What’s in a dba?

A trade name, assumed name, fictitious business name or dba (doing business as) is required when an individual is doing business for profit under a fictitious name.  In the County of San Diego, if required, a fictitious business name statement must be filed within 40 days of first transacting business with the County Recorder.  The statement may be filed in person or by mail and the fee is $25 for the first business name and owner and $5 for each additional business name or additional owner.           

Do you need to file a fictitious business name statement?  A fictitious business name is, as defined by the San Diego County Recorder’s website, a business name that does not include the surname of the individual owner and each of the partners or the nature of the business is not clearly evident by name.  If a corporation uses any name other than the exact corporate name that is filed in the articles of incorporation, then it is considered a fictitious business name.   

If you are forming or already running a business, make sure you remember to evaluate the need for a fictitious business name statement.  You should also make yourself aware of any published notice requirement and expiration of fictitious business names.  

-Jamie T. Pruitt

Jamie Pruitt Law 

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