Learn how to dissolve a DBA in San Francisco County with this clear guide covering filing, publication, deadlines, and legal requirements.
How to File a DBA Dissolution in San Francisco County
Dissolving a DBA (Fictitious Business Name) in San Francisco County requires following a specific legal process to properly notify the public and update county records. Whether you are closing a business, changing names, or no longer using your registered DBA, filing a Statement of Abandonment ensures full compliance with California law.
A Statement of Abandonment of Fictitious Business Name
A Statement of Abandonment of Use of Fictitious Business Name is an official legal filing used to formally announce that a business is no longer operating under a previously registered DBA (“Doing Business As”).
In San Francisco County, this filing updates the public record and ensures that the fictitious business name is no longer associated with the registrant. The Statement of Abandonment must include the same information listed on your original DBA filing:
- The fictitious business name being abandoned
- The principal business address
- The original file number and filing date
- Full information about the registrants (individuals, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, etc.)
- The business structure (individual, corporation, LLC, etc.)
Legal Requirements Under California Business
California regulates fictitious business names under Business & Professions Code §17900–17930, and San Francisco County follows these rules closely. Based on the county’s instructions, the following legal requirements apply:
- Filing a Statement of Abandonment Is Mandatory
When you stop using a fictitious business name that was registered within the past five years, California law requires you to file a Statement of Abandonment with the same county where the DBA was originally filed. This updates public records and prevents the name from appearing active. If the DBA is older than five years, the statement has already expired and an abandonment filing is not required.
A Statement of Abandonment of Fictitious Business Name
- Publication Is Required by Law
After filing, the abandonment notice must be published once a week for four weeks in a legally adjudicated newspaper within San Francisco County. Publication must begin within 45 days, and an Affidavit of Publication must be filed within 45 days after the final run. This completes the legal process and ensures public notification.
- Signature Requirements Depend on Business Type
The Statement of Abandonment must be signed by someone authorized based on the business structure: individuals sign for themselves, a spouse may sign for a married couple, a general partner signs for partnerships, an officer signs for corporations, and a manager or officer signs for LLCs. Trustees must sign for trusts. Signatures must match the entity listed on the original DBA filing.
San Francisco County Requirements
1. Filing Location and Fee
To file a Statement of Abandonment in San Francisco County, you must submit the completed form. The county charges a $54 filing fee, and once your document is processed, you will receive an endorsed copy confirming the filing. This can be done in person or by mail, depending on your preference.
2. Publication Requirements
After filing, the abandonment must be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in a legally adjudicated newspaper within San Francisco County. Publication must begin within 45 days of filing the statement. Once the newspaper completes the four-week run, you are required to file an Affidavit of Publication with the County Clerk within 45 days after the final publication date.
3. Business Tax Obligations
Before abandoning a DBA, San Francisco County instructs businesses to review and resolve any outstanding tax matters. You may need to update your registration or pay delinquent business taxes. This ensures your business records remain compliant before the DBA is officially abandoned.
4. Locating Original DBA Information
If you do not have access to your original Fictitious Business Name Statement, San Francisco County provides two ways to retrieve it: the online FBN index search or the public computer terminals located in City Hall, Room 160. These resources allow you to confirm your original file number, filing date, and all details needed to complete the Statement of Abandonment accurately.
San Francisco County Requirements
Step-by-Step Process to Dissolve a DBA in San Francisco County
Step 1: Verify DBA Filing Date
Before beginning the abandonment process, review the details of your original Fictitious Business Name Statement, including the filing date, exact business name, and county of registration. Confirming this information ensures that your Statement of Abandonment is completed accurately and filed in the correct jurisdiction. Proper verification also helps prevent processing delays or rejections caused by mismatched or outdated registration details.
Step 2: Gather Original DBA Filing Information
To complete the abandonment form correctly, you need the original file number, filing date, and the exact information used on your previous DBA statement. San Francisco County allows you to find this information using the online FBN index search or at the public computer terminals. This ensures the abandonment filing matches the original records on file.
Step 3: Complete the Statement of Abandonment (Items 1-6)
The Statement of Abandonment form must be filled out completely and legibly. You will need to provide:
- The fictitious business name(s) being abandoned
- The principal place of business
- The original DBA filing number and date
- Full registrant information according to your business type
- The business structure (individual, LLC, corporation, partnership, etc.)
- A signature from the authorized individual based on the entity type
Step 4: File the Statement with the County Clerk
Once completed, file your Statement of Abandonment. The filing fee is $54.00, and you may submit the form in person or by mail. After processing, the clerk will return an endorsed copy, which you must keep for your publication process.
Step 5: File the Affidavit of Publication
After the newspaper completes the four-week publication cycle, it will issue an Affidavit of Publication. This affidavit must be filed with the San Francisco County Clerk within 45 days after the fourth and final publication. Filing this affidavit officially completes the DBA abandonment process and updates the public record.
Tips for Avoiding Filing Delays
- Ensure all information matches the original DBA filing
Even small inconsistencies such as spelling differences, a missing middle initial, or an incorrect business address can cause your abandonment filing to be rejected. Double-check your original FBN Statement using the county’s online index or public terminals to ensure every detail aligns exactly.
- Use a physical street address
San Francisco County requires physical addresses for both the principal business location and registrant mailing addresses. Listing a P.O. Box will trigger corrections or rejections, slowing down the filing process.
Tips for Avoiding Filing Delays
- Confirm the correct authorized signer
The form must be signed by the appropriate party based on your business entity type individual, general partner, corporate officer, or LLC manager. Submitting a form signed by the wrong person will result in delays and require re-filing.
- Start publication promptly after filing
You must publish the abandonment notice within 45 days of filing. Waiting too long can push you past the statutory window, requiring you to refile the entire abandonment form and pay the filing fee again.
Conclusion
Filing a DBA dissolution in San Francisco County is straightforward when you understand the legal requirements and follow each step carefully. By verifying your original filing, completing the Statement of Abandonment correctly, publishing the notice on time, and submitting your Affidavit of Publication, you ensure that your business records remain compliant and up to date.