California note
A Santa Clara County DBA starts with the Clerk-Recorder
Santa Clara County fictitious business name filings start with the Clerk-Recorder, with search, filing, renewal, and publishing steps to check.
In Santa Clara County, a DBA filing helps the public connect a business name with the real owner behind it.
Start with the Clerk-Recorder when the public name of the business is different from the owner’s legal name. This can come up for a San Jose shop. It can also come up for a tech side job, food business, contractor, online seller, or neighborhood service business.
The county filing is separate from a city business tax certificate. It is also separate from a seller’s permit, state filing, zoning question, or professional license.
Before filing, search the business name. Gather the owner name, address, and main place of business. Then check filing, refile, renewal, fee, and publishing steps.
A name can feel finished once the form is filed. Publishing or renewal details may still need attention.
Where to see it
Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder fictitious business name page.
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.
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