How to write your Affidavit of Fictitious Business Name
We include this 1 page template with IT/Software/Hardware Contract Pack and the Proposal Kit Professional. You will get more content and software automation for data merging, managing client documents, and creating proposals with line item quoting with a Contract Pack or the Professional.

If you need this template on DVD media order from our Amazon shop.

I’ve been using this product for several years. It’s helped my company create professional documents for many different types of projects. This is a great product especially for the money."
DJF Consulting LLC
1. Get IT/Software/Hardware Contract Pack or the single template that includes this business contract document.
We include this contract in editable Word format that can be customized using your office software.
2. Download and install after ordering.
Once you have ordered and downloaded your template or pack, you will have all the content you need to get started.
3. Customize the contract template with your information.
You can customize the contract document as much as you need. If you get a Contract Pack or Professional Bundle, you can also use the included Wizard software to automate name/address data merging.
Use cases for this template
Launching a food truck brand across county lines
The Challenge
Maya Ortiz formed Sunburst Street Eats LLC and chose the FBN "Sunburst Bites" to sell tacos at festivals in two counties, but vendors asked for proof of registration, the bank needed the statement application to open an account, and the county clerk required a notice in a newspaper of general circulation plus identity verification with a valid government-issued photo ID.
The Solution
Using Proposal Kit, Maya assembled the FBN affidavit and agent designation from templates, then used the AI Writer only for supporting documents-market study, launch plan, and a press release-and relied on automated line-item quoting to build vendor proposals that itemized food service packages and staffing.
The Implementation
She scheduled an appointment at the first county, mailed the second filing with a cover letter and money order, tracked the filing date, and named her operations manager as the agent to amend or cancel if needed; in parallel, she submitted polished proposals and event requests created with Proposal Kit's document assembly and AI-generated summaries.
The Outcome
Sunburst Bites registered smoothly in both counties, opened its bank account, won prime festival spots with clear quotes, and launched on time with consistent branding across contracts, reports, and customer-facing materials.
Spinning up a product line under a DBA
The Challenge
Northern Arc Technologies wanted to sell lab sensors under the FBN "Arc Labs" while keeping the corporation's legal name on record, but expansion into other counties, proof of publication, and adding an additional business location risked delays for distributors waiting to onboard.
The Solution
The legal FBN paperwork came from Proposal Kit's template library, while the team used the AI Writer to generate a technical white paper, a pilot study plan, and executive briefings, and used automated line-item quoting to craft channel proposals that broke out hardware, warranties, and service tiers.
The Implementation
They filed with the county clerk, attached the publication proof, designated a compliance officer as authorized agent, and updated a new statement when the principal place of business shifted; at the same time, sales sent out proposals and RFP responses assembled in Proposal Kit, complete with precise pricing tables.
The Outcome
Distributors onboarded quickly, banks verified the account with the FBN statement application, and the company entered three regions with aligned filings, persuasive documents, and quotes that accelerated purchasing decisions.
A sole proprietor separates brand from personal identity
The Challenge
Consultant Caleb Rivers wanted to operate as "HarborPoint Advisory" instead of his personal name, but he traveled often, needed to file by mail, and had to reassure enterprise customers that the FBN tied back to a responsible person and verified business entity at his principal place of business.
The Solution
Caleb used Proposal Kit to assemble the affidavit, agent authorization, and cover letters for mail requests, then used the AI Writer to create a capability statement, an industry trends report, and project plans, with automated line-item quoting for packaged advisory services.
The Implementation
He mailed the county filing with a check, included an identity form and photocopy of his ID, monitored status, and later submitted a new statement when he opened an additional business office; meanwhile, he sent prospects tailored proposals and examples of past work generated through Proposal Kit.
The Outcome
HarborPoint Advisory secured contracts faster as customers saw a clear link between the FBN and the legal owner, proposals arrived polished and consistent, and quotes payable by card, such as Visa or via invoice, made it easy to approve engagements.
Abstract
This affidavit is a registration document used when a business entity plans to operate under a fictitious business name (FBN) rather than its legal name. It serves as public notice only. It does not create ownership rights in the name, and it does not replace trademark or service mark protection available through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The form clarifies that others may still have rights in the same or similar names. Businesses use it to announce the name they will use when conducting business and transacting business with customers.
The contract outlines key facts the registrant must submit. It identifies the company that will file a fictitious name, the name itself, and the principal place of business, plus any additional business locations in the county or other counties. It includes a short statement of application describing the intended use of the FBN.
It lists the executives, directors, officers, shareholders, or an individual owner responsible for the business. The signer swears the information is true, typically as a person authorized to act for the company. The document also names agent(s) authorized to amend, withdraw, or cancel the registration, and it requires proof of publication showing a notice ran in a newspaper of general circulation.
Filing practices can vary, but the process often involves the county clerk. Registrants may register and submit the affidavit in person, by mail, or through authorized mail requests. Depending on local procedures, the clerk may ask for an identity form and a valid government-issued photo ID at an appointment.
Payment options frequently include money order, check, or a card such as Visa; fees must be paid before the filing date is recorded. Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietors can file, provided the filer is responsible and able to pay the required fees. As an example, a company might publish its notice in the county of its principal place and then attach the publisher's affidavit as proof when it files.
Beyond publication, businesses often keep records to track the status of the filing, note the effective filing date, and determine when a new statement might be required. Some organizations also conduct a search before they register to reduce the chance of confusion with other businesses. While the affidavit itself is not a trademark, it helps customers link the FBN to the company behind it and can support routine tasks like opening a business account. Keep in mind that this is a business filing for public notice and not a personal name change or a guarantee of exclusive rights.
This affidavit's authorization section is practical. By naming an agent, attorney, or third party, the business can efficiently manage updates later, such as an address change at the principal place, an added location, or a cancellation if the company stops operating for profit under that FBN.
Proposal Kit helps organizations prepare documents like this with document assembly tools, an extensive template library, and an AI Writer to streamline writing. Its ease of use supports consistent, professional paperwork, and its automated line-item quoting can help when your proposal or filing package needs a clear breakdown alongside your registration materials.
Beyond the basic filing, businesses often use a fictitious business name (FBN) to support brand strategy, market expansion, or a rebranding while keeping the same business entity and legal name. A DBA can segment product lines, reach new customers, and simplify vendor and banking onboarding by clearly linking the FBN to the underlying company for conducting business and transacting business. Multi-location organizations can list the principal place of business and any additional business sites, then coordinate publication in the county of operation and, when needed, in other counties to align with local notice practices.
Strong internal governance reduces risk. Assign an agent with authority to amend, withdraw, or cancel the registration and keep an auditable trail of what you submit by mail or in person. Maintain copies of the proof of publication in a newspaper of general circulation, record the filing date, and track the status for renewals or when a new statement may be required after changes in ownership or location.
Many companies build a checklist that includes identity form requirements, a valid government-issued photo ID for the person appearing, and acceptable payment options, such as money order, check, or card, to avoid delays at the county clerk's office. It is also practical to request copies of filed documents for your records and for opening a business account. Corporations and individual owner structures alike benefit from a simple, repeatable process that assigns responsible roles, confirms fees to pay, and verifies names through a basic search before you register and submit.
Proposal Kit can streamline these tasks by assembling the statement application, cover letters, and related notices from its extensive template library. The AI Writer helps tailor the intended-use language for your industry, while automated line-item quoting makes it easier to present estimated publication and filing costs alongside project budgets. Its ease of use supports consistent documentation across teams and locations.
Consider governance and branding impacts that follow after you file a fictitious name. Once the fictitious business name FBN is on record, align the name across invoices, contracts, signage, website footers, and customer support scripts so customers clearly recognize who is conducting business and transacting business with them. Tie the FBN to the business entity's tax ID on vendor forms and bank records so deposits, refunds, and chargebacks route to the correct account. Many banks and payment processors will request certified copies or proof of publication to open a DBA sub-account; preparing those mail requests in advance speeds onboarding.
Map triggers that require a new statement, such as changes in ownership percentages, adding an additional business location, or moving the principal place of business to another county. Keep an internal register that logs the filing date, publication dates in newspapers of general circulation, and current status, with a designated responsible person who can act quickly if the county clerk requests corrections. Where operations cross county lines, coordinate publication in other counties to maintain consistent notice. For identity controls, store a copy of any identity form and a valid government-issued photo ID used at the appointment so future amendments can be authenticated without delay.
Authority management matters. The affidavit allows you to list agent(s) empowered to amend, withdraw, or cancel the filing. Maintain a short board or manager resolution, naming those agents, and review it during leadership changes to prevent unauthorized submissions.
When you submit updates by mail, include clear instructions, the statement application reference, payment options accepted by the office, such as money order or a card like Visa, and a prepaid return envelope to reduce back-and-forth. As an example, corporations often attach a brief cover letter that cites the legal name, the FBN, the principal place, and any changes, making the clerk's review faster and helping you pay the correct fee on the first pass.
Proposal Kit can help teams standardize these materials. Use its document assembly and AI Writer to generate consistent affidavits, cover letters, agent authorizations, and publication notices; employ its extensive template library to build checklists and status logs; and apply automated line-item quoting to estimate filing, publication, and courier costs. Its ease of use supports repeatable workflows across locations and entities.
How do you write a Affidavit of Fictitious Business Name document? - The Narrative
Registration for use of a Fictitious Name is typically for public notice only and makes no presumption of the registrant's rights to use or own the name. This does not replace proper registration through the U.S. Patent Trademark Office for Trademark or Service Mark, nor does it protect you from the exercise of rights by others with the same or similar names. Company Name is seeking to engage in business under the fictitious name of Insert Fictitious Business Name here.
Company Name shall engage in business under this fictitious name at the following locations:
Insert locations, or attach a list in the case of numerous offices or branches. Company Name intends to use this Fictitious Business Name for: Insert a brief statement as to the intended use of the Fictitious Business Name and the activities to be carried out under its use.
The ownership of Company Name is comprised of the following Executives, Officers, Directors or Shareholders:
I, the undersigned, located at Address City, State, Postal Code, and being duly authorized to affirm such, do hereby swear that the information contained in this affidavit is true and accurate.
The name(s) of the agent(s), who shall be authorized to execute amendments to, withdrawals from or cancellation of this registration on behalf of all then-existing parties to the registration, shall be:
Insert additional agent, attorney or other third party who shall be eligible to execute, amend or cancel this registration. A Proof of Publication of a Notice of Intention to Use a Fictitious Name is filed with this affidavit.

20% Off Discount
Add To Cart This Word Template Only
Add To Cart IT/Software/Hardware Contract Pack
Add To Cart Proposal Kit Professional Bundle

How to Build a Legal Contract with Proposal Kit
This video illustrates how to create a legal contract using the Proposal Pack Wizard software. It also shows how to create a proposal with an invoice and contract at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I customize this contract to fit my business needs?
Customizing this contract involves editing the document to include your business details, terms, and conditions. The templates are designed to be flexible, allowing you to insert your company's name, address, and other relevant information. You can modify clauses to reflect your unique business practices and legal requirements.
Is this contract compliant with laws and regulations?
The legal contract templates are written by legal professionals and designed to comply with current laws and regulations at the time of their writing. However, laws can vary by jurisdiction and change over time, so it's recommended to have your contract reviewed by a local attorney to ensure it meets all legal requirements specific to your region and industry. Templates are licensed as self-help information and not as legal advice.
Can I use the same contract for different clients or projects?
You can use the same contract for different clients or projects. The templates are versatile and easily adapted for various scenarios. You will need to update specific details such as client names, project descriptions, and any unique terms for each new agreement to ensure that each contract accurately reflects the particulars of the individual client or project.
What should I do if I encounter a clause or term I don't understand?
If you encounter a clause or term in the contract that you need help understanding, you can refer to guidance notes explaining each section's purpose and use. For more complex or unclear terms, it's advisable to consult with a legal professional who can explain the clause and help you determine if any modifications are necessary to suit your specific needs.
How do I ensure that the contract is legally binding and enforceable?
To ensure that the contract is legally binding and enforceable, follow these steps:
- Complete all relevant sections: Make sure all blanks are filled in with accurate information.
- Include all necessary terms and conditions: Ensure that all essential elements, such as payment terms, deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities, are clearly defined.
- Signatures: Both parties must sign the contract, and it is often recommended that the contract be witnessed or notarized, depending on the legal requirements in your jurisdiction.
- Consult a legal professional: Before finalizing the contract, have it reviewed by an attorney to ensure it complies with applicable laws and protects your interests.

By Ian Lauder

Disclaimers
Proposal Kit, Inc. makes no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the suitability of any materials to the licensee's business. Proposal Kit, Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies. Licensee accepts all responsibility for the results obtained. The information included is not legal advice. Names in use cases have been fictionalized. Your use of the contract template and any purchased packages constitutes acceptance and understanding of these disclaimers and terms and conditions.