California state business registration

If you chose a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation (Corp), Limited Partnership (LP), or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) as your business structure you must register or incorporate with the California Secretary of State.

Step 1: Check name availability

Check if the name you want is available. You can check name availability. Learn more about this process in our Choose a Name section.

Step 2: Filing

Once you know the name you want is available, you can file the appropriate forms for your business structure with the CA Secretary of State.

Last updated January 27, 2023

Related

Business structures

Choosing the legal structure that best suits your business type is a top priority. This decision impacts how much you pay in taxes and your personal liability (i.e. who is legally responsible for debts). This choice must be made prior to registering your business.

City business registration

All businesses – even small ones – that operate in San Francisco must register with the City. You may also need to register or incorporate through the State first, depending on your chosen business structure. This is not a substitute for legal or professional advice.

Federal business registration

Most businesses must register with the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Step by step guide to starting a business in San Francisco

Find out where to begin, what you need, and how to plan for success.

Department

Office of Small Business