How do I file a fictitious business name in San Francisco?
There are four steps to file a fictitious business name in San Francisco.
You first need to check to see if your desired business name is taken. You can check the Fictitious Business Name Index three different ways. You can search the FBN Search online.
You can also search at the SF Tax Collectors Office’s located at City Hall, Suite 140 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. You can also search at the County Clerk’s Office located at City Hall, Suite 168, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. You can also check for registered fictitious business names at the Secretary of State's Business Division.
Once you have searched to make sure the name you want is available you need to go to the Tax Collector's Office at City Hall, Room 140. And once there you will need to:
1. Complete Business Registration Certificate application. The Application for Business Registration Certificate is online Business Registration Certificate Forms
2. Pay registration fee.
You can obtain a Fictitious Business Name Statement online under the Forms page. Once completed you can submit the form at the San Francisco County Clerk's Information Counter. You can also submit the Fictitious Business Name Statement by mail.
To mail the Fictitious Business Name Statement you need to complete the form and mail it along with corresponding fees with a self-addresses stamped envelope. A copy of the filed statement will be issued to you.
Once you receive the copy from the County Clerk you must publish a notice in one of the San Francisco court approved newspapers (listing of newspapers) within 30 days from the date of filing, once a week for 4 consecutive weeks.
For additional information view the FBN Publication Requirement Instructions.
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