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WHAT IS IT?
This section will tell you how a Fictitious Business Name is defined,
as well as who should file a Fictitious Business Name Statement.
The Definition of Fictitious Business Name is:
A business name that DOES NOT include the surname of the individual owner,
AND EACH of the partners or the nature of the business is not clearly
evident by the name.
For example:
Doing business under a name like:
Eisenberg & Yandall Associates
or
Eisenberg & Yandall Sons
would require a Fictitious Business Name be registered, even though the
surname of the owner is stated, the words following the surname suggest
other owners that are not specifically named.
HOWEVER, doing business under a name like:
Teresa Fiske Plumbing
would NOT require a Fictitious Business Name be registered, because the
owner (Teresa Fiske) is conducting business under her legal name.
In the case of a corporation, a Fictitious Business Name is ANY name
OTHER than the EXACT corporate name as stated in the articles of incorporation.
WHEN IS IT REQUIRED?
Any person who regularly transacts business for profit, UNDER A FICTITIOUS
NAME, in the County of San Diego is required to file a Fictitious Business
Name Statement with the Recorder/County Clerk, within 40 days of first
transacting business.
PLEASE NOTE: Although registration of a Fictitious Business Name is required,
this office serves ONLY as the central depository of these names, neither
approving or disapproving a particular name and CANNOT accept any responsibility
for any omissions, similarities, or duplications among the Fictitious
Business Names on file. Fictitious Business Names are filed ONLY in the
county where the business is located. State-wide registries do NOT exist.
All prospective registrants are cautioned that REGISTRATION OF A FICTITIOUS
NAME DOES NOT GUARANTEE EXCLUSIVE USE OF THAT NAME.
For information on how to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement,
CLICK FILE IN PERSON OR FILE
BY MAIL.
For information on checking the registry for an existing Fictitious Business
Name, click Fictitious Business Name SEARCH IN
PERSON or SEARCH BY MAIL.
If you need to speak with a staff member, call (619) 237-0502. Press
0. Se habla Espanol.
FILE IN PERSON
Fictitious Business Name FILING IN-PERSON
For a definition of a Fictitious Business Name or information on who
is required to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement, click Fictitious
Business Name WHAT IS IT?.
For information on how to search the Registry of Fictitious Business
Names, in order to determine if a particular business name is currently
registered or, the name of the owner or owners of a particular business,
click SEARCH IN PERSON OR SEARCH
BY MAIL.
A Fictitious Business Name may be filed by mail or in person; however,
because of its importance, WE STRONGLY URGE YOU TO REGISTER IN PERSON.
If you are unable to appear in person and would like information on how
to file a Fictitious Business Name by mail, click Fictitious Business
Name FILE BY MAIL.
To file a Fictitious Business in person,
- FIRST: Search the "Index of Fictitious Business Names" located
at the Recorder/County Clerk’s office, to ensure the name you intend
to file IS NOT already registered.
- NEXT: Complete the filing form provided
- THEN: Present the completed form, along with payment at the customer
counter. A triplicate copy of the Statement will be returned to you.
The fee to register a Fictitious Business Name is:
$30.00 for the first business name and owner
AND
$5.00 for each additional business name OR owner name.
A Fictitious Business Name should be filed within 40 days of first transacting
business. Once registered, it is effective for 5 years. You will need
to re-register prior to the date of expiration or if the business location
changes. Fictitious Business Names are filed ONLY in the county where
the business is located. State-wide registries do NOT exist.
You will receive an automatic RENEWAL REMINDER which provides you notification prior
to the five year re-registration deadline. This service is provided for your convenience, for those who
do not plan to move or change their address in the next five years.
You may file a Fictitious Business Name Statement at our office
locations:
Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
holidays.
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, Kearny Mesa office only.
For further information on hours and locations, with directions, click
Phone Numbers/Locations.
If you need to speak with a staff member, please call
(619) 237-0502, Press 0. Se habla Espanol.
FILE BY MAIL
Because of its importance, the Recorder/County Clerk strongly recommends
that you register a Fictitious Business Name in person whenever possible.
This office CANNOT accept responsibility for any filing attempted by mail.
TO FILE BY MAIL complete an official Fictitious Business Name filing
form in black ink only.
Filing forms are available at all locations. You may also request a form
in writing. Send your request or all copies of the completed form, along
with a check made payable to San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk
AND a legal-size, self-addressed stamped envelope to:
San Diego Recorder/County Clerk
P.O. Box 121750
San Diego, CA 92112-1750
Attn: FBN
The fee to register a Fictitious Business Name is:
$30.00 for the first business name and owner
AND
$5.00 for each additional business name OR owner name.
Payment may be by check or Money Order payable to the San Diego County
Assessor/Recorder/Clerk.
A Fictitious Business Name should be filed within 40 days of first transacting
business. Once registered, it is effective for 5 years. You will need
to re-register, prior to the date of expiration or if the business location
changes. For information on hours and locations, with directions, click
Phone Numbers/Locations.
If you need to speak with a staff member, please call (619) 237-0502,
Press 0. Se habla Espanol.
SEARCH IN PERSON
Fictitious Business Name SEARCH IN-PERSON
We always suggest you search the Registry or file a Fictitious Business
Name Statement in person at one of our office
locations. However, if you are unable to come to the Recorder/County
Clerk's office, you may request a search or file a Fictitious Business
Name Statement by mail.
Staffing levels DO NOT permit ANY search requests by telephone.
For information on requesting a search of the Fictitious Business Name
Index by mail select Fictitious Business Name, click SEARCH
BY MAIL.
We always recommend that you search the Registry of Fictitious Business
Names before filing a Fictitious Business Name Statement.
The fees for copies are as follows:
$2.00 per page
AND
$1.00 for certification
Business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
holidays.
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, Kearny Mesa office only.
For further information on hours and locations with directions,
click Phone Numbers/Locations.
For information on how to file a Fictitious Business Name select Fictitious
Business Name click FILE IN PERSON or FILE
BY MAIL.
If you need to speak with a staff member, please call (619) 237-0502,
Press 0. Se habla Espanol.
SEARCH ONLINE
You can perform online searches of the unofficial index which is
updated nightly. Click here.
SEARCH BY MAIL
To request a Fictitious Business Name search by mail, you must provide
the EXACT business name and, if applicable, the owner name to be researched.
Send your request AND a legal-size, self-addressed stamped envelope with
check or money order payable to:
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk
P.O. Box 121750
San Diego, CA 92112-1750
Attn: FBN
Enclose $5.00 for each business or owner name to be researched and $2.00
for each copy of the statement requested plus $1.00 if certification is
required.
We will conduct the search on your behalf and respond within 2-3 weeks
of your request.
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