Fictitious Business Names

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• File Fictitious Business Name Online
• Fictitious Business Name Statement Form(PDF 378 kB)
• Fictitious Business Name Statement Optional Addendum Page(PDF 157 kB)
• Statement of Abandonment of Use of Fictitious Business Name(PDF 376 kB)
• Statement of Withdrawal from Partnership Operating Under Fictitious Business Name(PDF 312 kB)

• Anyone doing business for profit under a fictitious name, as governed by California Business and Professions Code § 17900.
• Statement is required to be filed in county of principal place of business

∗ May also be filed in other counties as long as the requirements for filing in the county of principal place of business have been met

• If filing a Fictitious Business Name in the office, the individual filing the statement is required by law to show valid, government issued ID.
• Be certain the information in the statement is correct and complete before filing it.
• No changes can be made to the statement once it has been filed.
• If the statement is renewed and any information changes, including owner residence address, publication is required. 
• Any changes (except owner address) require the applicant to file a new FBN statement within 40 days of the change, pay the applicable fees and publish within 45 days of the updated filing.
• All information contained in the statement is a Public record, including your residence address.
  • Anyone can purchase copies of the statement
• The Statement will expire after 5 years
  • An expiration reminder notice will be sent to the mailing address on the Statement
• Name must be abandoned if no longer in business by filing statement of abandonment, paying $31.00 fee, and publication
• State Law requires the disclosure of actual street address for the place of business.
• Methods of Doing Business
• Publication Requirements
• List of Adjudicated Newspapers in Sonoma County

• Fictitious Business Name Statement
  • $55.00 for the first business name and first owner name
  • $9.00 for each additional business or owner name
• Statement of Abandonment - $31.00
• Withdrawal from Partnership - $31.00

• Filing a Fictitious Business Name Statement does not reserve the name for your exclusive use.
• It is a consumer protection
• It is a requirement under Business & Professions Code § 17900.
• The County Clerk-Recorder cannot refuse to file a fictitious business name statement because the name is already being used by someone else.
• If there is a conflict between business owners using the same or similar names, it becomes a legal matter between the business owners.

• Please read the instructions on the form carefully. Changes to the form cannot be made after the statement is filed.
• Business Address
  • State Law requires the disclosure of actual street addresses for the place of business
  • Use the address of the physical location of the principal place of business
    • Do not use a mailing address such as a P.O. Box, postal suite, postal drop box, mailing suite, etc.
    • If you operate the business out of your home, use the home address
  • If no street address is assigned, give the exact location of the business plus the rural route, slip number, or other number assigned
• Registered Owner Address
  • The registered owner may provide the business mailing address.
  • For Corporations or LLC's:
    • Registrant address can be the address listed on the registration paperwork with the Secretary of State
    • The State of Incorporation must be listed
    • Foreign Corporations or LLC's must be registered with the California Secretary of State 

To find out more about opening a small business in Sonoma County, please visit the Sonoma County Economic Development Board, Business Resources website

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