Almanac note · Rules and licenses
San Mateo County FBN filings start with ACRE
San Mateo County fictitious business name filings create a public business name record through ACRE, separate from business license and permit steps.
In San Mateo County, a DBA filing creates a public record for a business name. It helps when the name may not show the owner’s legal name.
ACRE handles the FBN filing. It can be part of starting a cafe, shop, online store, rental service, or small Peninsula side business.
The FBN is not the same as a business license. Cities handle many licenses inside city limits. The county handles licenses for county areas. A seller’s permit, health step, building review, or trade license may be separate.
The county process also has publication steps for new filings. Check those steps before you print signs, open a bank account, or run ads under the name.
Start with the exact name, owner details, business address, and mailing address.
Where to see it
San Mateo County ACRE fictitious business name pages.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 3, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
Connected places
Where it fits on the map
Open a place page for the county layer, nearby places, and other California entries tied to that local page.
Related notes
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