California Fictitious Business Name / Assumed Name filings

If you file Fictitious Business Name statements in California...

...make sure you (or your service company) are aware of the recent changes to the filing requirements. These requirements were amended by California Assembly Bill 1325, Laws of 2013, effective January 1, 2014.

Due to the wording of the amendment, actual requirements may vary in each county. You can contact us for assistance with understanding your specific requirements. In general, the following changes apply:

1. Filers must present personal I.D. in the form of a California driver's license or other government I.D. acceptable to the county clerk to adequately determine the identity of the registrant or filing agent.
2. County clerks may require registrants to sign an affidavit of identity.
3. County clerks may require filing agents to sign an affidavit of identity declaring that the registrant has authorized the agent to file on behalf of the registrant.
4. Registrants that are corporations, LLCs and LLPs must file a status certificate from the Secretary of State certifying to the existence and good standing of the registrant.