Can I write off expenses spent before registering business?

I spent $200 on my site so far. I haven't registered my business with my State yet.

Can I still write off that $200 after I register for a license?

I'm in California USA.

I think you only need a tax id from IRS. You can file federal and state with the tax id.

You will not need any information like receipts or other expense reports until you file your taxes for 2011 in 2012. But I'm in North Carolina so we might be different here.

You shouldnt have a problem writing that off. Unless you plan on spending more than $8k over the year I wouldnt really worry about it. You can just go with the standard deduction of $8k with no questions asked (legally).