# File a DBA in California

Source: https://joinopenfile.com/dba/california
Index: https://joinopenfile.com/llms.txt

A DBA lets your business trade under another name in California. County clerk, publish 4 weeks in newspaper; fee varies by county.

## California details

- State fee: We confirm it for you
- How it's filed: mail
- Form: Fictitious Business Name Statement

[Where it's filed](https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/faqs). Last checked October 2026. Fees are set by the state and we confirm the current fee before filing.

[File my DBA](https://joinopenfile.com/existing?service=dba)

$99 + state or county fee, for any company.

## Questions

What is a DBA?

A registered trade name. Your company keeps its legal name and can also do business, advertise and take payment under this one.

Does a DBA protect my name?

No. It doesn't stop anyone else using the name. A trademark does that.

Do I need an LLC to get a DBA?

No. Sole proprietors can register one too. It just doesn't separate your business from your personal assets the way an LLC does.