California note
Orange County DBA names go through the Clerk-Recorder
Orange County fictitious business name filings are a county Clerk-Recorder task, separate from city business licenses, CDTFA seller's permits, and other permits.
In Orange County, a fictitious business name filing is a county Clerk-Recorder item. People often call it a DBA. The county term to look for is Fictitious Business Name.
This is not the same as a city business license. It is also not the same as a seller’s permit, food permit, building permit, state license, or state business filing.
The filing helps connect the public business name to the person or business behind it. That can matter for a small store, market stand, home business, rental business, or service business using a trade name.
Before starting, write down the exact business name, owner names, business address, mailing address, and whether the business has filed before. A small spelling change can matter. The name is the record.
If an existing FBN is close to ending and nothing changed, the county has a refile path. If the name, owner, or facts changed, treat it like a fresh check. Do not guess that the old filing still fits.
Where to see it
Orange County Clerk-Recorder fictitious business name filing and search pages.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed July 3, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
Connected places