A DBA is an alternate name you use for your business and stands for doing business as. A sole proprietor may use a DBA name to present a business image separate from his personal name and identity. Other business structures may use a DBA to establish a new brand name or identity for the company, without needing to register a new entity. In Orange County, California, you can register a DBA name by filing an application for a so-called fictitious business name with the clerk-recorder's office.
Instructions
1. Go to the Orange County website and type DBA in the search field.
2. Click the EFBN - Clerk-Recorder, County of Orange link. This takes you to the online application page for fictitious business names.
3. Search for available DBA names. Click the Search tab on the application page and enter the DBA name you wish to use in the Business Name field. If the name is in use, you'll see it in the search results. You cannot use a DBA name that is already registered.
4. Create and online application account. Click the Register button at the top of the search screen. Select a login ID and password and provide your name and email address. Click the Create Profile button to register your account.
5. Log in to your account and select New FBN Statement from the Forms drop-down menu.
6. Navigate the application by going through all of the form tabs. Each tab corresponds to a specific section and requires information such as the business name you're registering, the business address, registered owner information and the date your company started.
7. Review and confirm your entries and print and sign your application.
8. Send your application, filing fee to and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Attn: Fictitious Business Name Statements
12 Civic Center Plaza, Room 106
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Make your check payable to Orange County Clerk-Recorder. As of 2012, the fee to register one fictitious business name was $23 and each additional name was $7.
9. Receive a certified copy of your registered DBA name within seven days from the county recorder. Prepare a public notice statement that announces your DBA name and submit it to one newspaper circulated in Orange County. You must file the notice within 30 days from the date you file the fictitious business name application.
10. File an affidavit of publication with the clerk-recorder's office within 30 days from the date your public notice is published. This affirms you're in compliance with public notice requirements. In the affidavit, state you're over age 18 and that your business is registered in Orange County. List the name and address of the business and provide the name of the newspaper that published your notice. Include the publication date and copy of the notice. You may obtain proof of publication from the newspaper. Send the affidavit and proof to the same address you used to send your application.
Tips Warnings
Print the forms from your computer at home and fill them out there. It is a much faster process.
Don't forget to double check the name you want.
Do Not forget to file your name within 30 days in a newspaper for four weeks. If you don't, you will have to repeat the entire process over again!
Tags: file, orange, county, california, Orange County, fictitious business, business name, days from, public notice, within days, your application
