Fictitious Name Permit

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.

• Name Search for Fictitious Name Permit
• Essential Information to Apply for and Maintain a Fictitious Name Permit
• Frequently Asked Questions - Fictitious Name Permit
• Common Reasons for Rejection of Fictitious Name Permits
• Fictitious Name Permit Renewal

Fictitious Name Permit Applications:

• Application for Cancellation of a Fictitious Name Permit - Fill-In
• Fictitious Name Permit Application - Fill-In
• Fictitious Name Permit - Change of Address Form - Fill-In
• Fictitious Name Permit - Notification of Renewal/Hold Release - Fill-In
• Fictitious Name Permit - Notification of Partnership Change - Fill-In
• Fictitious Name Permit - Notification of Shareholder Change - Fill-In
• Application for a Duplicate Fictitious Name Permit - Fill-In