FBN & DBA Resources
Plain-language guides and free tools related to publishing requirements for California business owners.
- Before you file: filing an FBN statement, county by countySteps, county fees, offices, and links to each county's official FBN pages.
- FBN publication, explainedStart here: what an FBN is, why California requires newspaper publication, and how the affidavit works.
- DBA vs. LLC in California: what's the difference?A DBA registers a name. An LLC creates a separate legal entity. Many businesses need both.
- What happens when a California FBN expires?FBNs expire after 5 years or after a change. Unchanged renewals refiled by the expiration date or within 40 days after skip publication.
- How to find an adjudicated newspaper for your FBNOnly court-adjudicated papers count. Your county clerk keeps a list; here is what to ask them.
- California FBN publication deadlines, explainedThree separate clocks: the first publication, the four weekly notices, and the affidavit filing.
- The affidavit of publication: what it is and how to confirm completionThe newspaper's signed proof of your four runs, and how it gets to the county clerk.
- How long does FBN publication take, from start to affidavit?Four weekly runs (about three weeks from first to last notice), then the affidavit filing.
- Can I publish my FBN in a different county?You publish in the county where your statement was filed, which is the county of your principal place of business.
- Missed the FBN Publication Deadline? What to Do NextPast the 45 days with no first notice? Publication can't be backdated; you generally refile, then publish within 45 days of the new filing.
- FBN publication deadline calculatorEnter your filing date and see your 45-day deadline.
- Does my FBN renewal need republication?Three questions, instant answer, based on the 40-day refiling rule.