2731. Use of False or Fictitious Name.
(a) A licensee shall not use a fictitious name in the conduct of any activity for which a license is required under the Real
Estate Law unless the licensee is the holder of a license bearing the fictitious name.
(b) The Bureau shall issue a license required under the Real Estate Law only in the legal name of the licensee or in the
fictitious business name of a broker who presents evidence of having complied with the provisions of Sections 17910
and 17917 of the Code.
(c) The commissioner may refuse to issue a license bearing a fictitious name to a broker if the fictitious name:
(1) Is misleading or would constitute false advertising.
(2) Implies a partnership or corporation when a partnership or corporation does not exist in fact.
(3) Includes the name of a real estate salesperson.
(4) Constitutes a violation of the provisions of Sections 17910, 17910.5, 17913 or 17917 of the Code.
(5) Is the name formerly used by a licensee whose license has since been revoked.
(d) A license may not be issued or renewed with a fictitious business name containing the term “escrow”, or any name
which implies that escrow services are provided, unless the fictitious business name includes the term, “a non-
independent broker escrow” following the name. Licensees who have been or are issued a license with a fictitious
business name with the term “escrow”, or any term which implies that escrow services are provided, must include the
term “a non-independent broker escrow” in any advertising, signs, or electronic promotional material.
(e) Where a licensee is a natural person, the use of a nickname in place of his or her legal given name (first name) shall
not constitute a fictitious name for purposes of this section, provided that where the nickname is used, the licensee also
uses as a surname (last name) his or her surname as it appears on his or her real estate license, and includes his or her
Bureau-issued license identification number as required by Section 10140.6 of the Code.
Article 6. Corporate Licenses