Business Services

Fictitious Business Names : How to Register or Renew a Name

 

FBN Search Online | FBN Search in Person or by Mail | FBN How to Register or Renew a Name | Applicable Fees

 

If This is a New Application and Not a Renewal of an Existing Fictitious Business Name Statement, Read This:

The person registering the Fictitious Business Name Statement is responsible for advertising it within 30 days in a general circulation newspaper distributed in San Mateo County. The advertisement must be published once a week for four successive weeks. The person registering the name must file an affidavit of publication with the County Clerk within 30 days after the last advertisement appeared. The newspaper selected should be one that circulates in the area where the business is to be conducted. Information about which newspapers have been certified as general circulation newspapers is available from staff at the County Clerk's office.

Fictitious Business Name Registration

If This is an Application to Renew a Fictitious Business Name Statement Before it Expires (normally at the end of five years), Read This:

A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the end of the 5-year expiration period for the business to continue doing business under that name. A new Fictitious Business number will be assigned. There is no advertising requirement if there have been no changes to the facts in the original statement.

However, if any change has occurred in the facts in the original statement, the Fictitious Business Name Statement is considered the same as a new one and must be published according to the schedule described in the paragraph above. The person filing the new form is responsible for determining if the facts have changed.

Persons stating incorrect facts may be subject to penalties and fines as set out in California's Business & Professions Code Section 17930).

Fictitious Business Name Registration

 

NOTE:  Please make check out to San Mateo County Clerk.