CHECKING NAME AVAILABILITY FOR A CORPORATION IN CALIFORNIA

The State of California maintains a web site where you can search for business entities that are filed in the state by name. This online check can be of some assistance to you in selecting a name on a preliminary basis. To access the online form to search for business entities in California CLICK HERE

You should also review the California Web site materials on name availability. A preliminary check of the availability of a corporate name can be made by mailing a name availability inquiry letter to the Secretary of State's office in Sacramento. You can download a form for a name availability check by CLICKING HERE

These determinations are non-binding and a final determination cannot be made until the documents are received and processed.

It is suggested that if you first file for a name reservation. In this way, you can be assured that your name will be available when you file your Articles of Incorporation with the State of California. California charges a fee of $10.00 to reserve a corporate name. The form for reserving a corporate name can be found by CLICKING HERE. California will reserve a corporate name for a period of 60 days.

It is suggested that you search in a few different ways depending upon what name you select. You should search for the entire name that you wish to secure. Print out the results of this search and keep it for your records. You should also do a partial name search to determine what names may be close, but not exactly like the name you wish to obtain.

For example, if the name that you have chosen is ABC Vending Supplies, Inc., you should search ABC Vending Supplies, ABC Vending, and perhaps ABC Ven so you will get a picture of what names may be similar to the one you have selected.

Checking the corporate name in advance is necessary and will save you a lot of time. If you do not check first, your incorporation papers will be returned to you if there is a conflicting name and you will need to start over again from scratch.

We suggest that you do not make any expenditures in reliance on the name you choose until after your documents have been accepted by the California corporations office.

For additional information on selecting a name in California and the process that California uses when searching for name availability, CLICK HERE

Main California Resource Page

We offer 4 package options for California corporations	Complete Incorporation, Corporate Kit and Bylaws Package - $49.95	Corporate Kit and Bylaws Package - $39.95	119 Corporate Resolution/Meeting Minute Forms - $29.95	Confidentiality and Non-disclosure Agreements - $29.95