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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 7Pt. 3Ch. 5§ 17915 Fictitious Business Name Filing

§ 17915 Fictitious Business Name Filing

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 17915 Fictitious Business Name Filing

Key Takeaways

  • •If you run a business under a fake name (not your real name), you must tell the county clerk where your main business is.
  • •If your business isn’t in California, you must tell the clerk in Sacramento County.
  • •You can also tell other counties about your fake business name, but you still have to follow the main rule.

Example

You open a lemonade stand called 'Sunny’s Sweet Lemonade' but your real name is Jane.

You have to file a paper with the county clerk where your lemonade stand is, saying 'Sunny’s Sweet Lemonade' is just a fake name for your business.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 17915 Fictitious Business Name Filing

A fictitious business name statement shall be filed with the clerk of the county in which the registrant has his or her principal place of business in this state or, if the registrant has no place of business in this state, with the Clerk of Sacramento County. This chapter does not preclude a person from filing a fictitious business name statement in a county other than that where the principal place of business is located, as long as the requirements of this section are also met. (Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 179, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 2009.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

fictitious business name statementprincipal place of businessClerk of Sacramento County

Related Statutes

  • § 17913 Fictitious Business Name Statement Form
  • § 17914 Fictitious Business Name Signatures
  • § 17916 Fictitious Business Name Filing
  • § 17917 Fictitious Business Name Publication
  • § 17918 Fictitious Business Name Enforcement

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 17915.
View Official Source