Pricing & Counties / San Mateo County
San Mateo County FBN Publication
If your San Mateo County fictitious business name statement is filed, the clock is running: California law requires publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county within 45 days, once a week for four weeks. PublishProof is adding San Mateo County ordering; until it opens, here is what the county requires.
The San Mateo County Rule, in Short
Whether the business is in Redwood City, Daly City, South San Francisco, or Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County FBNs are handled by the County Clerk-Recorder at 555 County Center. San Mateo is stricter than most on identity: each filing carries an Affidavit of Identity, notarized if you mail it. A no-change refiling made within 40 days after expiration skips republication, though the county assigns it a new FBN number.
Cities and communities in San Mateo County: Redwood City, San Mateo, Daly City, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Burlingame, Millbrae, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, and every other community in the county.
Three time limits under California Business and Professions Code §17917:
- First publication within 45 days after your statement is filed.
- Four weekly notices, once a week for four consecutive weeks.
- Affidavit of publication filed with the county clerk within 45 days after the fourth notice.
Orange County and San Diego County clerks state that a statement not published within 45 days expires and must be refiled. A renewal with no changes doesn't need publication as long as it's refiled by the expiration date or within 40 days after. Missed the 45 days? What to do next.
Your San Mateo County Publication Deadline
Filing Your FBN in San Mateo County
Statements are filed with the San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. The county charges $34 (the clerk's fee, which can change — check the county page before filing) for the first business name and 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
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.
Search existing San Mateo County business names (official county site) to check a name before you file.
Source: official county website, checked October 2026. County fees and office hours change, so confirm before you go.
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San Mateo County FBN Questions
What Is the San Mateo County FBN Filing Fee?
San Mateo County charges $34 (the clerk's fee, which can change — check the county page before filing) to file an FBN statement for the first business name and registrant, plus $5 for each additional business name or registrant. The county requires refiling every five years at the current fee, even with no changes. Newspaper publication is paid separately.
Do I Need a Notary to File an FBN in San Mateo County?
Only if you file by mail or through someone else. San Mateo County requires an Affidavit of Identity with every FBN statement. Filing in person, you show a valid government-issued photo ID; mailed or dropped-off filings need the affidavit notarized, and agents also need an Authorized Agent Form.
Can I File a San Mateo County FBN Online?
You can start one. The county's eFBN system offers new filings and no-change refilings, and it doubles as the official FBN name search. The Affidavit of Identity rule still applies, so check the county's instructions for how to finish your filing.
San Mateo County Is Coming Soon
We're adding San Mateo County publication soon. Until then, don't let your 45 days run out waiting: check your deadline below and publish with any adjudicated San Mateo County newspaper.
Business actually located in another county? See all counties and prices.