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Applying for a Fictitious Business Name

You may file your fictitious business name application with the County Clerk by the methods provided on this page.

Please allow enough time to finalize your transaction prior to 3:30 p.m. No processing after 3:30 p.m.

Filing or Renewing a Fictitious Business Name

If you are renewing your fictitious business name (FBN), you still need to complete and submit a Fictitious Business Name Statement form.

How to Submit Your Fictitious Business Name Statement

By Mail
Send your form and payment to:
Marin County Clerk
P.O. Box C
San Rafael, CA 94913

Make checks payable to the Marin County Clerk, and include a phone number on your check/money order

Visit Our Office:

3501 Civic Center Dr., Room 234
San Rafael, CA  94903.

Valid picture identification is required to file the fictitious business name statement.  Please allow enough time to finalize your transaction prior to 3:30 p.m.  

Make checks payable to the Marin County Clerk, and include a phone number on your check/money order

When to Publish Your Fictitious Business Name

You must publish your FBN statement in a newspaper of general circulation in Marin County:

  • Within 45 days after filing a new FBN statement.
  • If you make any changes to your existing FBN (like address or ownership).
  • If your FBN statement expired more than 40 days ago.

The notice must be:

  • Published once a week for 4 weeks in a row.
  • Followed by an Affidavit of Proof of Publication sent directly from the newspaper to our office.

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Page updated June 24, 2025