How to Change Your Name with the California Secretary of State

If you recently changed your name and own a business or hold a professional license in California, updating your name with the California Secretary of State (SOS) and relevant licensing agencies is essential. Failing to do so could create legal or financial complications, such as tax filing errors, banking issues, and invalid contracts.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update your name with the California Secretary of State and other relevant agencies.

Click here for our complete guide on how to change your name in California.

Who Needs to Update Their Name with the California Secretary of State?

You should update your name with the California Secretary of State (SOS) if you: 

✔ Own a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation (Inc.), or Limited Partnership (LP) registered in California. 

✔ Are a licensed professional (doctor, lawyer, real estate agent, notary, CPA, etc.). 

✔ Have business permits, trademarks, or DBA (Doing Business As) filings in your previous name. 

✔ Need to update official state records for tax or legal purposes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Name for a Business Entity in California

Step 1: Update Your Personal Legal Name First

Before updating your business records, make sure you’ve changed your name on your Social Security card, driver’s license, and IRS records. 

Tip: If you are changing your name on IRS tax records, file IRS Form SS-4 (for businesses with EINs) or Form 8822-B.

Step 2: Update Your Business Registration with the California Secretary of State

Depending on your business structure, you’ll need to file different forms to update your name with the California Secretary of State (SOS).

✅ For Corporations (Inc.) – File an Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (Form AMDT-STK) 

✅ For LLCs – File an Amendment to Articles of Organization (LLC-2)

✅ For Limited Partnerships (LPs) – File a Certificate of Amendment (LP-2) 

✅ For Sole Proprietors or DBAs – Update your Fictitious Business Name (DBA) Registration at the county level.

📌 Where to File:

• Forms are available on the California Secretary of State website.
• You can file online, by mail, or in person at the Sacramento SOS office.
• Filing Fees: Typically range from $30 to $150, depending on the form.

Processing Time: Online filings are processed within 5-10 business days, while mailed forms take 4-6 weeks.

Step 3: Update Your Professional Licenses

If you hold a state-regulated license, you must update your name with the appropriate licensing board. Here are the most common licensing agencies in California:

✅ California State Bar (For Lawyers) – File a Name Change Request with the  State Bar of California. 

✅ Medical Board of California (For Doctors) – Submit a name change application with a certified marriage certificate. 

✅ California Department of Real Estate (For Realtors) – File a Change Application (RE 204) on the  DRE website. 

✅ California Board of Accountancy (For CPAs) – Submit a License Name Change Request. 

✅ California Notary Public – File a Name Change Application with the California Secretary of State and request a new notary seal.

📌 Where to Find Your Licensing Board: Check the  California Department of Consumer Affairs for your specific profession’s licensing requirements.

Tip: You may also need to order a new professional license certificate reflecting your married name.

Step 4: Update Your Business Bank Accounts & Contracts

Once your name is updated with the Secretary of State and licensing boards, update your: 

✔ Business Bank Accounts – Provide your updated business registration and Social Security card. 

✔ Tax Filings – Update your IRS records and California Franchise Tax Board filings. 

✔ Contracts & Vendor Agreements – Notify business partners, suppliers, and clients. 

✔ Payroll & Employee Records – If you have employees, update payroll and HR records to reflect your new name.

Tip: Most banks require an updated driver’s license, Social Security card, and business documents to process a name change request.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I Need to Change My Business Name If I Change My Last Name?

No, your personal name change does not require a business name change unless your legal name is part of the business name (e.g., “Jane Doe Consulting”).

How Long Does It Take to Update My Business Name with the California Secretary of State?

Online filings take 5-10 business days, while mailed forms take 4-6 weeks.

What Happens If I Don’t Update My Business Name?

• Your business could have issues with tax filings, bank accounts, and contracts.
• If you have a professional license, operating under the wrong name may violate California law.

Do I Need to Publish My Name Change in a Newspaper?

No, California does not require a newspaper publication for personal name changes, but some counties require DBA name changes to be published.

What If I Own a Business in Multiple States?

If you registered your business in other states, you will need to update your business name in each state separately.

Final Steps: Get Your Name Updated Today

Updating your name after marriage as a business owner or professional in California is essential to maintain legal compliance. By following these steps, you can ensure that your business, licenses, and financial records reflect your new legal name.