California Registered Agent
One of the most significant concerns for business owners in California should be their registered agent. Choosing a quality registered agent can increase the chances of a business’ success. California registered agents are also commonly referred to as agents for service of process.
A California registered agent is a business or individual who serves as a company’s representative. They are typically tasked with accepting documents on the LLC’s behalf, including official government correspondence. This can include service of process notices, tax information, communication from the Secretary of State, and notices of lawsuits. A California Registered agent acts as a middle-man, as it is their job to see that members of the LLC receive these documents.
California Registered Agent Requirements For an Individual
The California Secretary of State has set forth stringent requirements defining who can serve as an agent for service of process. Below are the requirements for individuals serving in the capacity.
- The individual must be at least 18 years of age
- The individual must reside in California
- The individual must be present at the designated mailing address during regular business hours
California Registered Agent Requirements For a Company
Additionally, businesses can elect to have a company serve as their registered agent.
- A corporation may serve as an agent for service of process, so long as they have previously filed a certificate under California Corporations Code section 1505
- A business entity cannot act as its own agent
DoMyLLC Can Serve As Your California Registered Agent
It’s critical that new business owners find a registered agent upon who they can trust and rely. At DoMyLLC, we offer registered agent services to those looking to file as an LLC or corporation in the state of California. When hiring us to serve as a registered agent, business owners can rest assured that they are receiving reliable, professional services, including:
- A physical address in the state of California, meeting requirements set forth by the Secretary of State’s Office.
- An office available during business hours from Monday through Friday. We can accept all legal correspondence for a company.
- A secure online account where business owners can manage your documents.
- An innovative management system design making it easier than ever for business owners to handle all legal correspondence, even if they’re not in the state.
- A compliance reminder system that informs business owners when annual report filings are due, ensuring they never miss a deadline.
- A compliance calendar, which is an easy-to-view method that allows owner to track when annual reports are due.
- A vast document library that includes both state and internal paperwork for Corporations and LLCs
- Links to state and government agencies
- Unlimited document storage
If businesses in California miss important deadlines, such as annual report filings, they could be subject to harsh penalties. When hiring DoMyLLC as a California registered agent, business owners can trust that their information will be uploaded to the online management system immediately upon delivery and that they will never miss an important deadline. DoMyLLC allows business owners to focus on running their business instead of having to burden themselves with compliance paperwork.
How To Change Your California Registered Agent
If you are a business owner in the state of California who is not satisfied with the registered agent currently representing your company, it’s possible that you can make a change.
- Hire a New Agent – Before filing the paperwork to change registered agents, it’s crucial that California business owners have already secured a new agent. That’s because when filing the paperwork, the state of California will ask for the information of the new agent. Be sure to have a trustworthy registered agent in place before going to submit the change of agent paperwork.
- File the Required Change of Agent Paperwork with the California Secretary of State – Unlike other states, which use a standard form that allows companies to make changes to their registered agent, the state of California has a specific form depending on the type of business making the switch. For example, California LLCs must submit a Form LLC-12 while corporations must provide a Corp Form. Business owners can download their forms here. Unlike some other states, California businesses can also change their registered agent information when they file their annual report.
- Pay the Filing Fee – As you’ll see in the fee structure table below, there could be a fee associated with filing the change of agent form.
State Filing Fees
The cost of filing registered agent information with the state of California can vary greatly depending on the type of business submitting the paperwork.
| Entity Type | State Fee Registered Agent Change |
| Domestic California Corporation | $0 or $25 if Statement of Information is due |
| Domestic California Limited Liability Company | $0 or $20 if Statement of Information is due |
| Domestic California Non-Profit Corporations | $0 or $20 if Statement of Information is due |
| Domestic Partnerships (LP, LLP, LLLP) | $30 Amendment |
| Foreign Corporations | $0 or $25 if Statement of Information is due |
| Foreign Partnerships (LP, LLP, LLLP) | $30 Amendment |
| Foreign Non-Profit Corporations | $0 or $20 if Statement of Information is due |
| Foreign Limited Liability Companies | $0 or $2 if Statement of Information is due |
| Corporation Entity Type | State Fee for Formation |
| Domestic California Corporation | $100 |
| Domestic California Non-Profit Corporation | $30 |
| Foreign Corporation Qualification | $100 |
| Foreign Non-Profit Corporation Qualification | $30 |
| LLC Entity Type | State Fee for Formation |
| Domestic California Limited Liability Company | $70 |
| Domestic California Partnerships | $70 |
| Foreign Limited Liability Company Qualification | $70 |
| Foreign Partnership Qualification | $70 |