California Code, Financial Code - FIN § 14050

The use by any person, other than those authorized by this division, of any name or title which contains the phrase “credit union,” is a misdemeanor. Nonprofit associations, which are formed for the mutual benefit and protection of credit unions, by credit unions organized under this division, or under the provisions of the statutes of the United States applicable to credit unions or any nonprofit association formed for the mutual benefit and protection of credit union employees by bona fide employees of credit unions, may use the phrase “credit union” in the name or title designating any such association.