Here are some Steps to assist you with registering your business. These Steps cover the majority of businesses, however, there are always exceptions! Please feel free to call us at (714) 738-6531 or (714) 738-5326 with your questions or for further clarification.

Step 1 - Business Name

Using Your Name

Let's start with your name. Are you planning to use your own personal name just as it is without anything added? For example: John Smith is your personal name. If you use John Smith, then a fictitious filing will probably not be necessary. A Fictitious business Name is a name that does not include the surname of an individual owner.

Using a Fictitious Business Name

Register your Fictitious Business Name (DBA) with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder.

If the name you have chosen for your business is different from your personal name (for Example: John's Bikes), then you need to register your business name with the Orange County Clerk Recorders office. Start by searching for the name on the Orange County Clerk's website, then register online. Payment can be made in person at the Orange County Clerk Recorder Office or by mail.

Within thirty days (30) of filing your Fictitious Business Name Statement with the county, the registrant will need to contact an approved adjudicated Orange County newspaper and publish a Public Notice once a week for four weeks to make the name legal for a 5 year period. If your business is based in Orange County, you must file your Fictitious Business Name Statement with the Orange County Clerk Recorder. A list of newspapers can be obtained from the Orange County Clerk's office or from their website.

The North Orange County branch office is located at 222 S. Harbor Blvd. #110A, Anaheim.

Step 2 - Resale or Sales Tax Use Permit

The next Step is filing for a "Resale or Sales Tax Use Permit" from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (formerly the State Board of Equalization). You will definitely need a resale tax permit if you are planning on any retail sales. It is always best to check with the CDTFA to see if this tax permit is needed for your particular business.

Step 3 - Return the Application

Home Based Business

If you have a business that is based in your home:

• Register and apply online from our website or you can print or download an application to mail in to our office. Business Registration application.
• If you apply online, we will contact you by return email when the application has been accepted and the account is ready for your online payment. Be sure to monitor your spam or junk folder. The email will be from Businessweb@cityoffullerton.com.
• If needed, you can call for the business tax due to confirm the total amount due. (Tax Schedule), (714) 738-6531 or (714) 738-5326.
• Prior to registering, be sure to read the Home Occupation Agreement. If you apply by mail or in person, be sure to initial the home occupation agreement on the application. Applying in person requires an appointment. Appointments are available from 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
• If you do not apply online, mail your application and payment to the Business Registration Division at City Hall, located at 303 W. Commonwealth Ave., Make your check payable to the City of Fullerton. City Hall Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on our open Fridays. City Hall is closed alternate Fridays.

If you are a business located from out-of-town and will be working in our City, you may follow the same instructions, but you do not need to read or initial the Home Occupancy Agreement.

Commercial Location

If you are conducting your business from a commercial location in Fullerton:

• We encourage you to register online. All in city business addresses are subject to approvals from other Department or division and may delay the registration turn around time.
• Once your application has been approved and signed by the Planning Division, our office will issue you a temporary business registration receipt. Once approved, the Business Registration certificate will be mailed within 15 business days.