Anytime a business operates under a name other than that of the owner of a sole proprietorship or partnership, it must have a fictitious business name (FBN). In some localities an FBN is called a "doing business as" name (DBA). All incorporated businesses (including limited liability corporations) must have an FBN. Creating an FBN is usually done by registering it through the county clerk's office, although it is a function of the secretary of state's office in a few states. A business must have a separate FBN registration for each county it operates in and for each name it uses.
Return the completed FBN form to the county clerk or secretary of state's office. Include any registration fee.
Obtain an FBN registration form from your county clerk's office (in some states through the secretary of state's office). Complete the form and have your signature notarized. For corporations you must attach a copy of the articles of incorporation.
Deliver a copy of the FBN registration with the county recorder's court if required in your locality. You may also have to place a legal notice of the registration in a local newspaper.
Perform a name search to ensure the name you want to register is not already taken. In most states you can do this online through the secretary of state's website. If not, you can search the name at your county clerk's office.
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