California Business Licenses Search

Business Names, Limited Liability Partnerships, Limited Partnerships, and Trademarks are all registered with the California Secretary of State. An online name search can be performed through the Secretary of State. However, to obtain copies of business records filed with the Secretary of State requires a mail or in-person request. The Secretary of State provides an online form which should be complete to facilitate a business records request.Business license can also be found with the city or county in which the business license was filed. Some counties offer an online searchable database of business licenses and fictitious business name searches. Searches can be performed by business name, address, owner name, and start date. If the business license or a fictitious business name was filed with the county, the records can typically be found with the County Clerk and/or County Recorder’s Office, depending on the county.The California Department of Consumer Affairs is responsible for the licensing of most professions. The Department of Consumer Affairs offers a website with links for professional licensing boards including architects, dentists, pharmacy, and medical boards. However, records related to attorneys must be obtained through the California Bar Association. An online searchable database allows for searches by name or license number. Certificates of Standing can be purchased by contacting the California Bar Association by phone.