California has always had a strong economy, and by 2017, it was the fifth largest city economy globally. Starting a business here is beneficial because the economic outlook is positive. One of the first steps to start a business is picking a catchy name that stands out. It’s important to ensure that your chosen name isn’t already being used by another company. You can do this by utilizing the California Secretary of State Business Search, which is a great tool for checking if your business name is unique.
The California Secretary of State Business Search provides access to information about corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited partnerships that are officially registered. It includes over 17 million business entity documents available for free in PDF format. However, it doesn’t yet cover general partnerships or limited liability partnerships, such as law or architecture firms. If you want information on LLPs or general partnerships, you need to fill out a form to request this data.
To search for a business license in California, simply enter the name you’re considering, and if there are no matches, that’s great news! If you get results, it means the name is already in use. The Secretary of State Business Search can help you establish an LLC or corporation, and lets you verify if your chosen business name is available.
There are two ways to search: a basic search or an advanced search. For a basic search, you can use an entity number or name, but remember to exclude the “C” from an entity number. This search method only finds active entities such as corporations or LLCs. If you need more specific results, you can use the advanced search, allowing you to refine based on the business type. Unfortunately, you can’t search for LLP or GP names online, but you can request a printed copy.
To access the California Business Entity Search Tool, you can check for potential business names in the Secretary of State’s database. If your desired name is already taken, you’ll need to think of a different one. You can perform a basic search by entering the file number or name, or use the “Advanced” option to refine your search criteria. Once you see the table of results, you can sort through and select a business entity to see more details.
When starting a business in California, it’s crucial to choose a memorable name for your target market. Brainstorm ideas and then verify your options using the Secretary of State’s website. Keep in mind, without a physical request, you can’t see LLP and GP names.
Here are answers to some common questions:
1. The California Secretary of State Business Search records information for corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships.
2. It doesn’t provide details on general partnerships or limited liability partnerships like law firms.
3. You can use this search tool directly to form an LLC or corporation and confirm your business name’s availability.
4. The basic search function lets you find entities using the name or entity number, but without the “C.”
5. The advanced search gives a comprehensive list but allows filtering based on business type.
6. Most businesses in California need a permit or license, which can be checked using CalGold.
7. The LLC filing fee is typically $70, but it’s currently waived until June 30, 2023. Additional costs might apply.
8. California LLCs must have an operating agreement, although it’s not necessary to file it with the state.
