Enter two dates and we'll work out the California fictitious business name (DBA) deadlines that follow from them. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
The rules this calculator uses
- File within 40 days of starting to do business under the name (Bus. & Prof. Code §17910).
- Publish within 45 days of filing, once a week for 4 weeks in a row, then file the affidavit within 45 days after the last publication (§17917). Both windows were 30 days before 2023.
- The statement expires 5 years after filing, or 40 days after the registered facts change (§17920).
Deadlines that fall on a weekend or holiday may move; check with your county clerk. This tool is for planning only, not legal advice.
Worked example
Say you start trading as "Lopez Landscaping" on March 1, 2026, and file with the county on April 6, 2026.
| Deadline | Date | How it's worked out |
|---|---|---|
| File the FBN statement | April 10, 2026 | 40 days after March 1 |
| Start newspaper publication | May 21, 2026 | 45 days after filing on April 6 |
| Publish four weeks in a row | For example May 5, 12, 19 and 26 | Once a week, at least five days apart |
| File the affidavit of publication | July 10, 2026 | 45 days after the last publication on May 26 |
| Statement expires | April 6, 2031 | 5 years after filing |
Filing on April 6 is within the 40-day window, so the calculator shows you're on time.
Next: file your DBA
For the full filing steps, see how to file a DBA in California.
Frequently asked questions
When is my DBA due in California?
Your fictitious business name statement is due within 40 days of first doing business under the name. The clock starts on the date you began using the name, not on the date you formed a company or opened a bank account.
What if my filing date is after the deadline?
The calculator flags it as late and tells you to file as soon as possible. Trading under an unfiled name has other consequences too; see how to file a DBA in California for what they are and for the full filing steps.
How long does DBA newspaper publication take?
Publication runs once a week for four weeks in a row, with at least five days between dates. It must start within 45 days of filing, and the newspaper's affidavit of publication is then due with the county clerk within 45 days after the last publication.
When do I need to renew my DBA?
A DBA expires 5 years after the date it was filed. It ends sooner, 40 days after a change, if any of the registered facts change, such as a new owner or address. If you refile within 40 days of expiry and nothing has changed, you don't need to publish again.
Do weekends count toward the DBA deadlines?
The calculator counts calendar days, including weekends. A deadline that lands on a weekend or holiday may move, so check with your county clerk before relying on it.
Sources
We use primary sources: statutes, court rules, official forms and government pages. Read our editorial standards.