Fictitious Business Names

A fictitious business name statement (D.B.A. or "doing business as") must be registered with the county clerk of the county of the registrant’s principal place of business if the business is any of the following:

  • Sole proprietorship doing business under a name not containing the owner’s surname, such as Smith Accounting Services;
  • Partnership; or,
  • Corporation doing business under a name other than its legal name

Every person or entity who regularly transacts business in this state for profit under a fictitious business name shall file a fictitious business name (FBN) statement not later than 40 days from the date such business commences. The registrant shall file a new statement on or before the date of expiration of each FBN statement.

The statement shall be filed in the county in which the principal place of business is located. If your principal place of business is located in Alameda County, use the links below. If not, use the links at right to visit other County FBN websites.

Departments

Web Resources