Dr. Reyes was preparing to incorporate his chiropractic practice and wanted a business name that’s catchy and not too rigid. After all, he had seen other chiropractic corporations advertising with names that don’t even have the words “chiropractic” or “corporation” in them.

He thought forming his professional corporation (PC) on his own and filing for a DBA later would be simple—until he discovered California’s strict naming rules. Luckily, he came to us asking: “Can I use a DBA for my chiropractic corporation? Why is everyone else doing it?”

Read on to find out how we helped Dr. Reyes understand existing naming rules and why using a DBA for California chiropractors is not allowed.

What Is a DBA or Fictitious Name?

A “DBA,” short for “Doing Business As,” is a fictitious name that allows a business to operate under an alternate identity instead of its official legal name.

For businesses where it’s allowed, this means they can have a different name in official incorporation and tax filings, while having another name (that sounds less rigid) for advertising their brand.

That may be the case for other small business, but professional corporations operate under a different legal structure. Because these entities provide regulated services tied directly to professional licenses, California law tightly controls their naming.

Can Chiropractors Use a DBA in California: 2025 Name Style Rules Explained

A DBA for CA chiropractors is subject to unique restrictions designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and consumer protection.

In 2025, the rule remains clear: professional chiropractic corporations must follow a specific naming formula. And using a DBA is simply not part of the equation. California laws governing chiropractic professional corporations are very clear on this matter.

Business and Professions Code §1054 states:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the name of a chiropractic corporation and any name or names under which it may be rendering professional services, shall contain the name or the last name of one or more of the present, prospective, or former shareholders, and shall include the word “chiropractic” and the word “corporation” or wording or abbreviations denoting corporate existence.

The California Board of Chiropractic Examiners reiterates this rule in the Certificate of Registration for Chiropractic Corporation Application form, which reads:

A professional chiropractic corporation cannot render services using a fictitious name or a “DBA”.

In plain terms, this means there is no legal path for filing a chiropractor DBA in California. Any alternate name—no matter how minor—violates the statute.

Why Using Marketing Names Still Count as Professional Services

California considers every public representation of your business name part of rendering professional services. It means any name visible to patients—from signage to social media—is part of your professional identity.

Chiropractic corporations are required to use their legal corporate name exactly as filed with the Secretary of State for every public-facing activity, including the following:

• Office signage and window lettering
• Business cards and print ads
• Websites, domains, and email addresses
• Social media handles, bios, and paid campaigns
• Directory listings, maps, and review platforms

Here’s the safest rule: if a patient can see it, it must match your official corporate name.

Why Are Others Using DBA for Chiropractors in CA?

You might see other clinics using friendly brand names and assume it’s safe to do the same. But appearances are deceiving.

Some of them may have filed for fictitious business name the wrong way. Others might also be currently operating as sole proprietors without realizing that once they incorporate, different naming laws apply. There’s also a chance that some just didn’t know they simply cannot do that.

Penalties and Risks of Using DBA for California Chiropractor Corporations

Following what others are doing can be tempting. But when the Board of Chiropractic Examiners decides to take action, “everyone else was doing it” won’t protect your license.

Potential License Suspension or Revocation

Violation of naming laws, as stated in BPC §1054, falls under Category III offenses of the Board’s published Disciplinary Guidelines. It’s grouped with other violations that disregard chiropractic state laws and professional responsibility.

The penalty for this offense can range from a stayed revocation, 30-day suspension, and five years of probation up to outright license revocation.

Risking Your Corporation Registration

Discipline can apply to both the individual chiropractor and the professional corporation. A non-compliant name could jeopardize your registration as a corporation and your personal ability to practice.

The message is simple: the cost of a creative but non-compliant name isn’t worth the personal and corporate risk.

The Bigger Picture: Why Chiropractors Face Unique Compliance Challenges

California regulates about 25 types of professional corporations, each with its own governing board. Chiropractors face one of the most tightly controlled frameworks, where even minor oversights can trigger professional discipline.

How California Regulates 25 Different Professional Corporations

Compliance means aligning multiple legal sources:

• The California Corporations Code, specifically §13400-13410, also known as the Moscone-Knox Professional Corporation Act
• The Business and Professions Code, with statues specific to Chiropractors and Chiropractic Corporations (BPC §1000-1058)
• The Board of Chiropractic Examiners

These overlapping rules exist to protect consumers by ensuring that every chiropractic office can be directly linked to a licensed professional. But for professionals incorporating their private practice, they also create a layered framework for compliance.

Without proper guidance from an expert, things can easily lead to misinterpretation of laws and risks of rule violations.

Why Chiropractors Shouldn’t DIY Incorporation

Incorporating your private practice as a licensed chiropractor sets your career for long-term success and stability. But the process goes beyond just filling out forms and filing them with government offices.

The overlapping rules and laws you need to follow can get confusing but following them is non-negotiable.

Had Dr. Reyes opted for self-incorporation and followed everyone else using a chiropractor DBA in CA, it could have led to disciplinary action, loss of a professional license, and financial harm to the practice.

The risks are just too high, so just as patients shouldn’t attempt to adjust their own spine, chiropractors shouldn’t risk their licenses by establishing professional corporations alone.

Getting professional legal assistance in forming a chiropractic corporation ensures your name, filings, and registrations meet every requirement from the start.

FAQs About Using a Chiropractor DBA in California

Can chiropractor corporations in California use a DBA or fictitious business name?

No. Under BPC § 1054, any public name under which professional services are rendered – including marketing, signage, websites, or social media – must match the legal corporate name. Using a separate DBA for branding can be treated as rendering under a fictitious name, which is prohibited.

What are the penalties for violating chiropractic naming rules in California?

Violating the naming rule can be discipline by the Board of Chiropractic Examiners under unprofessional conduct, potentially including suspension, probation, or revocation of license for both the individual chiropractor and the corporation.

How can chiropractors build a brand without breaking the DBA rule?

You can choose a creative tagline, slogan, or design element for marketing. Just don’t forget that your actual business name, both in official documents and advertisements, must include a shareholder name, “chiropractic,” and a corporate designation.

What if I already registered or used a DBA for my chiropractic practice? 

If you’ve already filed or publicly used a chiropractor DBA in California, stop using it immediately and consider these steps:

1. Update all materials, signage, and listings to your legal corporate name. 
2. Withdraw the fictitious name filing with the county clerk. 
3. Consult an attorney immediately on how to confirm compliance. 

Taking swift corrective steps demonstrates good faith and may help mitigate disciplinary risk.

Stay Compliant, Stay Licensed: Get Help Forming Your Chiropractic PC Correctly

When it comes to using DBAs for chiropractors in CA, state law leaves no exceptions: chiropractors may not use a fictitious name or alternate brand no matter how small the difference is.

Seeing other chiropractors do it does not mean you should, too. Remember that violations can lead to fines, license suspension, or even revocation. Don’t take that risk.

Forming your chiropractic professional corporation? Call us today at (714) 634-4838 or use our website’s contact form to schedule your consultation. Get expert guidance and incorporate your private practice in compliance with the law from day one!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney familiar with California chiropractic law.