I just read that you can find out who an online business belongs to on WHOIS...?

So should everyone (in CA) who starts an online business not only register and get a business license but also register the domain name at a place like WHOIS? I have my website up and running, I already have a few regular clients. I don't need a Fictious Business Name as my last name is in my business' name. I am the sole proprietor and have no employees. I don't sell anything but my translation services. So, do I really have to register my website somewhere? I read so many things on different sites and I am unable to find the answer to that question so far. If you know anyting, I would appreciate any suggestions and feedback. Thanks!

First of all, there is no place "WHOIS." "WHOIS" is a look up function available at the larger domain-name hosting companies. For example, go to the Network Solutions site or the Names Direct site (www.networksolutions.com). Somewhere on the home page you will find a link to the site's WHOIS function. Click on the link and you will be taken to a screen where you can do a search on one of several criteria. I found out the hard way that in some cases not all of the domains can be located on Network Solutions. I had used Names Direct before, so I try there if the domain is not at Network Solutions. I have always found what I am looking for if I take this approach

I do not know about Names Direct, but Network Solutions has an extra service that you can pay for: Private Registration. If you use this, your name will still appear when someone does a WHOIS search. However, Network Solutions will handle all inquiries from third parties regarding your domain. I think that it is well worth the money.

Finally, your Web site is more than likely already registered somewhere. Some company is hosting your Web site, more than likely the same company you used when you set up your business.

By the way, make sure that you look into (1) if you need to collect sales or use tax and (2) do you need a city business license?

Best of luck to you. Thank you for letting me be of service.

You can block people from seeing your WHOIS information through your domain name registrar (if that is what you are asking).