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Before You File · San Diego County

How to File an FBN Statement in San Diego County

San Diego County fictitious business name statements are filed with the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk. Here are the steps, with links to the county's official pages.

  1. Search the name. Use the county's official FBN name search to check whether the name is already on file.
  2. Complete the statement. Follow the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk's FBN instructions, listing every business name and every registrant. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to file in person. Mailed filings need an original wet-ink signature.
  3. File and pay the county fee. The county charges $54 (the clerk's fee, which can change — check the county page before filing) for one business name and one registrant. Each additional business name or registrant is $5. Card payments in person add a $2.50 surcharge.
    • In person: Downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, Santee, or San Marcos offices (not Kearny Mesa)
    • By mail: San Diego Recorder/County Clerk, ATTN: FBN, P.O. Box 121750, San Diego, CA 92112-1750
  4. Keep your stamped copy. The clerk stamps it with a file number and filing date. That date starts your 45-day publication clock.

County facts last checked October 2026. Fees and offices change; the official county page is the final word. PublishProof is not affiliated with the county.

After You File: The 45-Day Publication Step

Once the clerk stamps your statement, California law gives you 45 days to start publishing it in an adjudicated newspaper, once a week for four weeks. Upload a photo or PDF of your county-stamped statement and we handle the publication and the affidavit filing for one flat price.

Upload & Get My Price Check My 45-Day Deadline

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