Fictitious Name Permits

Pursuant to Business and Professions Code §3078, a Fictitious Name Permit is required when optometry is practice under a false name. The fictitious name must include the words “optometry” or “optometric.”

Submitting a Fictitious Name Permit

All Fictitious Name Permits Applications and renewals can be submitted on your BreEZe account. There you can complete, attach required documents, and pay for your application.

All Optometry Fictitious Name Permits are required have either Optometry or Optometric in their name. The name chosen cannot be similar to names previously approved by the Board in a 40-mile area. You can use the DCA search to see if something similar is near you.

You will need to submit the following with your application

  • Lease if applicable
  • Proof of ownership of building if applicable.
  • A partnership agreement if applicable
  • Letter from previous practice owner relinquishing the fictitious name to new owner. If you are purchasing an existing practice.

The application fee for Fictitious Name Permits is $50. Fictitious Name Permits expire on January 31st of each year. The renewal fee for Fictitious Name Permits is $50. If the Fictitious Name Permit is not renewed by January 31st, there is a $25 delinquent fee.

All signs, cards, envelopes, billheads, letterheads or advertising of any nature must match the approved fictitious name requested. If you are purchasing a practice, please see Cancelling or Transferring Fictitious Name Permits.

Moving, Cancelling or Transferring Fictitious Name Permits

If you are moving to a new location, you will have to reapply for a Fictitious Name Permit. All requirements still apply for the new location. The original Fictitious Name Permit must be cancelled.

An (FNP) is NOT transferable if an optometric practice is purchased by another optometrist. The former owner should submit a written notice to the Board to cancel their FNP. Certificates previously issued to the former owner should be destroyed. The new owner must submit a FNP application. Both documents should be included submitted at the time of application to ensure the name will be available to the new owner.

For more information on closing your practice please click here.