Do I need a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) or Doing Business As (DBA)?
In Sonoma County, if your business name does not include the surnames of the owner, or if a business begins operating under a name not included in the Articles of Incorporation, you need to file for an FBN.
✒️ What is an FBN?
Filing an FBN will make the name of the business owner publicly available. The purpose of filing an FBN is to inform the public who is behind your business operations if it does not already include your surname(s). This applies to both sole proprietorships and partnerships.
FBNs are sometimes referred to as "Doing Business As" (DBAs).
🗃️ Who Needs to File an FBN?
A business needs to obtain a Fictitious Business Name Statement (FBN) if it is headquartered in Sonoma County and does not include the owner's surname(s) in the business name.
A limited liability partnership (LLP) or corporation (LLC) must file an FBA if they will be doing business under a name not stated in the Articles of Incorporation/Articles of Organization as filed with the California Secretary of State.
If you are unsure if you need an FBN, please see the California of the Office of Small Business Advocate's Choosing a Business Name.
📝 Apply for an FBN
Before filing for your FBN with the Clerk-Recorder's Office, you will need to search registered FBN's and make sure your name is available. You can file an FBN online, via mail, or in person.
You can search for current FBN's with an Online Records Search from the County's Clerk-Recorder's Office.
If you have any questions related to filing an FBN, please contact the Clerk-Recorder Office:
ClerkRecorder@sonoma-county.org
(707) 565-3800
585 Fiscal Drive Room 103
Santa Rosa, CA 95403