Fictitious Business Names
Fictitious Business Names (FBN)
Few things are as important to a business as its name. It is the way customers find the business. Filing a Fictitious Business Name (FBN) Statement creates an accurate, easy-to-find record of who is responsible for the conduct of the business located in San Mateo County. A Fictitious Business Name Statement is not required if the business name also contains the legal name of the owner, because the legal name of the owner is a clear way of distinguishing the business from others.
The Fictitious Business Name filing process requires that the applicant advertise the name in a newspaper of general circulation within 30 days of the filing date. County staff have information about qualified newspapers and can assist applicants with this step.
Business licenses are issued by the city where the business is located. Business licenses for businesses located in the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County are issued by the San Mateo County Treasurer’s Office.
Business Resources
How to Register or Renew a Name
First-Time Applicants
If you are filing a New Application and Not Renewing an Existing Fictitious Business Name Statement, read this:
How to Withdraw
To remove one of the registrant names from a partnership, a Statement of Withdrawal from a Partnership Operating under a Fictitious Business Name can be filed.
How to Abandon
If the Fictitious Business name is no longer being used, the filing can be allowed to expire or a Statement of Abandonment of the Use of a Fictitious Business Name can be filed.
Statement of Abandonment of the Use of a Fictitious Business Name