Fontana Candidate Filing Fees - Where and How

Elections and Campaign Finance California 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of California

In Fontana, California the City Clerk is the primary office for candidate filings and fee payments for municipal elections. This guide explains where to pay, accepted payment methods, what documents to bring, and practical steps to complete a candidate filing. If you are running for mayor or city council, start with the City Clerk to request the nomination packet and confirm deadlines and fee rules; fees and exact payment instructions are provided by the City Clerk's office for each election cycle. City of Fontana — Elections & Candidate Information[1]

Where to pay

Pay candidate filing fees in person at the City Clerk's office during business hours, or follow the submission methods set out in the City’s candidate packet. Accepted methods (typical) include cash, cashier's check, money order, or credit card where allowed; confirm on the City Clerk page before payment. For contact and hours see the City Clerk contact page.City Clerk contact[2]

Always get a dated receipt when you submit a filing fee.

Payment methods and practical steps

  • Confirm the exact fee amount in the current nomination packet or with the City Clerk; if an amount is not listed on the official page, it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Bring required identification and completed nomination forms from the candidate packet when paying.
  • Pay attention to filing opening and closing dates in the official election schedule; late payments may be rejected.
  • Contact the City Clerk in advance to confirm payment types, office hours, and to schedule an in-person filing if needed.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City Clerk administers candidate filing intake and enforces filing deadlines and completeness for municipal candidacies; criminal or civil penalties for election-related violations may be handled under applicable city or state law. Specific fine amounts, escalation rules, and non-monetary sanctions for failure to pay filing fees or for related election violations are not specified on the cited City pages; consult the City Clerk or the official election packet for any stated penalties.[1]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation (first/repeat/continuing offences): not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cure defects, rejection of filings, or referral to enforcement bodies; specifics not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: City Clerk, City of Fontana; inspection/complaint pathways begin with the City Clerk's office and may be referred to appropriate enforcement agencies.[2]
  • Appeals/review: procedures and time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page; ask the City Clerk for appeal routes and statutory time limits.

Applications & Forms

Obtain the official nomination packet and any payment forms from the City Clerk. If a specific fee schedule or a standalone fee form is published, it is included in the candidate packet; if no form is published online, the City Clerk provides the required documents in person or by request.

How-To

  1. Request the current nomination packet from the City Clerk or download it from the City’s Elections page.
  2. Complete the nomination forms and calculate the required filing fee per the packet instructions.
  3. Confirm acceptable payment methods with the City Clerk and prepare payment (cash, cashier's check, money order, or credit card if accepted).
  4. Submit forms and payment in person at the City Clerk's office by the filing deadline; obtain a dated receipt.
  5. If you have questions or need to appeal a filing decision, contact the City Clerk immediately for instructions and possible appeal time limits.
Keep copies of all submitted forms and the receipt as your official proof of filing.

FAQ

How do I pay a candidate filing fee in Fontana?
Pay at the City Clerk's office following the instructions in the nomination packet; confirm payment types and hours with the City Clerk.[2]
How much is the filing fee?
The exact fee amount for each office and election is provided in the nomination packet or by the City Clerk; if an amount is not available on the official page, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]
Can I pay by credit card or mail a check?
Accepted methods vary by election; contact the City Clerk to confirm whether credit card payments or mailed checks are accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the City Clerk to get the nomination packet and official payment instructions.
  • Confirm exact fee amounts and acceptable payment methods before submitting payment.
  • Always keep a dated receipt and copies of submitted forms as proof of filing.

Help and Support / Resources


  1. [1] City of Fontana — Elections & Candidate Information
  2. [2] City of Fontana — City Clerk