBA is to let the public know who is behind the business and to allow you to open bank accounts and sign contracts using the DBA name. It also helps with brand building and establishing a brand identity distinct from your legal business name.

In California, you can register your DBA at the county level. You'll need to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the county clerk's office where your business is located. You may also need to publish a notice in a local newspaper.

How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in California?

While a business entity's official website is usually the quickest way to identify its owner or key executives, not all business websites publish comprehensive information on their ownership and/or management. Nonetheless, there are several other options through which you may be able to get more comprehensive details on the owners of business entities in California. These include:

Additional Resources for Business Ownership Info

California Secretary of State's Office

The California Secretary of State's Office is a key resource for entity-related information in California. Offers an online Business Search tool, which includes publicly traded disclosure info like directors and executive officers.

Chambers of Commerce

Local and state Chambers of Commerce maintain directories of member businesses, sometimes including ownership or representative details.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

The BBB provides customer-focused reports and reviews on businesses, sometimes including information on business owners.

Public Records

Dozens of public records include business licenses, court filings, and property records that may list ownership or responsible parties.

Professional Associations & Trade Groups

Many industries have associations that maintain directories and share information about member businesses.

Who Holds Data for California Business Entity Search?

Several agencies typically hold business entity data in California, including:

• The California Secretary of State: The California Secretary of State serves as the state's chief elections officer, oversees business filings, and manages public records. The office is responsible for administering elections, maintaining business entity filings, and ensuring the disclosure of campaign and lobbyist financial information. The SOS also manages the state archives, preserving historical documents. The office also handles notary and apostille services

• The California Franchise Tax Board: The California Franchise Tax Board is responsible for helping individuals file on-time and accurate income tax returns and corporate franchise tax returns. They collect these taxes, and the office is part of the California Government Operations Agency.

• The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) administers the state's use, fuel, tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis taxes. The officer also handles various taxes and fees that fund specific state programs.

• The California Employment Development Department: The California Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a wide range of services related to employment, including unemployment insurance, disability insurance, job training, and labor market information. The EDD also administers payroll taxes for the state and enforces labor laws.

• The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation: The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) protects consumers and fosters trust in the financial services sector by regulating financial institutions, products, and professionals. It oversees a wide range of activities, including licensing, enforcement, and consumer education, to ensure fair and honest business practices within the state.

• The California Chamber of Commerce: The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is a business advocacy group that works to improve the California business climate by influencing state legislation and regulations, providing compliance solutions, and promoting international trade. The office advocates for pro-business policies, helps businesses comply with California employment laws, and offers resources and training. For example, CalChamber publishes an annual list of "job killer" bills it opposes, which are proposed laws it believes would negatively impact the state's economy. CalChamber's advocacy efforts cover a wide range of policy areas, including labor and employment law, energy, and environmental regulations.

• The California Department of Consumer Affairs: The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves consumers by licensing and regulating over 3 million professionals in more than 100 business and 200 professional categories. It is designed to ensure a competent and fair marketplace through various means, including licensing, enforcement, public education, and complaint handling. The DCA oversees 40 regulatory entities (boards, bureaus, etc.) that license and regulate various professions, such as doctors, dentists, contractors, and auto repair technicians. The DCA's efforts aim to protect the public from harm by ensuring professionals meet minimum standards of competence and ethical conduct.

• County Clerks/Recorders Offices: California county clerks/recorders offices are responsible for maintaining and managing various public records and performing other duties related to land, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and elections. They also record and maintain real property transactions, issue marriage licenses and certificates, and may file fictitious business name statements, collect taxes on property sales, and manage other official documents.

• Local Business Licensing Departments: Local business licensing departments regulate and issue licenses for businesses operating in their jurisdiction. These licenses ensure businesses comply with local regulations and laws, and may be required for general business activities or specific types of businesses.

• Local Tax/Finance Offices: Local tax/finance offices collect local taxes from residents and businesses and ensure they fund local expenses.

What Entities Can You Register in California?

California offers various options for registering business entities -- each structure typically has unique requirements and benefits to suit different organizational needs.

Corporation

Corporations in California are legal entities that exist separately from their owners. This arrangement typically limits the owners from personal liability; however, taxes may be levied on the corporation as well as its shareholders.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

Limited liability companies in California generally offer liability protections similar to those of corporations; however, they are usually taxed differently. To form an LLC, you will typically need to prepare an operating agreement among the members that outlines the company's affairs and how it conducts business.

Limited Partnership (LP)

The limited partnership business structure in California provides limited liability for some partners. LPs must have at least one general partner, who will act as the entity's controlling partner, and one limited partner, whose liability is usually limited to the amount/extent of their control or participation in the business. Be aware that the general partner(s) in an LP typically have unlimited personal liability for the entity's debts and obligations.

General Partnership (GP)

General partnerships in California typically consist of at least two individuals who are engaged in a business for profit. All partners in a GP are usually liable for the business entity's debts and obligations, even if they were not directly involved in incurring the debt and/or obligation. Likewise, profits from the GP are typically taxed as personal income for its partners.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)

LLPs are typically business entities that engage in the practice of public accountancy, law, architecture, engineering, land surveying, and other similar professions. Entities that intend to provide services or facilities to a California-registered LLP involved in public accountancy or law, or to a foreign LLP, usually also register under this business structure.

Sole Proprietorship

Sole proprietorships in California are typically set up by individuals looking to own and operate a business alone. Sole proprietors generally have total control over the business, receive all profits from it, and are also responsible for its taxes and liabilities.

You do not typically need to file any documents with the California Secretary of State's office to form a sole proprietorship. However, if you wish to form a sole proprietorship with a name other than your own name, then you typically have to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement (a.k.a, DBA) in the county where the entity's principal place of business will be located.

How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name is Taken in California?

It is usually a good idea to confirm that the name you intend to use for a company in California is available before taking steps to register the business entity. Doing this generally helps you avoid registration conflicts and ensures compliance with applicable business entity name regulations, requirements, and restrictions.

To this end, you may check the availability of your desired business entity name by running a search via the California Business Search tool. If no matching results appear, then the name may be available. Note that this search only checks against the names of entities registered with the California Secretary of State. You may further expand the search by utilizing other platforms, like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Electronic Search System and the ICANN Registration Data Lookup tool.

In addition, the California Secretary of State offers a Name Reservation service that you may use to reserve your desired business entity name for up to 60 days. However, it should be noted that reserving a name with this office does not guarantee that it (the reserved name) meets all requirements for registering the business entity.

How Do I Set Up a Business Entity in California?

Setting up a business entity in California generally involves the following steps:

1. Preparing and planning. Conducting proper market research and preparing a comprehensive business plan is the first and most important step to take when looking to start up a business in California.

2. Securing financing. California usually offers several financing options and other tailored services for businesses. Visit the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) for additional information on this.

3. Choosing an entity type and business name. The business structure you decide on will typically influence how it may operate and your liability.

4. Registering the business. Depending on your chosen business structure, you may register it with the Secretary of State and/or local county offices.

5. Checking local zoning regulations. Be sure to confirm local zoning regulations for your intended location and ensure that your business complies with them.

6. Obtaining necessary specialty licenses and permits. Some businesses may require that you obtain a specialty license and/or permit before commencing operations.

7. Complying with tax requirements. You will typically need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you plan to hire employees and also comply with all applicable state and local tax requirements about your business.

The Secretary of State's office offers a Starting a New Business in California brochure that you may use to get additional information on the requirements for setting up a business entity in California.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in California?

The cost of registering a business with the California Secretary of State's office typically ranges from $30 - $100, depending on the business structure. Note that this is only the filing fee, and additional costs may be incurred, such as local and state license and permit fees, attorney fees (where applicable), and franchise taxes. Drafting your operational documents with an attorney or online service will cost money as well.

Additional Information Available on the California Secretary of State's Website

The California Secretary of State's website generally hosts a broad range of business-related resources that interested parties may access. These include:

• Service options for document processing, information requests, online business searches, filings, and more.

• Tips for filing documents.

• Forms, fee schedules, and document samples.

• Name reservation services for corporations, LLCs, and LPs.

• Reports, such as Statements of Information for corporations and LLCs, Publicly Traded Disclosure statements, and Common Interest Development Association statements.

• Information on restitution for victims of corporate fraud.

• Information on service of process for designated agents.

• Answers to frequently asked questions about business entities in California.

Visit the California Secretary of State's Website

To search for California business entities, visit the California Secretary of StateBusiness Entity Records

California Business Naming Guidelines

When naming your new company, you will need to follow the California business name rules. California has specific guidelines for naming businesses, including corporations and LLCs. Some California business name availability tips to get you started are as follows:

• Generally, a business name must be unique and not easily confused with existing entities, and it must accurately reflect the nature of the business.

• Although a few exceptions exist, company names must use the English alphabet or Arabic numerals (0-9).

• You cannot use different case, typeface, fonts, or accent marks to try to use a name already in existence.

• Names that are similar to existing businesses or use similar wording (like "Inc." or "LLC") are not permitted.

• You may not use the words "bank," "insurance," or "trust" in your business name without approval.

• You cannot use any names that imply a government affiliation, such as FBI, CIA, DEA, etc.

• If the name suggests a regulated profession, you may need to satisfy additional requirements and obtain consent from the relevant professional association.

• Consider trademark law and search for existing trademarks that may be similar to your chosen name. You do not want to infringe on another company's trademark, as it could result in legal issues.

How to Name Your California LLC

• You must add "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." to the end of your LLC name.

• The name must be distinguishable from other LLCs and corporations.

How to Name Your California Corporation

• Corporation names must end with "Incorporated," "Corporation," or "Limited," or their approved abbreviations (e.g., "Inc.", "Corp.", "Ltd.").

• The name must be distinguishable from other corporations and LLCs. They cannot be close in nature, with one or two letters/words different. They must be entirely unique.

FAQs About Business Entity Searches in California

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about business entity searches in California. 1. Why would I need to search for a business entity in California? You may need to conduct a business search in California to verify the status and standing of a company, ensure its compliance with relevant regulations, or conduct due diligence for legal, financial, or investment purposes, or to ensure that a particular business name is available.

1. What types of entities can I search for in California? You may search for different kinds of entities in California, including LLCs, LPs, and corporations.

2. Where can I perform a business entity search in California? You may perform online searches for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships in California via the Secretary of State's Business Search tool. You may also access information on other types of business entities by submitting a Business Entities Records -- Order Form to this office.

3. What information do I need to conduct an entity search in California? You typically need the entity's name or number to conduct a basic business search in California.

4. How do I find the official name of a California business? You may be able to find out a California business's official name by using a partial name/keywords and other available details to run a search on the Business Search tool.

5. Can I search for foreign entities in California? Searches conducted via the Secretary of State's website may provide details on foreign entities registered in California.

6. What information can I find in the California entity search? California entity searches typically return business-related information like the entity's name and number, formation, registration, or conversion date, status, principal address, and more.

7. How do I verify if a California business is in good standing? Data generated from the Secretary of State's search tool usually indicates the entity's current status and whether it is in good standing with the office, as well as with bodies like the FTB and VCFCF.

8. Can I search for an entity in California by its owner's name? You may conduct an advanced search on the Secretary of State's Business Search tool using the name of the entity's director(s) or executive officer(s). However, this option is usually limited to publicly traded entities.

9. How often is the California business entity database updated? The California Secretary of State's database is generally updated regularly, usually within 1–2 business days after a business filing is processed.

10. Can I obtain copies of business filings in California? The California Secretary of State's office typically provides access to copies of business filings, both online and offline. Note that you may be required to pay a fee to obtain some of these documents.

11. How do I find out who the registered agent of a California business is? Information generated from entity searches conducted via the Secretary of State's website typically includes the name and address of the entity's agent.

12. How can I search for California businesses by their tax ID number? The California Secretary of State's search tool does not generally offer an option for searches by tax ID number. Nevertheless, you may be able to conduct these types of searches through other agencies, like the state's Franchise Tax Board and Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

13. What should I do if I can't find a business entity in the California search? If a business search does not return the required information, double-check the details you provided or try using different search parameters. If you are still unable to find the entity via online search options, then consider contacting the California Secretary of State's office at (916) 653-6814 or (916) 657-5448 for assistance.

14. How Much Does It Cost to Reserve Your LLC Name in California? In California, reserving your LLC name costs $10. This fee allows you to secure your chosen name for 60 days while you prepare your official LLC formation documents. You must submit the Name Reservation Request Form either by mail or in person to the Secretary of State's Office. The reservation lasts for 60 days and can be renewed once (not consecutively).

15. Why Conduct a California Entity Search? Interested parties typically conduct business searches in California for several reasons, including confirming a business's current standing and status, ensuring compliance with applicable registration and licensing laws, or obtaining more information on the company's ownership and decision-making structure. Other reasons include: – before investing in a company or its subsidiaries – when hiring partners, vendors, or suppliers – to prevent fraud – before choosing a business name to avoid naming conflicts – to ensure compliance with California's regulatory standards