Fictitious business name statement

If you run a business for profit and use a name that does not include your last name, the law requires you to file a fictitious business name.

You must file within 40 days of starting your business, in the county where your principal place of business is located.

Important details:

• Filings are valid for 5 years, unless there is any change in the filing information
• If anything changes, you must file an update with a new form
• If you keep using the same name after 5 years, you must renew with a new form from the County Clerk’s Office
• You can file the form in person or by mail
• You must publish your filing in an  approved publication.

A monthly report of fictitious business names is available for $25 per month.

Before filing, the registrant is responsible for checking if the business name is available.

Fictitious business names are public records. You can search to find out:

• If a name is already registered
• The true names of the business owners
• Filing and expiration dates