Starting a small shop or side business in San Diego County usually means up to four filings, each with its own office and deadline: a fictitious business name with the County Clerk, a seller's permit with CDTFA, a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State (LLCs and corporations only), and an employer account with EDD once you pay employees. Which ones apply depends on how you're set up.
Which filings do you need?
1. Fictitious business name (DBA), County Clerk
- Who: anyone doing business under a name that doesn't include the owner's last name (or each partner's), or where the nature of the business isn't clear from the name. For an LLC or corporation, it's any name other than the exact registered name.
- When: within 40 days of first doing business. Search the County's FBN records first to make sure the name is free.
- How: in person or by mail only, because it needs an original wet-ink signature; the County strongly recommends in person. Offices: San Marcos (141 E. Carmel St.), downtown, Chula Vista or Santee, no appointment; not Kearny Mesa. Bring a government photo ID.
- Cost: $54 for the first name and owner, $5 for each additional name or owner (cards add $2.50).
- Then publish it: in a newspaper of general circulation within 45 days of filing, once a week for four consecutive weeks. The Clerk gives you a list of newspapers.
- Watch for: no changes after filing (a fix means a new filing and fee), and it expires in 5 years, sooner if the address or ownership changes. Renew within 40 days of expiring with no changes and you don't publish again.
2. Seller's permit, CDTFA
- Who: businesses selling goods register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. CDTFA's Publication 73 (Your California Seller's Permit) explains who needs one.
- How: online. The system saves each step so you can stop and come back, but CDTFA deletes partially completed applications after 30 days.
- Cost: the system is free to use; some permits, licenses or accounts may require a fee or deposit.
3. Statement of Information, Secretary of State (LLCs and corporations)
- LLC: due within 90 days of registering, then every two years. Form LLC-12, $20.
- Corporation (domestic or foreign stock): due within 90 days, then every year. Form SI-550, $25.
- Online: through bizfile Online. Since August 1, 2026, a web User Access account is required to file a Statement of Information online, so set up the sign-in before the deadline week.
LLC forms and fees · corporation forms and fees · filing tips and the User Access update · bizfile Online
4. Employer payroll tax account, EDD
- Who and when: register within 15 days once you own a business, hire employees and pay more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter. Household employers: within 15 days once cash wages reach $750 in a quarter.
- How: online through EDD's e-Services for Business.
- Picking payroll software? Rippling vs ADP · Justworks vs Gusto · Deel vs Rippling.
Where PJ helps
The sign-ins and online forms are where most people stall: the CDTFA application that times out, the bizfile User Access account, EDD e-Services. PJ, a local in Solana Beach, sits with you and gets them done. He doesn't give tax or legal advice; for whether to form an LLC, ask a CPA or an attorney. Text PJ.
Sources: San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk, CDTFA, California Secretary of State and EDD, linked above, checked October 12, 2026. This page is an independent local guide, not any of those agencies.
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Questions people ask
How do I file a DBA in San Diego County?
File a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the County Clerk within 40 days of first doing business, in person (San Marcos, downtown, Chula Vista or Santee) or by mail. It's $54, and you then publish it in a newspaper once a week for four weeks.
How do I file a DBA in San Diego County?
File a Fictitious Business Name Statement with the County Clerk within 40 days of first doing business, in person (bring photo ID) or by mail: $54 for the first name and registrant, $5 for each additional, plus $2.50 on a card. The North County office is 141 E. Carmel St., San Marcos. Then publish it in a newspaper within 45 days, once a week for four consecutive weeks.
Can I file a fictitious business name online in San Diego County?
No. It needs an original wet-ink signature, so it's in person or by mail. You can fill in the form online, print it and sign it before mailing.
How do I apply for a California seller's permit?
Online through CDTFA's registration system. It saves your progress, but partly finished applications are deleted after 30 days. The system is free; some permits may need a fee or deposit.
When is my California Statement of Information due?
LLCs: within 90 days of registering, then every two years ($20, Form LLC-12). Stock corporations: within 90 days, then every year ($25, Form SI-550). Filing online needs a User Access account since August 1, 2026.
When do I have to register with EDD as an employer?
Within 15 days once you hire employees and pay more than $100 in wages in a calendar quarter.
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