Before You File · San Mateo County

How to File an FBN Statement in San Mateo County

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

Search the name. Use the county's official FBN name search to check whether the name is already on file.
Complete the statement. Follow the San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder's FBN instructions, listing every business name and every registrant. Every San Mateo County FBN filing needs an Affidavit of Identity: in person you show a valid government-issued photo ID; by mail the affidavit must be notarized. LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and similar registrants also submit a Certificate of Status from the Secretary of State.
File and pay the county fee. The county charges $34 (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.
- In person: 555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063 (walk-ins welcome; appointments available)
- By mail: 555 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, with a notarized Affidavit of Identity and a check or money order
- Online: the county's eFBN system lets you start a new filing or a no-change refiling
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. PublishProof doesn't serve San Mateo County yet, so don't wait for us if you've already filed.

San Mateo County Details Check My 45-Day Deadline

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