Registered agent in California
Your agent on file in California for $99 a year, flat. Same-day scans of anything the state or a court sends you, mail scanning, and compliance reminders, all in one dashboard.
California is the largest market in the country to do business in, and every LLC registered there needs an agent for service of process with a real California address. We are that agent for $99 a year, the same flat price we charge in every state, with same-day scans of anything the state or a court sends you.
What your $99 a year covers
- A registered agent on file in California, with a real in-state address
- Same-day scans of service of process and official state mail
- General mail scanning, so you never miss a notice
- Deadline tracking and reminders for your Statement of Information
- One dashboard for every state you operate in, at the same price
- No setup fee and no step-up: it renews at $99
Does California require a registered agent?
California law requires every LLC and corporation to keep an agent for service of process, California's term for a registered agent, with a physical street address in the state, to receive lawsuits and official mail. If your company is not physically in California, appointing an agent is how the state and the courts reach you.
California costs at a glance
| Registered agent our flat price, every year | $99/yr |
| Company formation our fee, if you form with us | $199 |
| California filing fee the state's own fee, passed through at cost | $90 |
| Annual: Statement of Information due the last day of your formation anniversary month | $820/yr |
| First year, formed with us formation + state fee + agent | $388 |
A California LLC has two separate obligations. It files a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State every two years, by the last day of its formation anniversary month, for a $20 fee. It also owes the Franchise Tax Board an $800 minimum annual franchise tax, due every year regardless of income. Miss either and the state can penalize and suspend your LLC, so we track both dates and remind you before them.
How it works
- Start an order and pick California. Form a new company or move an existing one to us.
- We put our agent on file with the California Secretary of State and set up your dashboard, usually the same day.
- Anything served on your company is scanned to you the same day, and we remind you before every deadline.
Frequently asked
Do I need a registered agent in California?
Yes. California law requires every LLC and corporation to keep an agent for service of process, California's term for a registered agent, with a physical street address in the state, to receive lawsuits and official mail. If your company is not physically in California, appointing an agent is how the state and the courts reach you.
Can I be my own registered agent in California?
You can if you have a physical California address and are available during business hours, but your name and address become public and you must be there to accept legal papers in person. Most owners use a service to stay private and never miss a notice.
How much does a California registered agent cost?
With us it is $99 a year, the same flat price in every state. That includes the agent on file, same-day scans of anything served on you, mail scanning, and compliance reminders.
What does a California LLC owe each year?
Two different things to two different agencies: a $20 Statement of Information to the Secretary of State every two years, and an $800 minimum franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board every year, even with no income. We track both due dates for you.
Can you take over as agent from my current provider?
Yes. We file the change of agent with the California Secretary of State and move your company onto our dashboard, usually the same day. There is nothing you need to print or mail.
Is the $99 price really flat?
Yes. It is $99 a year in California and in every other state, and it renews at the same number. The only cost that can change is the state's own fee, if the state changes it.
Registered agent in other states
Facts on this page are from the California Secretary of State. Sources: [1] [2]