Registry of Public Agencies

Public agencies are districts, public authorities, public agencies and any other political subdivision or public corporation within the state, but does not include the state or a county, city and county or city. A Joint Powers Authority (JPA) can be formed by the agreement of two or more agencies, including cities, to carry out services common to each.
California Government Code 53051 requires public agencies, including JPA’s to file a Registry of Public Agencies with the Secretary of State and the County Clerk’s office using California State Form SF-405.

Where to obtain the state form for Registry of Public Agencies
You may obtain the California State Form SF-405 at www.sos.ca.gov
Additional information can also be found with the California Secretary of State at www.sos.ca.gov

Form SF-405 must be completed and filed within 70 days of the commencement of its legal existence and shall contain a statement to include all the following:

  • The full legal name of the public agency
  • The official mailing address of the governing body of the public agency
  • The name and residence or business address of each member of the governing body of the public agency
  • The name, title and residence or business address of the chairman, president or other presiding officer, and the clerk or secretary of the governing body of such public agency

Whenever a change occurs to an agency’s name, address, status or governing board member, the public agency must file a revised SF-405 within 10 days with the California Secretary of State and the Solano County Clerk’s office.

Filing a Registry of Public Agencies with the California Secretary of State and the Solano County Clerk’s office is the responsibility of the agency.  It is recommended that agencies review its filings annually to ensure correct information is on file with both the California Secretary of State and the Solano County Clerk’s office.  Public agencies can contact the Solano County Clerk’s office via phone at (707) 784-7485 or by email at [email protected] to obtain a copy of its filings on record with the County.   

Where to mail completed Registry of Public Agencies form
Completed original forms should be mailed to both the California Secretary of State and the Solano County Clerk’s office at the following addresses:

Secretary of State, Special Filings Unit, P.O. Box 942870, Sacramento, CA 94277-2870
Solano County Clerk, 675 Texas St. Suite 1900, Fairfield, CA 94533

A drop box is also available and located outside of the Solano County Clerk’s office.