Many business owners wonder: Is it really necessary to renew? The issue is real. If your Doing Business As (DBA) name lapses, the legal protection of your trade name might vanish.
This happens in many cities. In Los Angeles County, business owners learn the hard way that renewals protect them. The county clerk’s site says you must renew before expiration if you intend to continue using the name.
What can you do? Watch your expiration dates. Make reminders. File your renewal early. Use trusted legal-notice publishers so courts accept your name.
Understanding why is not optional. It helps you act early. You protect your identity, contracts, and reputation. You stay clean in legal records. And you keep your customers safe.
How to Renew DBA in California (Statewide View)
The method in California is fairly consistent across counties.
You fill out a renewal form with the county clerk (in my case, LA County). You pay a small fee. If there are no changes, you generally do not need to republish the name.
In LA County, the renewal requires a $26 fee plus $5 for additional names (if your DBA covers more than one business name).
To avoid delays, check the county site, download the renewal application, fill it out, and submit it by mail or online. Double-check the spelling and owner info. Don’t miss deadlines.
How to File a DBA Renewal in LA County
First, visit the LA County Registrar-Recorder / County Clerk site. They offer renewal, original, amendments, and withdrawals. I found my business record. Then, click “renewal.”
Next, fill your DBA name, owner name, address, and signature.
Last, submit via mail with a self-addressed envelope. Two weeks later, your renewal should arrive.
How to Renew a Business Name in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, filing a DBA often ties into publishing in a local adjudicated newspaper. That’s because Santa Monica is in LA County. You must publish in a court-approved paper in the county where your business is.
If one wanted to change or refile, one would need to publish new notices. But for renewals, as said, republication usually isn’t required.
Still, Santa Monica has its own city rules for business licenses. If you run a business here, you must renew your city business license, too. Renewals fall due July 1 each year, with a 60-day grace period.
So don’t forget: After you renew your DBA, renew your city business license. Do both tasks on time.
Risk-Laden Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
In 2024, a Santa Monica startup missed renewing its DBA. They thought skipping was harmless. But a larger competitor used their name in ads. The startup had no claim in court. They lost valuable clients.
What can go wrong? Using an unrenewed name, losing legal exclusivity, and having contracts invalidated. Banks may reject business accounts under unregistered names.
How to be safe? Make a calendar reminder six months before expiry. Keep your county clerk login info secure. Use publications with strong reputations. Use a legal notice publisher (like SMDP). And know the rules, deadlines, and newspapers that courts accept.
Ready for What’s Next?
You’ve seen how crucial it is to renew your DBA. You’ve learned how to renew a DBA filing in Santa Monica step by step. You saw how California, LA County, and Santa Monica rules work together.
When you renew on time, you keep your name, protect your contracts, and stay legal. You avoid nightmares of losing identity or clients.
SMDP knows the local rules and the courts. We publish legal notices that courts accept. We make the process simple for you.
Take the next step now: Check your DBA expiration date, file your renewal, and let SMDP publish your notice properly. Don’t wait until risk becomes reality. Contact us and renew today.
FAQs
Q: What is DBA?
A: DBA means “Doing Business As.” It is a trade name you use legally.
Q: How often should you renew a DBA?
A: In Los Angeles County, a DBA statement lasts five years before renewal.
Q: Do I republish DBA when I renew?
A: Usually no. Renewals do not require publication in LA County.
Q: What is the renewal fee?
A: The base fee is $26, plus $5 for each additional business name/owner.
Q: Can I renew online?
A: Some counties allow online renewals. LA County has online systems (Registrar-Recorder) and mail options.
Q: What if I miss the deadline?
A: If your DBA lapses, you may lose legal protection. You might need to refile as new.
Q: Does Santa Monica require publication for renewals?
A: Santa Monica follows LA County rules. Renewals do not require a new publication.
Q: Is renewing my DBA the same as renewing my business license?
A: No. DBA renewal is for your trade name. Business license renewal is for operating legally in the city.
Q: When is the Santa Monica business license renewal due?
A: The due date is July 1st of each year, with a grace period until August 31.
Q: Why renew DBA in Santa Monica at all?
A: To protect your name, enforce contracts, and keep your identity legal.
