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Fictitious Business Names
This web page explains some of the requirements for filing a Fictitious Business Name in
Marin County. The page is maintained by the office of the Marin County Clerk. Questions,
comments and suggestions should be directed to
countyclerk@co.marin.ca.us You may use this FBN Search link to do an online lookup for fictitious business name statements currently on file with the County. You may use this FBN Apply link to start the FBN application process or you can fill out a paper application in the County Clerk office. In either case you must still finalize your application request in person at the County Clerk office. If you cannot appear in person to sign the application, you must apply with a paper application done in triplicate and mail the signed application to the County Clerk's office. For a paper application, mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to: Marin County Clerk, P.O. Box E, SanRafael, CA 94913 with your request.
If the registrant in an individual, the statement must be signed by the individual. If the registrant is a partnership or other association of person, a partner/officer shall sign the statement. If the registrant is a trust, a trustee shall sign the statement. If the registrant is a State/Local Registered Domestic Partner, the statement must be signed by one of the partners. If the registrant is a foundation, the statement must be signed, if an association, by one of the partners, if corporation/LLC, by a corporate/LLC officer. Signature stamps and attorney-in-fact signatures are not acceptable.
Filing a Fictitious Business Name Statement
The law requires every person who transacts a business for profit under a fictitious business name to file a statement in the county of the principal place of business within 40 days from the time such business commences. The statement expires in 5 years and a new filing is required upon expiration.
A professional corporation may adopt any name permitted by law. Similarly, a foreign professional corporation qualified to render professional services in this state may transact intrastate business in this state by any name permitted by law. The Secretary of State may require proof by affidavit or otherwise establishing that the name of the foreign or domestic professional corporation complies with the law.
If you are interested in determining whether there is a fictitious business name statement on file for a particular business or to determine the true names of the owners, you may view the index and records at the County Clerks Office, room 247, Hall of Justice, Marin County Civic Center. Office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office is closed on all legal holidays. A computerized index is also available at the Civic Center Branch Library during library hours,
as well as this online FBN Search page which you can use to find FBN numbers of statements currently on file with the County.
A certificate of record or a certificate of no record is $5.00. A certified copy of a filed statement is $3.00.
The fee for filing a fictitious business name statement is $42.00 for one owner and business name, plus $7.00 for each additional owner or business name.
You may apply your Fictitious Business Name online by click the link FBN Apply or you may obtain a form for filing a fictitious business name statement at the County Clerk's Office, Room 247, Hall of Justice, Marin County Civic Center. If you wish to receive a form by mail, please send your request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Marin County Clerk, ATTN.: FBN, PO Box E, San Rafael, CA 94913.
For additional information, please call (415) 499-6152 during regular business hours.
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