How to obtain this service…
- By mail:
Complete, download and sign the online application. Mail the completed form and appropriate fees to our office for processing. - Online with Credit Card Payment (Internet Explorer Recommended):
Complete the online application. Once completed, email our office the SST# at FBNFileSubmission@arc.sbcounty.gov. Allow 5-7 business days for our office to review your application. Once your application has been reviewed, you will receive an email from SigniX. This email will prompt you to review the FBN statement and electronically sign your statement before finalization of the filing.
Filings are processed within 5-7 business days from the date you contact the Clerk staff at FBNFileSubmission@arc.sbcounty.gov with your SST#. Duplicate submissions will delay the overall processing time and are not eligible for a refund.
The County Clerk is responsible for determining the acceptability, not the legal sufficiency of documents presented for filing. Questions regarding the legal sufficiency of any document should be referred to an attorney.
A fictitious business name shall be filed within 40 days of first transacting business. Once registered, it is effective for 5 years. The fictitious business name will need to be re-registered prior to the date of expiration, or if there are changes to the filed statement; except the change of a residence address.
Once the FBN has been filed, the application MUST be published in an adjudicated newspaper one day per week for four (4) consecutive weeks. Publication must start within 30 days of filing the statement with the County Clerk’s office.
Check the Fictitious Business Name index to determine if the selected name is a business name that is the same or is similar to one already on file. Please contact us at (855) REC-CLERK or (855) 732-2575 if you have questions.
For the complete Business and Professions Code, click here.
Additional information available below.