If you are planning to start a business in Sacramento County, it is important to have a fictitious business name (FBN). A FBN is a legal name that is different from the owner’s name or the legal name of a business entity. A FBN is also known as a “Doing Business As” (DBA) name and is required by law in most states, including California. This article will guide you on how to obtain a FBN in Sacramento County.
First, you need to determine if you need a FBN in California. If you are conducting business under a name that is different from your personal name or the legal name of your business entity, you need to obtain a FBN. For example, if Jane Smith wants to start a business called “Jane’s Flower Shop”, she needs to obtain an FBN because the business name is different from her personal name.
Once you have determined that you need a FBN, you can file for it in Sacramento County. To file for a FBN, you need to visit the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s Office or file online through their website. The filing fee for an FBN is $40 for one business name and one registrant. If you have multiple business names or registrants, additional fees will apply. You also need to publish your FBN in a newspaper of general circulation in Sacramento County for four consecutive weeks.
The processing time for an FBN in California varies by county and can take up to four weeks. In Sacramento County, the processing time is typically 7-10 business days. Once your FBN is approved, you will receive a FBN statement, which is valid for five years. You need to renew your FBN statement every five years to keep your FBN active.
Lastly, it is important to understand the difference between FBN and DBA. FBN and DBA are used interchangeably in California, but they have different meanings. FBN is the legal name that is filed with the county, while DBA is the name that is used to conduct business. For example, if Jane Smith files for an FBN called “Jane’s Flower Shop”, her DBA name would be “Jane’s Flower Shop” because that is the name she uses to conduct business.
In conclusion, obtaining an FBN in Sacramento County is a straightforward process. You need to determine if you need an FBN, file for it with the Sacramento County Clerk/Recorder’s Office, publish it in a newspaper, and renew it every five years. Remember to use your FBN name for legal purposes and your DBA name for conducting business.