Assumed Names

                                                      Requirements

A person who regularly conducts business, or renders a professional service in this state, under an assumed name other than as a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or foreign filing entity in a particular county must file an Unincorporated Assumed Name Certificate with the County Clerk so that a record is available as to the business.

Effective Sept. 1, 2019, Incorporated Assumed Name Certificates for a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or foreign filing entity will no longer be recorded locally in the County Clerk's office.  They are to be filed in the office of the Secretary of State only.  

The County Clerk shall keep an alphabetical index of all assumed names (i.e. Business names) and an alphabetical index of all persons filing the assumed name certificates ( i.e. Owners). An Assumed Name Certificate is effective for 10 years from the date of the filing of the certificate. At the end of the 10 year time period, the certificate becomes null and void unless within 6 months prior to the expiration date, a renewal certificate is filed with the County Clerk.

                                                  Withdrawal Certificate

 A registrant who has filed an assumed name certificate, which ceases to transact business or render professional services under the assumed name stated in the certificate, may file a statement of abandonment with the county also known as an Assumed Name Withdrawal Certificate.

                                     (Business and Commerce Code Chapter 71)

                                                                   Fees

Filing fees for assumed name certificates are $13.50 for a sole proprietorship and $0.50 per signature of each additional owner.