Register a New Business Name

How to register a new business name for your small or home business.

You can name your business almost anything depending on the laws of your state. Your state's rules will be published by your state's Secretary of State and can be found online. For example the Secretary of State for California can be found at www.ss.ca.gov.

What you need to know about how to register a new business name:

• What business names should be registered? If you are using a business name other than your own full legal name you will have to comply with fictitious or assumed business name requirements. This means registering the name with the appropriate government agency. Often this is your state's Secretary of State offices or an alternative state agency. In some states such as California you are required to register a new business name at the county level. To find out what applies in your state you can contact the county clerk's office and ask for information.
• How do I register a new business name? It is usually a fairly straightforward procedure to register a business name. Depending on state requirements you may have to start by searching the business name database to make sure your name is not already registered. Once you know the business name you have chosen is available then it is a matter of getting a registration form which can often be done online. Complete the form and submit it with the correct fee, usually between $10 and $50. Some states then require you to publish your business name in a newspaper and submit an affidavit to the state agency or county clerk's office to prove you have fulfilled these publication requirements.
• What restrictions are there on registering business names? Most states require that your business name is unique and does not imply an association with another known business. States differ with regard to other restrictions. For example some states won't let you use a reference to a particular goegraphic location unless your business is actually situated there. Check with your local Secretary of State or country clerk's office to find out the restrictions they have on registering a business name.
• What does having a registered business name mean? A registered fictitious, assumed or doing business as name allows you to legally conduct business as that particular business name. You can advertise, invoice, accept payments and present yourself under that business name.

Small Business Licenses

Home Business Permits

Your business name is the image of your small or home business. Take your time to choose the right name for your business and then make it legal by registering it.