Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 15, 2002 06:02am | #1

   If your state has a web site, you may be able to search the business names data base on-line (we can do that in Washington).  Are you only concerned about in-state business, or are you wanting to check in all of the USA?  That might be tougher. 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   sschefer | Jun 15, 2002 06:07am | #2

   Actually, you  can call it anything you like as long as it is preceeded by your surname.

   Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 16, 2002 03:37am | #3

   This may be true (Of course it is, Steve said so :-) but he's got the right idea to look around.  Name recognition is an important thing in biz, and he might not want to be duplicating or nearly duplicating another business name that geographically close by.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   sschefer | Jun 16, 2002 07:54pm | #4

   When I created my LLC, I had to have a name search done to ensure that I would not be using a name too similar to an already established business. The original name I chose isn't even close to what I finally got approved. This was a requirement for forming the LLC. The State Of California did the search for me but I had to pay for it.Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   forestgirl | Jun 17, 2002 04:44am | #5

   Hiya Steve, how's the weekend going?  I'm not sure what they would make us do in WA state for an LLC.  My business is sole proprietor, and I don't recall that they have any search required.  Probably are more stringent with the LLCs.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   sschefer | Jun 17, 2002 05:59pm | #6

   Hi Jamie, In CA, if the name of a sole proprietorship contains the owners surname then nothing needs to be done to get a business license. However if it doesn't then a ficticuous business statement needs to be filed and printed in the area newspapers. If no one objects you can use the name.

   Steve - in Northern California

   Edited 6/17/2002 2:03:14 PM ET by Steve Schefer

3. 
   Alan | Jun 18, 2002 05:44am | #7

   Mpharper,

   Steve's explanation isn't quite correct--even for California.  Besides, what is required in one state isn't necessarily what is required in another.  Your local city or county clerk, tax board (maybe), or the BBB (maybe) can tell you exactly what the requirements are for a DBA in your state.

   Alan

1. 
   sschefer | Jun 18, 2002 05:38pm | #8

   Alan, do you do business in the City of Santa Rosa ? That's where I hold a business license and what I said is correct for that City. Or at least it was two weeks ago.Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   Alan | Jun 19, 2002 03:09am | #9

   Steve,

   No, I don't do business in Santa Rosa, but I do know a bit about the law in this area.

   To summarize--and to over simplify a bit--a person doing business need not file a DBA so long as he uses only his name and any professional designation he might have:  e.g., Steve Schefer CPA or MD or DDS or RN or Attorney at Law.  But you do have to file a DBA if you add much of anything else.  For example, while "Steve Schefer, CPA" would be fine, no DBA required, "Schefer Accounting and Investment Management" would require you to file a DBA.

   But even that is a little too simple.  For instance, if your name is Ford and you want to make automobiles using nothing but your name as the name of the company--with no other words in the name--you would lose your court case when FoMoCo sues you.

   Alan (remember you promised not to make me reveal my family's shame.)

1. 
   sschefer | Jun 19, 2002 07:37am | #10

   Ah yes, you are correct. And this does apply as you state. No, I wont tell, as long as you don't.Steve - in Northern California