Learn how to file a DBA dissolution in Fresno County with this clear guide covering forms, fees, publication rules, and all legal steps required.

How to File a DBA Dissolution in Fresno County

Filing a DBA dissolution in Fresno County is an important legal step when you stop using a fictitious business name. The process involves verifying your original registration, completing the Statement of Abandonment, submitting it to the County Clerk, and publishing a four-week notice to notify the public.

A Statement of Abandonment of Fictitious Business Name

A Statement of Abandonment of Fictitious Business Name is the official legal document used to notify the public and the county that a business has stopped using a registered DBA (Doing Business As). When a business no longer operates under its fictitious name, California law requires the owner to formally abandon the registration in the same county where the original FBN statement was filed.

A Statement of Abandonment of Fictitious Business Name

Legal Requirements Under California Business

• You must file a Statement of Abandonment

California law requires businesses to formally file a Statement of Abandonment in the same county where the original fictitious business name was registered. This ensures that public records stay accurate and clearly show that the DBA is no longer active.

• The filing must match the original FBN statement

All information on the abandonment form business name, owners, and structure must match the original FBN filing. This rule prevents unauthorized changes and ensures the abandonment applies to the correct business entity.

• The abandonment must be published for four consecutive weeks

After filing the Statement of Abandonment, the notice must be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in a legally adjudicated newspaper within the same county. Publication must begin within 45 days of the filing date to remain valid and to provide proper public notice that the fictitious business name is no longer being used.

• You must file an Affidavit of Publication after the notice runs

After the four-week publication cycle is completed, the newspaper will issue an Affidavit of Publication. This affidavit must be filed with the county clerk within 45 days after the final publication date. Filing the affidavit formally completes the abandonment process without this step, the DBA dissolution is not legally recognized as final.

Fresno County Requirements for DBA Abandonment

1. Filing Fee for Abandonment

Fresno County charges a $17 filing fee to process a Statement of Abandonment. This fee is required at the time of filing and applies to each abandonment form submitted. The County Clerk will provide copies of your filing for the newspaper, banks, or personal records.

2. Address Requirements

Fresno County requires that the business address and registrant mailing address must be physical street addresses. P.O. Boxes are not allowed for either the principal place of business or owner mailing information. This rule ensures the county maintains verifiable records that accurately reflect where the business operated.

3. “Business Conducted By” Requirements

When completing the abandonment form, you must select the correct business structure, which may include: individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership, limited liability partnership, or trust. Fresno County also requires entities such as corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships to provide supporting documents, such as certificates of status or formation documents, to confirm their legal standing.

4. Signature Rules

The Statement of Abandonment must be signed by an authorized individual according to the business type. Individuals sign for themselves, partnerships require the signature of a general partner, corporations must have an officer sign, and LLCs require a manager or member. Fresno County requires an original wet signature, as electronic signatures are not accepted.

Fresno County Requirements for DBA Abandonment

Step-by-Step Process to Dissolve a DBA in Fresno County

Step 1: Verify Original DBA Filing Information

Before preparing your abandonment form, confirm your original DBA details, including the registration number, exact business name, and filing date. This information must be entered exactly as originally filed, ensuring the new document properly aligns with the county’s records. The Fresno County Clerk provides your record information on file if needed.

Step 2: Complete the Statement of Abandonment Form

Fill out the official Fresno County Statement of Abandonment form with the required details: the fictitious business name, the principal place of business, owner information, and the date business operations under the DBA stopped. Be sure to use legible handwriting or print clearly in the required areas, and include all additional business-type documents if applicable.

Step 3: Submit the Form to the Fresno County Clerk

Once completed and signed, submit the form to the Fresno County Clerk’s Office along with the $17 fee. After filing, the Clerk will return copies including a newspaper copy so you can complete the publication requirement.

Step 4: Publish the Abandonment Notice

California law requires all DBA abandonments to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Fresno County. The notice must run once a week for four consecutive weeks. Publication must begin within 45 days after filing the abandonment form.

Step 5: File the Affidavit of Publication

Once the four-week publication cycle is complete, the newspaper will issue an Affidavit of Publication. This affidavit must be filed with the Fresno County Clerk within 45 days after the final publication. Filing this document completes the abandonment process and officially updates the public record.

Tips for Avoiding Errors When Filing in Fresno County

• Match all information exactly with your original DBA filing

Before completing your Statement of Abandonment, review your original FBN filing to confirm the exact business name, registration number, owner names, and business address. Even small differences such as spelling changes, punctuation, or updated addresses can cause Fresno County to reject your filing. Matching the original record ensures your abandonment applies to the correct business and prevents delays.

• Use the correct authorized signer for your business type

Fresno County requires the form to be signed by someone legally authorized to act for the business such as the individual owner, a general partner, a corporate officer, or an LLC manager/member. Using the wrong signer is a common reason filings are rejected. Confirming the correct signing authority beforehand helps keep the process smooth and compliant with California law.

Tips for Avoiding Errors When Filing in Fresno County

• Include all required supporting documents for your business structure

Some business types, especially corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships must attach extra documentation, such as formation papers or certificates of status. Forgetting these attachments can delay processing and require refiling. Preparing these documents early ensures your application is complete on the first attempt.

• Keep all clerk-stamped copies and publication documents

After filing, you’ll receive multiple copies of your abandonment form, including one specifically for the newspaper. Keep these documents organized, along with the Affidavit of Publication you’ll receive after the four-week notice. These records help prove compliance and can be needed later for banking, licensing, or legal verification.

Conclusion

Dissolving a DBA in Fresno County becomes straightforward when each requirement is completed carefully from preparing accurate information to filing the abandonment form, publishing the legal notice, and submitting the affidavit. Following the county’s guidelines ensures your fictitious business name is formally removed from public records and protects your business from future confusion or liability.