California Code, Harbors and Navigation Code - HNC § 708

(a) No person shall engage in the business of, act in the capacity of, advertise as, or assume to act as a broker or salesperson within this state without first obtaining a license under this article to do so.

(b) Only the person to whom a license is issued may perform or offer to perform any act subject to this article.

(c) No fictitious name shall be used by a broker in the conduct of any business for which a license is required under this article, unless a license bearing that fictitious name has been issued to the broker.

(d) The department shall not issue a license under a fictitious business name which is the same as or similar to the fictitious business name on a license previously issued and in effect.