Common Reasons for Rejection of Fictitious Name Permits
The Medical Board of California receives approximately 1,225 Fictitious Name Permit
(FNP) applications per year. The process can be time-consuming because of the volume
and because applicants frequently may not read or follow instructions provided on
the application.
To assure timely service, the Medical Board is asking physicians and their attorneys
to take the time to carefully review and complete the application. Some of the common
errors that applicants make on the application are:
- The signature block on the application is not complete. Every portion of the signature
block must be completed and include an original signature. Be sure to fill in the
entire date upon which the application is being signed. Only original and complete
applications will be accepted.
- The desired name is already taken or is too similar to existing names. To check
for name availability, click on the Fictitious Name Permit Search link below. Reservations
for names will not be accepted.
- The fictitious name does not comply with the statutory requirements. The name cannot
be deceptive, misleading, confusing (B & P Code section 2415(b)(3)) or similar
to a name previously issued. (CCR 1350.3)
- If applying as an individual (sole proprietor), the Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification
Number is not listed. If applying as a partnership, the Federal Employee Identification Number is not listed.
- The complete name and original number of the California
Corporation are not listed.
- Copies of the Articles of Incorporation are not submitted with the application indicating
the status of the entity as a California professional corporation. The Medical Board
needs to insure the corporation is active and is a professional medical corporation.
- The applicant fails to list all shareholders and (in cases where there are non-physician
shareholders) the percentage of shares owned by each shareholder.
- The $50.00 application fee made payable to the Medical Board of California is not
submitted with the application.
Statutory information is provided with the application. Please refer to this information
and follow the instructions on the application. If you have any additional questions,
please call (916) 263-2382.