In the case of a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, a fictitious business name is any name other than the exact name that is on record with the Secretary of the State’s Office.
California law requires that FBN’s are filed at the County level; there is no State-wide registry or national registry.
Can I use a P.O. Box for an Address?A post office box does not satisfy the requirement of “street address” or “residence address.”
Can I abbreviate my cities name?All city names must be spelled out on the Fictitious Business Name Statement.
How do I go about filing an FBN statement?An FBN statement can be filed online, in-person or by mailing a completed application with payment.
Can I come in and file for someone else?Yes, as long as you bring in a complete application signed (original signature) by the owner/s.
What happens if I don’t publish in an adjudicated newspaper of general publication?Your filing will expire 30 days from the date you filed and you will have to file again, and pay the fee/s.
Am I able to make any changes to my FBN after I file?No, changes can not be made to the filing including business address, owner’s address or to add an additional owner(s) name(s) changes. These changes are considered a new filing and the same requirements for publishing apply.
How do I search a business name that may have been filed?A search for a business name can be done through our website.
Is this where I come and get my license?No, business license/permit is obtained through City Hall where the business is located.
My business is located in an unincorporated area, do I need a business license?The following types of businesses are required to have a County business license issued by the Clerk of the Board’s office in order to operate in an unincorporated area:
Resale license is obtained through the State Board of Equalization located in the City of Riverside.
Where do I get my employee Tax ID number?You will need to contact the Franchise Tax Board.