Fictitious Name Permit
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The purpose of a fictitious name permit (FNP) is to allow a licensed physician and
surgeon or podiatrist to practice under a name other than his or her own. Business
and Professions Code section 2285 states: "The use of any fictitious, false, or
assumed name, or any name other than his or her own by a licensee either alone,
in conjunction with a partnership or group, or as the name of a professional corporation,
in any public communication, advertisement, sign, or announcement of his or her
practice without a fictitious-name permit obtained pursuant to Section 2415 constitutes
unprofessional conduct."
Applications for fictitious name permits are reviewed in date-received order, with
an approximate processing time of four to six weeks. After review, the permit is
approved or a letter of deficiency is mailed to the applicant explaining the specific
problems. The Medical Board closely monitors fictitious names to ensure that similar
names are not issued. If there is a name discrepancy, the FNP coordinators will
work directly with the applicant, either by phone, fax, or email, to agree upon
an alternative name. If an application is received without payment of the $50 processing
fee made out to the Medical Board of California, it will immediately be returned
to the applicant.
For further questions, call the Licensing Program at (916) 263-2382 or (800) 633-2322.
Fictitious Name Permit Applications:
