By Mail
Because of its importance, the County Clerk strongly recommends that you register a Fictitious Business Name in person whenever possible. This office cannot accept responsibility for any filing attempted by mail.
TO FILE BY MAIL:
Complete an official Fictitious Business Name filing form in black ink or by typing. Click here to download the application.
***When filing a Fictitious Business Name for a corporation or LLC, please include a copy of the articles of incorporation/association. Please be prepared to present your identification at the time of filing.
Filing forms are available at the County Clerk’s office. You may also request a form in writing. Send your request or all copies of the completed form***, along with a check made payable to Monterey County Clerk and a legal-size, self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Monterey County Clerk
P. O. Box 29
Salinas, CA 93902
The fee to register a Fictitious Business Name can be found on our fee schedule.
Payment may be by check (drawn from California banking institution only) or Money Order payable to the Monterey County Clerk.
A Fictitious Business Name should be filed within 40 days of first transacting business. After filing, the statement must be published in an adjudicated newspaper of general circulation within 45 days of the filing date. Upon completion, the statement is effective for 5 years. You will need to renew within 40 days of the date of expiration. New filing with changes should be filed within 40 days if the business location changes.
SEARCH BY MAIL:
To request a Fictitious Business Name search by mail, you must provide the exact business name and, if applicable, the owner’s name to researched.
Send your request and a legal size, self-addressed stamped envelope with money order or check (drawn for a California financial institution) payable to:
Monterey County Clerk
P. O. Box 29
Salinas, CA 93902;
Please enclose $5.00 for each business or owner name to be researched. If you already have the file number, a search fee is not required. You may purchase copies at the copy fee. Plain copies are $2.00 per page for each copy of the statement requested, or $2.00 per statement if certification is required.