Business Law in Los Angeles County
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 24, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
Most of starting a California business happens at the state level — you file your LLC or corporation with the Secretary of State. But a few steps are local in Los Angeles County.
If you’ll operate under a name other than your own or your entity’s legal name, you file a fictitious business name (DBA) statement with the County Clerk (Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk in Norwalk), and California requires you to publish it in a local newspaper. You’ll also likely need a city business license wherever you operate.
New to this? Start with choosing a business entity, then form an LLC or a corporation. To get matched with a local business attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local business filings
County Clerk: Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, 12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk, CA 90650
Forming an LLC or corporation is a state filing with the Secretary of State, but a few business steps are local in Los Angeles County: a fictitious business name (DBA) statement is filed with the County Clerk, and you'll need any business license or tax registration your city requires. Verify current filing steps, fees, and the newspaper-publication requirement for a DBA on the County Clerk's official site.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Where do I file a DBA (fictitious business name) in Los Angeles County?
- With the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk (12400 Imperial Highway, Norwalk). California also requires you to publish the fictitious business name statement in a local newspaper — confirm the current steps and deadlines on the County Clerk's site.
- Do I form my LLC with Los Angeles County?
- No. LLCs and corporations are formed with the California Secretary of State, not the county. The county handles the DBA filing; your city handles business licenses.
- Do I need a business license in Los Angeles County?
- Often yes — most California cities require a business license or tax registration to operate. Check your specific city (and the county for unincorporated areas).