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Fictitious Business Name

California fictitious business name filing assistance, with county requirements and applicable publication steps confirmed for your request.

Reference fee · subject to written scope

$325county fees & publication included

California DBA / fictitious business name filing

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Included in the reference scope

  • Review of registrant information and county requirements
  • Preparation and submission of the agreed FBN statement
  • County filing fees and newspaper publication

Separate or not included

  • Trademark clearance, licenses and entity formation

County fees and newspaper publication are included. Applicable publication requirements and responsibility for proof-of-publication filings are confirmed before work begins.

Service availability and scope are confirmed before engagement. An inquiry does not appoint a registered agent or authorize a filing.

The overview

Know what you’re filing.

A fictitious business name, often called a DBA or “doing business as,” identifies a name used in business that differs from the owner’s or entity’s legal name under the applicable rules. It does not create a separate legal entity.

In California, FBN statements are filed at the county level, generally where the principal place of business is located. The registrant details, filing method, publication requirements and renewal circumstances need to be reviewed for the particular filing.

A clear scope

What to expect.
What to confirm.

Your quote defines the included assistance. Legal advice, tax advice and unrelated filings are not included.

Filing assistance

  • Review of the business name, registrant information and relevant county.
  • Preparation and submission assistance for the agreed FBN statement.
  • County filing fees and newspaper publication, with applicable publication and proof requirements reviewed.

Matters to confirm

  • The correct county, owner or entity details and authorized signatures.
  • New filing versus renewal, changed information and applicable publication obligations.
  • County-specific publication requirements and responsibility for filing proof of publication.

The process

A clear next step.

  1. Identify the name and owner

    Share the trading name, legal owner and the county of the principal place of business.

  2. Confirm county requirements

    Review filing details, publication requirements and the responsibilities included in your quote.

  3. File and complete required publication

    After authorization, complete the agreed filing and any required publication and proof steps. Keep the records together.

Good questions

A little clarity
before you file.

DBA vs. forming an entity: what actually changes?
Does a DBA protect my personal assets?

No. An FBN is a name filing, not a new entity or a liability shield. Ask an attorney about business structure and the protections appropriate to your circumstances.

Does the DBA fee include publication?

Yes. County fees and newspaper publication are included. Applicable publication requirements and responsibility for proof-of-publication filings are confirmed for your county before work begins.

Does filing reserve the name as a trademark?

No. County filing does not guarantee that use of the name is free of conflicts or provide guaranteed trademark protection. Consider separate name and trademark review before investing in a brand.

Official references

General information, reviewed November 3, 2026. Requirements can change. Entity Master Corporation is an independent service, not a government agency. You may file directly with the relevant agency.

Also worth knowing

Related services

Let’s get it in order

Tell us what’s next
for your business.

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