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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 7Pt. 3Ch. 5§ 17922 Abandoning Fictitious Business Name

§ 17922 Abandoning Fictitious Business Name

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

§ 17922 Abandoning Fictitious Business Name

Key Takeaways

  • •If you stop using a fake business name in California, you must tell the county clerk by filing a special form called a 'statement of abandonment'.
  • •You have to publish this form in a newspaper, just like when you first registered the fake name, and then prove you did it by filing another paper with the county clerk.
  • •The form must include details like the fake name you're stopping, when you first registered it, and who owns the business (like your name, or the names of partners if it's a group).
  • •This rule applies to all kinds of businesses, like solo owners, partnerships, corporations, and even trusts.

Example

Imagine you opened a lemonade stand called 'Sunny’s Sweet Lemonade' and registered that fake name with the county. Now, you decide to close the stand and stop using that name.

You have to fill out a form telling the county you’re no longer using 'Sunny’s Sweet Lemonade'. You also have to publish this in a local newspaper and then show the county proof that you did it. This way, everyone knows you’re not using that name anymore.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 17922 Abandoning Fictitious Business Name

(a) Upon ceasing to transact business in this state under a fictitious business name that was filed in the previous five years, a registrant who has filed a fictitious business name statement shall file a statement of abandonment of use of fictitious business name. The statement of abandonment shall be executed in the same manner as a fictitious business name statement, excluding the requirements of subdivisions (d), (e), and (f) of Section 17913 and shall be filed with the county clerk of the county in which the registrant has filed the fictitious business name statement. The statement shall be published in the same manner as a fictitious business name statement and an affidavit showing its publication shall be filed with the county clerk after the completion of publication. (b) The statement shall include: (1) The name being abandoned and the street address of the principal place of business. (2) The date on which the fictitious business name statement relating to the fictitious business name being abandoned was filed, the file number, and the county where filed. (3) In the case of an individual, the full name and business mailing address of the individual. (4) In the case of a married couple, the full name and business mailing address of both parties to the marriage. (5) In the case of a general partnership, a limited partnership, copartners, a limited liability partnership, a joint venture, or an unincorporated association other than a partnership, the full names and business mailing addresses of all of the general partners. (6) In the case of a corporation, the name and address of the corporation as set forth in its articles of incorporation on file with the California Secretary of State. (7) In the case of a trust, the full name and business mailing address of each of the trustees. (8) In the case of a limited liability company, the name and address of the limited liability company as set forth in its articles of organization on file with the California Secretary of State. (9) In the case of state or local registered domestic partners, the full name and business mailing address of each domestic partner. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 20, Sec. 4. (AB 878) Effective January 1, 2024.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

fictitious business namestatement of abandonmentcounty clerk

Related Statutes

  • § 17923 Partner Withdrawal Filing
  • § 17925 Fictitious Business Name Records
  • § 12500.10 Unapproved Device Removal
  • § 17900 Fictitious Business Name Filing
  • § 17905 County Clerk Duties Delegation

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 17922.
View Official Source