How to get a business license?

Question

how do i go about getting a business license in orange county CA

i want to start my own 1 man show financial business and im curious how i would go about getting an official business license?

what the costs would be?

if i could name it whatever i want or how do i check to see what names have been taken?

and how long it takes

Answer 1

You need to fill out an application with the city.  Most cities have the form on their website.  It's usually pretty cheap, maybe $35.  If the name you want is taken I believe you can still use it by having a different official name.  For example, John Doe Agency d.b.a. (doing business as) Name You Want.