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: