How do I apply for a Fictitious Business Name Statement?

There are two methods for applying for a Fictitious Business Name Statement:

  • By personally appearing at the County Clerk Office
  • By mail

Walk-in Applications for a Fictitious Business Name Statement can be obtained at the:

Stanislaus County Clerk Office,
1021 I Street, Suite 101
Modesto, California
95354-0847
Directions

Phone: (209) 525-5250
Fax: (209) 525-5804
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mailed applications can be sent to:
Stanislaus County Clerk Office,
1021 I Street, Suite 101
Modesto, California
95354-0847

Obtaining information:

For recorded information call (209) 525-5250

Who must file:

  • Persons doing business for profit under a fictitious name (does not include surname in company name)
  • Statement must be filed in county of principal place of business, and may also be filed in other counties as long as the requirements for filing in the county of principal place of business have been met

Requirements to file:

  • File within 40 days of business start date
  • Owner must sign (corporate officer if corporation; manager or officer if limited liability company)
  • Street address of principal place of business and county must be listed (corporation/limited liability companies must include an address and State of incorporation/organization)
  • All owners and their residence address must be listed
  • There are fees for the first business name on the statement and for each additional business name on the same statement and doing business at the same location. Additional fees are charged for each additional owner in excess of two owners. For current fees, click here
  • A filed copy of the statement must be published once per week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in Stanislaus County (list available at County Clerk Office or click here)
  • Publication begins within 30 days of filing

Conditions:

  • Filing does NOT reserve the name-it is for consumer protection purposes only
  • Filing is good for 5 years if no changes are made
  • Any change except owner residence address requires re-filing and republication within 40 days of the change
  • Name must be abandoned if no longer in business by filing a statement of abandonment, paying the fee, and publication. For current statement of abandonment fees, click here. For the Statement of Abandonment for, click here.

Additional Information regarding the filing of a Fictitious Business Name Statement:

  • Be certain the information in the statement is correct and complete before filing it. You cannot make changes to the statement once it has been filed.  Any changes would require the filing of a new statement, payment of the filing fees again, and publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Stanislaus County. For a listing of newspapers of general circulation, click here.
  • When you file a fictitious business name statement, it does not reserve the name for your exclusive use.  The filing is for consumer protection, and is a requirement under Business & Professions Code Section 17900.
  • The County Clerk Office cannot refuse to file a fictitious business name statement because the name is already being used by someone else.
  • If there is a conflict between business owners using the same or similar names, it becomes a legal matter between the business owners.
  • Your residence address (where you live) must be listed under the registrant information.  If the registrant is a corporation/LLC, an address (not P. O. Box) and the State of Incorporation/Organization must be listed.
  • All information contained in the statement is a PUBLIC record, including your residence address. Anyone can purchase a copy of the statement.
  • All original filings as well as filings with a change in the facts from the previous filing must be published.  The statement must be published in a newspaper of general circulation, once per week for four consecutive weeks.  The first publication must begin within thirty days of the date the statement is filed in the County Clerk Office. A list of newspapers is available from the Clerk office, or click here.
  • The proof of publication must be filed in the County Clerk’s Office.  Please check with the newspaper to see if they will forward the original to our office for filing.
  • The statement is a REFILE WITH NO CHANGES if NO information (including residence address of the owner(s)) changed from the previous filing.  Statements filed as a REFILE WITH NO CHANGES do not need to be published provided they are refiled within 40 days of the expiration of the current statement.  The customer is responsible for determining whether publication on a refiled statement is required.
  • The statement is valid for five years from the date it is filed in the County Clerk’s Office, unless there is a change in any information (except the registered owners address).  A change requires a new statement be filed within 40 days of the change.  The new statement would also need to be published.
  • If you have any questions regarding the filing of your fictitious business name statement, please call 209-525-5250, or come to our office at 1021 I Street, Suite 101, Modesto, CA  95354.

Where to get forms:

  • Come to the Stanislaus County Clerk’s Office, 1021 I St., Suite 101, Modesto, CA  95354
  • Mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to County Clerk, P. O. Box 1670, Modesto, CA  95353 requesting the form
  • Download form [PDF]

How to get information about a fictitious business name statement filed in Stanislaus County:

  • Call 209-525-5250
  • Come into the County Clerk’s Office between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
  • Write to the County Clerk’s Office and include a self-addressed stamped envelope
  • Fictitious Business Statements are generally only one page. The fee for a certified copy is the same as any general copy. For current fees, click here.

Forms


Information About forms

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