DBA / Fictitious Business Name in California

What is DBA / Fictitious Business Name?

A DBA (Doing Business As), also called a Fictitious Business Name (FBN), lets a business operate under a name different from its registered legal name. In California, FBNs are filed at the county level and must be published in a local newspaper for four consecutive weeks. Many small businesses use a DBA to brand differently or operate multiple lines under one entity.

When you might need this service

• You want to operate under a marketing name different from your legal entity name (e.g. an LLC named "ACME Holdings LLC" doing business as "ACME Restaurants").
• A sole proprietorship is operating under any name other than the owner's personal legal name.
• An existing entity is adding a second brand line that needs its own customer-facing name.
• A bank is requiring an FBN filing before opening a business checking account under a marketing name.

How Sari Law Firm helps

We prepare and file the Fictitious Business Name Statement at the correct California county recorder's office, coordinate the required four-week newspaper publication, and file the proof of publication. Flat fee, typically wrapped in 4-6 weeks (publication-driven). We also flag trademark conflicts before you commit the brand to print.