Business services
California DBA filing
A California DBA is a fictitious business name filed with the county of the principal business location, not with the Secretary of State. BPC § 17910 generally requires filing within 40 days after commencing business; § 17917 requires publication to begin within 45 days of filing, once weekly for four successive weeks, then an affidavit within 45 days after completion. Confirm exemptions, the adjudicated newspaper and separate local filing and publication fees with the clerk.
Last reviewed: October 2026
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The requirements
What to know before you file
File with your county / 40 days
File with the county of the principal business location. BPC § 17910 generally requires the statement within 40 days after commencing business under the fictitious name.
Official source: California Legislative InformationPublication / BPC § 17917
Begin publication within 45 days after filing in an adjudicated newspaper of general circulation in the relevant county, once a week for four successive weeks. File the affidavit within 45 days after completion. The current section attributes the deadline amendment to SB 1495 (2022), not AB 878; verify any exemption with the clerk.
Official source: California Legislative InformationCounty fee examples
Los Angeles: $26 base plus $5 per additional name or registrant. Publication, service fees and applicable taxes are separate. County schedules can change; confirm the current fee before filing.
Official source: https://www.lavote.gov/home/county-clerk/fictitious-business-names/feesOrange / San Diego county fees
Orange: $23 base plus $7 for additional names or owners as specified by the clerk.
Official source: https://www.ocrecorder.com/clerk-services/fictitious-business-nameSan Diego county fees
San Diego: $54 base plus $5 per additional name or owner.
Official source: https://www.sdarcc.gov/content/dam/arcc/recorder-county-clerk/forms/Recorder%20County%20Clerk%20Fee%20Schedule.pdfFive-year expiration
BPC § 17920 generally makes a statement expire five years after filing; certain changes can cause earlier expiration. AB 878 amended other FBN provisions effective January 1, 2024, not § 17917’s publication deadline. A DBA does not create a separate legal entity.
Official source: California Legislative InformationThe answers that matter
Frequently asked questions
No. File with the county clerk for the principal business location.
Official source: California Secretary of StateWithin 45 days after filing; publish weekly for four successive weeks and file the affidavit within 45 days after completion, subject to the statutory exceptions.
Official source: California Legislative InformationExamples are LA $26, Orange $23 and San Diego $54 base fees, with additional-name/owner charges and separate newspaper costs. Confirm your selected county’s schedule.
Official source: https://www.lavote.gov/home/county-clerk/fictitious-business-names/feesYour next chapter. In California.
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Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.