Step 1: Naming Your Business
Check if the name you want is available. You can check name availability and reserve an available name by mail with the CA Secretary of State. Learn more about this process in our Choose a Name section.
Step 2: Registering Your Business Structure
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.
Corporation
Review the Secretary of State's Corporate Filing Tips before getting started. This business type requires you to file Articles of Incorporation.
Limited Liability Company
Review the Secretary of State's LLC Filing Tips before getting started. This business type requires you to file Articles of Organization (Form LLC–1).
Limited Partnership
Review the Secretary of State's LP Filing Tips before getting started. This business type requires you to file a Certificate of Limited Partnership (Form LP–1).
General Partnership
The Secretary of State's Office does not have filing tips for forming a General Partnership, but not to worry - the GP process is the most simple of the five. This business type requires you to file a Statement of Partnership Authority (Form GP–1).
Limited Liability Partnership
Remember, you can only register as an LLP after registering as a General Partnership. This business type requires you to file an Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership (Form LLP–1).
Trust
A trust is formed under state law where it is organized. Review California’s law and the Secretary of State’s Filing Tips before getting started.