How to Do a California Business Name Search

When starting a business in California, it is important to do a business name search to make sure that the name you want is available. You can do a business name search online through the California Secretary of State’s website.

To do a business name search, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the California Secretary of State’s website:
  2. Click on the “Business Search” tab.
  3. Select the type of entity you are searching for (Corporation or LP/LLC).
  4. Enter your desired business name in the search bar.
  5. Click on the “Search” button.

The search results will show you all of the https://rarecareer.com/ that have the name you searched for. If the name you want is available, you can proceed with registering your business.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when doing a California business name search:

  • You can only search for business names that are registered with the California Secretary of State.
  • If the name you want is not available, you can try adding a different word or phrase to it.
  • You can also try adding a DBA (doing business as) name to your business. A DBA name is a fictitious name that you can use for your business, even if the name is already taken another business.

Once you have found a business name that is available, you can proceed with registering your business with the California Secretary of State.

How to Check if a Business is in Good Standing in California

If you are considering doing business with a company in California, it is important to check if the company is in good standing. A company that is in good standing has met all of the requirements of the California Secretary of State and is not dissolved, suspended, or forfeited.

You can check if a business is in good standing requesting a Certificate of Status from the California Secretary of State. A Certificate of Status will show the current status of the business, including its name, type of entity, date of formation, and registered agent.

To request a Certificate of Status, you can either:

  • File a paper form with the California Secretary of State.
  • Submit an online request through the California Secretary of State’s website.

The cost of a Certificate of Status is $20.

How to Verify a Business Name in California

If you are considering using a business name that is already registered in California, you can verify the name checking the California Entity Name Database. The California Entity Name Database is a searchable database of all of the business names that are registered with the California Secretary of State.

To verify a business name, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the California Entity Name Database website:
  2. Select the type of entity you are searching for (Corporation or LP/LLC).
  3. Enter the business name you want to verify in the search bar.
  4. Click on the “Search” button.

If the business name is available, the search results will show you a message that says “No records found.” If the business name is not available, the search results will show you the name of the business that is registered with that name.

It is important to note that the California Entity Name Database does not show all of the business names that are in use in California. There may be businesses that are using a name that is not registered with the California Secretary of State.

If you are unsure whether a business name is available, you should contact an attorney or a business registration service.