Home Care Atlas LogoHomeCareAtlas
Pre-Licensing Foundations ~90 min

How to Choose Your Home Care Agency Name & Structure in California

Your business name and type come first. Every CDSS form will use this name. Pick it with care and spell it the same way everywhere.

Part 1: Pick your business type

Your type (LLC, Inc., and so on) becomes part of your legal name.

  • LLC (Limited Liability Company): Most small agencies pick this. It keeps business debts apart from your own money. We suggest it for most new agencies.
  • Sole proprietorship: Easy to start. But you and the business are the same. Your own money is at risk.
  • Corporation (Inc.): Has a board of directors. CDSS asks corporations for extra papers, like a Board Resolution and an HCS 9165 for each board member.
Who fills out the HCS 215 later? It depends on your type. HCS 281 lists these people:
  • Each individual applicant and each partner
  • The CEO of a corporation
  • Each person who owns 10% or more
  • The manager of a manager-managed LLC

Part 2: Check your name

1. The state check

Is someone in California already using this name? If so, the Secretary of State may turn down your filing.

2. The trademark check

Do not copy big brand names. That can lead to a legal fight later.

3. The web check (optional)

See if a matching web address is free. This is for marketing. The state does not ask for it.

Part 3: Be careful with "home care" in your name

Only a licensed HCO may use certain words in its name (HSC §1796.34(a)(2)). The words are "home care organization," "home care," and "in-home care."

  • Do not advertise or act as a home care agency before you get your license.
  • If you want one of these words in your LLC name, ask CDSS how it applies to you first.

Part 4: Spell your name the same way every time

Type your exact legal name below. Include the ending (LLC, Inc.) and any commas.

HCS 281 says the HCS 309 must match the HCS 200. Your bond and insurance papers should match too. If names do not match, CDSS may ask you to fix them. That takes time.

Tip: Copy and paste your name. Do not retype it.

Part 5: Register your LLC

File your Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State. The fee is $70 (Gov. Code §12190(b)).

#### What is an agent for service of process?

Every California LLC must have one (Corp. Code §17701.13). This is who gets legal papers for your business.

  • The agent can be a California resident or a company that is set up to do this (§17701.13(c)).
  • Your filings list the agent's street address (Corp. Code §17702.09(a)(2)).
Option A: Be your own agent. It is free. Your address goes on the public record. Option B: Hire an agent company. This keeps your home address off that record. Prices vary. Many charge about $100 to $300 a year (our estimate).

If you use our filing service, agent service for the first year is included.

#### Forming a corporation instead?

File Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100 for a corporation with shares. It is $30 for one without shares, like most nonprofits (Gov. Code §12186(c)–(d)). Check Bizfile for any other charges.

#### Filing your LLC

Already have an LLC? Pick "Yes — I already have my LLC" and enter your details. If not, we can file it, or you can file at Bizfile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 1Thinking a free web address means the name is free in California.
  • 2Forgetting the LLC annual tax. It is $800 a year for most LLCs (R&T Code §17941). See the next step.
  • 3Letting an insurance or bond company shorten your business name.
  • 4Using a P.O. Box for your agent. Filings need a street address (Corp. Code §17702.09).
  • 5Forgetting the Statement of Information. It is due within 90 days of filing (Corp. Code §17702.09).
  • 6Advertising as a "home care" agency before you are licensed (HSC §1796.34).

Tips

  • Not sure? Most small agencies pick an LLC.
  • Name taken? Try adding your city or area.
  • Save your CA entity number when it comes. You will use it on the HCS 309.
  • Make one folder for your business papers now.

What You Need to Do

  1. 1
    Choose your legal structure (LLC recommended)
  2. 2
    Brainstorm 2-3 name ideas for your agency
  3. 3
    Confirm domain availability on a registrar like Namecheap
  4. 4
    Clear the name on the CA Bizfile Entity Search
  5. 5
    Clear the name on the USPTO Trademark Search
  6. 6
    Lock in your Exact Legal Business Name
  7. 7
    Register your LLC (or confirm existing LLC details)
  8. 8
    Save your CA Entity Number when approved
  9. 9
    Read HSC §1796.34 before you use "home care" in your nameOpen resource

Information You Will Need

Have these details ready before you sit down to fill this out:

What legal structure will you use?

We suggest an LLC for most new home care agencies.

Required
Your Exact Legal Business Name

Include commas and the ending (LLC or Inc.) exactly as filed.

Required
How will your LLC be managed?

Manager-managed? The manager must file an HCS 215 and LIC 508 too (HCS 281 A2, A6).

Will you operate under a DBA (Fictitious Business Name)?
Required
DBA Name (if applicable)
CA Entity Number

The state gives you this after it approves your filing. Enter it when you have it.

Who will be your agent for service of process?
Required
Agent Name
Agent Street Address

Use a California street address. No P.O. Boxes (Corp. Code §17702.09(a)(2)).

Official Resources

Want us to handle this for you?

Our licensing team knows this form inside and out. We fill out every form, check every box, and submit the whole packet to CDSS on your behalf. You just answer a few simple questions.

Get Full Licensing Help Do It Yourself (Free)
Next Step
Home Care Agency Office Requirements in California
John Helmy

Researched and reviewed by

John Helmy, Founder of HomeCareAtlas

Building tools and resources to help home care agency owners navigate licensing, compliance, and growth.