Name availability · CA
California business name search
To search business names in California, use the Secretary of State's free Business Search in bizfile Online. Keep in mind that the state calls it a preliminary search, not a formal availability decision. It covers corporations, LLCs and LPs but not LLPs, general partnerships or county DBAs, so a clean result is a good sign but not a final answer.
How to check if a name is available in California
- 01
Search in bizfile Online
Open the Business Search in bizfile Online and enter the distinctive part of your name. Searching is free.
- 02
Know what the search leaves out
The state's search doesn't include LLPs, general partnerships or fictitious business names filed with counties. A name can look open here and still be in use locally as a DBA.
- 03
Compare like with like
California checks LLC names against LLCs, corporation names against corporations and so on. A name has to be "distinguishable in the records" from existing entities of the same type and must not be likely to mislead the public.
- 04
Check the county DBA index
Because DBAs are filed by county, search the fictitious business name records in the county where you'll operate.
- 05
Search trademarks and online names
The Secretary of State doesn't check trademarks. Run your name through https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/ and confirm the domain and social handles are available.
- 06
Generate a shortlist
If the name is crowded, use our free /business-name-generator/ to come up with alternatives, then repeat the bizfile search.
California business naming rules
- Corporation, LLC and LP names must be distinguishable in the Secretary of State's records from existing entities of the same type, and must not be likely to mislead the public.
- An LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company", "LLC" or "L.L.C." ("Limited" and "Company" may be shortened to "Ltd." and "Co.").
- An LLC name cannot include bank, trust, trustee, incorporated, inc., corporation or corp., or words suggesting it issues insurance policies.
- An LP name must end with "Limited Partnership", "LP" or "L.P." and cannot include bank, insurance, trust, trustee, incorporated or corporation.
- Names that differ only by the entity ending are not considered distinguishable.
Reserving a name
California reserves corporation, LLC and LP names for 60 days, and you can file online through bizfile Online. You can renew for the same party, but not in back-to-back periods; at least one day has to pass between reservations. Check the current fee on the agency's site.
DBAs and trade names
California fictitious business names (DBAs) are filed with the county where your principal place of business is located, not with the Secretary of State.
Still looking for the right name?
Brainstorm dozens of options with the free generator, then run your shortlist through the California search above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I search business names in California?
Use the free Business Search in the Secretary of State's bizfile Online. Treat the result as preliminary: it covers corporations, LLCs and LPs, but not county DBAs, LLPs or general partnerships.
Is the California business search an official name availability check?
No. The Secretary of State describes it as a preliminary search. Final availability is decided when your filing or reservation is reviewed.
Where do I file a DBA in California?
With the county where your principal place of business is located. The Secretary of State doesn't file fictitious business names.
Can an LLC and a corporation have the same name in California?
The state checks names against entities of the same type, so an overlap across types is possible on paper. It can still cause trademark or confusion problems, so check USPTO and the market before you rely on it.
General information, not legal advice. Name approval is decided by the California Secretary of State; a name showing as available in a search is not a guarantee it will be accepted.