If you do business in Alameda County under a name other than your own legal name, you must file a fictitious business name statement with the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. This filing is often called a DBA, short for “doing business as.”
This guide summarizes the filing rules, fees and deadlines the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder publishes on its website, current as of Nov. 2, 2026. The Clerk-Recorder is the official authority on these rules. Fees and procedures can change, so confirm details on the Clerk-Recorder’s filing page before you file.
Who files in Alameda County
According to the Clerk-Recorder, you file with the clerk of the county where your principal place of business is located. If your business is in another Bay Area county, the Clerk-Recorder’s site links to those counties’ FBN pages.
Since Jan. 1, 2024, under AB 878, registrants list a business mailing address instead of a residence address, according to the Clerk-Recorder.
Alameda County fictitious business name fees
The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder charges $40 for one business name and one owner, according to its fee page.
Filing
Fee
One business name and one owner
$40
Each additional owner or business name on the same statement
$7
Statement of abandonment or partnership withdrawal
$35
Additional certified copy
$2
Plain copy, per page
$0.75
Return by FedEx, mail filings
$24
The Clerk-Recorder accepts checks, money orders and traveler’s checks payable to Alameda County Clerk Recorder. It accepts cash and debit cards in person only and does not accept credit cards for filings.
How to file
The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder accepts filings by mail or in person. Its filing page sets these requirements for every statement.
Print the complete business address and each registrant’s address. Post office boxes are not acceptable.
Sign the statement by hand. Stamped or digital signatures are not acceptable.
For a corporation or LLC, an officer must sign and include a title.
If the name includes Corporation, Inc., LLC, LLP or a similar term, include a state-endorsed copy of the articles of incorporation or organization.
File by mail Download the Clerk-Recorder’s application. Send the original, three copies, payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Clerk-Recorder does not require a copy of your ID for mail filings.
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office 1106 Madison St. Oakland, CA 94607
File in person Before your visit, submit your information online or complete the paper application. The online step does not finish your filing. You must visit a Clerk-Recorder’s office within 30 days with valid government-issued ID, payment and, for a paper form, the original and three copies. See the Clerk-Recorder’s directions and office hours.
Publish your statement
After you file, California law requires you to publish your statement in an Alameda County legally adjudicated newspaper of general circulation once a week for four consecutive weeks. Publication must take place within 45 days of filing, and an affidavit of publication must be filed with the Clerk-Recorder.
Adjudicated newspapers serving Alameda County include the East Bay Express and the Tri-City Voice.
The easy way to publish your Alameda County statement is to take a mobile phone photo or scan of it and upload it to PublishMyNotice.com.
Key deadlines
Step
Deadline
File your statement
Within 40 days of first doing business
Publish your statement
Within 45 days of filing
Finish an in-person filing started online
Within 30 days of submitting online
Renew your statement
Before the five-year expiration
Renewals
Under California law, a fictitious business name statement expires five years after filing. The Clerk-Recorder’s online pre-filing tool accepts both new filings and renewals.
Search Alameda County fictitious business names
The Clerk-Recorder advises researching its index before you file to make sure your name is unique. Use its Fictitious Business Name Research page. You need the filing number to order a copy of a statement.
Visit the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s office
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder’s Office 1106 Madison St. Oakland, CA 94607
The Clerk-Recorder notes that you can file in person at any of its offices. See its directions and office hours for other locations.
Get directions in Google Maps
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Alameda County fictitious business name questions and answers
Where can I file a fictitious business name in Alameda County?
You can file in person at either of two Alameda County Clerk-Recorder offices. The Oakland office also accepts filings by mail. The Dublin office does not accept mail.
Oakland office 1106 Madison St. Oakland, CA 94607 Map
Tri-Valley office 7600 Dublin Blvd., Suite 160 Dublin, CA 94568 Map
When is the Oakland Clerk-Recorder’s office open?
The Oakland office is open 8:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday, except county holidays.
When is the best time to visit the Oakland office?
For faster service, avoid the Oakland office’s busiest hours, between noon and 2pm.
Is there parking at the Oakland office?
The Oakland office has limited metered street parking.
Can I take BART to the Oakland office?
Yes. The Oakland Clerk-Recorder’s building sits a few blocks from the Lake Merritt BART station.
How do I find the Dublin office entrance?
Enter the Tri-Valley office in Dublin through the building’s courtyard.
Is there parking at the Dublin office?
Yes. The Tri-Valley office in Dublin offers free customer parking.
Can I take BART to the Dublin office?
Yes. The Tri-Valley office is within walking distance of the West Dublin/Pleasanton BART station.
Can I mail my filing to the Dublin office?
No. Mail your Alameda County fictitious business name filing to the Oakland office at 1106 Madison St., Oakland, CA 94607. The Dublin office does not accept mail transactions.
How much does a DBA cost in Alameda County?
The Alameda County Clerk-Recorder charges $40 for one business name and one owner. Each additional owner or business name on the same statement costs $7.
What payment does the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder accept?
The Clerk-Recorder accepts checks, money orders and traveler’s checks payable to Alameda County Clerk Recorder. It accepts cash and debit cards in person only and does not accept credit cards for filings.
Can I file a DBA online in Alameda County?
You can submit your information online, but the online step does not complete your filing. You must visit a Clerk-Recorder’s office within 30 days with valid government-issued ID and payment.
What do I need to file in person in Alameda County?
Bring valid government-issued ID and payment. If you use the paper form, bring the original and three copies.
How do I file a DBA by mail in Alameda County?
Send the original application, three copies, payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Oakland office. The Clerk-Recorder does not require a copy of your ID for mail filings.
Can I use a P.O. box on my Alameda County DBA?
No. The Clerk-Recorder requires a complete street address for the business and each registrant and does not accept P.O. boxes.
Do I have to publish my DBA in Alameda County?
Yes. California law requires you to publish your statement in an Alameda County adjudicated newspaper once a week for four consecutive weeks, within 45 days of filing. Adjudicated newspapers serving Alameda County include the East Bay Express and the Tri-City Voice. Take a mobile phone photo or scan of your statement and upload it to PublishMyNotice.com.
How long is an Alameda County DBA valid?
Under California law, a fictitious business name statement expires five years after filing.
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Sources
Filing rules, fees and requirements in this guide come from the Alameda County Clerk-Recorder. The 40-day filing deadline, publication schedule and five-year term come from California Business and Professions Code sections 17910, 17917 and 17920. PublishMyNotice.com is not affiliated with the County of Alameda.
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder, Fictitious Business Name Filing
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder, Fictitious Business Name Filing Fees
Alameda County Clerk-Recorder, Ordering A Fictitious Business Name Copy