What is a fictitious business name?
A fictitious business name is a name owners give their businesses. Usually the name describes the type of business and is different from the name of the owner, partnership or corporation. A fictitious business name is often referred to a "DBA," meaning "doing business as."

Who needs a fictitious business name?
Practically anybody who wants to open and conduct a business in the state of California. The state of California Business and Profession Code (Chap. 5, section 17900) requires any individual, partnership or other associations or corporations who regularly transact business for profit in this state under a fictitious business name.

If you want to open a business and have questions whether or not you need to file a fictitious business name statement, you may call the Daily Journal Corporation fictitious business name hotline at 800-788-7840 for free information.

This process sometimes takes hours of waiting and standing in line at your county clerk's office. Save time and money by allowing the Daily Journal to perform this tedious task for you. Simply call 800-788-7840 for low rates and fast service.

Daily Journal Corporation offers the most complete fictitious business name service available in California. Our service includes:

• Filing your statement in any county on California
• Typesetting and proofreading your notice
• Selecting the proper newspaper of general circulation and order proper publication in that newspaper.
• Following publication, we will file a proof of publication (an affidavit) with the appropriate county clerk.
• Send you a copy of your advertisement as it appears in the newspaper and a copy of your proof of publication for your files.
• In some counties, you will receive a free classified advertisement in the newspaper that published your fictitious business name statement and/or valuable information and tips on how to operate a business in California.