California Registered Agent Services
CorpNet can act as your California registered agent ensuring your business stays compliant with any service of process, legal notices, or official mailings.
Our registered agent services are fast, affordable, guaranteed, and just $149 per year.
Why You Need to Appoint a Registered Agent in California
In California, a registered agent is referred to as an agent for service of process. When a new California business is formed, the company must designate a registered office within the Articles of Organization for an LLC or the Articles of Incorporation for a Corporation.
Appointing an agent for service of process is legally required under:
- California Code of Civil Procedure, section 415.30
- California Code of Civil Procedure, sections 416.10–416.40
- California Corporations Codes, sections 1702, 2011, 2111, 6410, 6721, 8410, 8723, 9670, 12610, 12662, 15800, 15901.16, 15911.05, 15800, 15901.16, 15911.05, 16310, 16905, 16914, 16962, 17701.16, 17707.07, 17710.05 and 18220
- Government Code, section 12197
Failure to appoint and maintain a proper resident agent could result in default judgments (in the case of a lawsuit), fines, and penalties. You might also risk having your business suspended or terminated in the state of California.
Quick & Easy Ordering
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A registered agent is an individual or business that is appointed by the company to receive and sign for any legal service of process documents, notices, or demands served upon the company.
Some examples of the documentation include:
- Official federal and state correspondence
- Subpoenas for information
- Tax notices
- Lawsuit notifications
- Summonses to appear in court
- Wage garnishment notices
- Corporate filing notifications
What California Business Entities Require a Registered Agent?
The following domestic and foreign businesses require a resident agent in California:
- Corporation
- Professional Corporation
- Nonprofit Corporation
- Limited Liability Company (LLC)
- General Partnership
- Limited Partnership (LP)
- Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
- Unincorporated Association
Who Qualifies as a Registered Agent in California?
To serve as a resident agent or office, you must meet the following requirements:
- The agent for service of process can be an individual who resides in California or a registered 1505 corporate agent
- The agent can be an officer or director of the corporation
- A business entity cannot act as its own agent for service of process unless the corporation is currently authorized to engage in business in California and is in good standing in the records of the Secretary of State
Why a Commercial Registered Agent is Your Best Option
A commercial registered agent has filed a special listing statement with a state’s agency responsible for business registrations and compliance. Information that a commercial registered agent provides on the list includes its company name, entity type, and address to which service of process should be sent.
Commercial registered agents often maintain a physical address in multiple states and work with many business entities. Commercial agents like CorpNet also will notify businesses of upcoming state filings and legal notices and they can prepare and submit compliance filings on your behalf.
There are many advantages to working with a commercial registered agent. From convenience and privacy to easy online document access, a commercial registered agent offers peace of mind.
Verified Trustpilot Review of ★★★★★
For many years, and through several different companies, CorpNet has been there for me. I have used their LLC formation and dissolution services…and then their formation service again, and then once again. I have also taken advantage of their services for annual report filing as well as registered agent monitoring and notification. I honestly don’t know what I’d do if left to my own devices with these matters.
What really makes CorpNet stand out, in my opinion, is the level of service, the consistency of the experience, and the price. You speak to live humans whenever you want (during business hours, of course). And beyond that, these are live humans that actually get to know you. State fees aside, the fees for CorpNet services are so nominal. And you just can’t put a price on doing the best you can for your small business. You and your company provide endless examples of how to rock a small business on every level.
FAQs About California Registered Agent Services
Does California require a registered agent?
Yes. The majority of businesses within the state of California must appoint a resident agent and office.
What government entity manages resident agents in California?
California Secretary of State
Business Programs Division
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs
What forms are used to appoint or change a resident agent in California?
- Articles of Incorporation (Form ARTS-GS)
- Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
- Registered Corporate Agent for Service of Process Certificate (Form 1505)
- LLC Statement of Information (Form LLC-12R)
- Corporation Statement of Information (Form SI-200C)
- Resignation of Agent for Service of Process (RA-100)
- California Limited Partnership Amended Certificate of Limited Partnership
- Foreign Limited Partnership Amendment to Application for Registration (Form LP–6)
- General Partnership Statement of Amendment/Cancellation (Form GP–7)
- Limited Liability Partnership Amendment to Registration (Form LLP–2)
- Unincorporated Association Statement by Unincorporated Association (Form UA–100)
- Foreign Partnership Statement by Foreign Partnership (Form LL–27)
How much does a registered agent cost?
There is a wide range of pricing for registered agents. Some service providers offer super low rates, however, this comes with limited services, hidden costs, and they do not offer important things your business needs like compliance monitoring, online customer portals, live customer service, or a money-back guarantee.
While at face value, a low-priced registered agent may seem like a sweet deal, things can turn sour quickly. So rather than looking only at the price low-cost providers flash prominently on their websites, dig deeper into what you’ll be getting and what you’re not getting.
How do I change my existing registered agent?
Agent for Service of Process changes can be made on LLC Statement of Information (Form LLC-12R) or Corporation Statement of Information (Form SI-200C).
If you hire a commercial registered agent, they can process the paperwork for you. Request CorpNet to change your registered agent for you.
Can my registered agent manage my annual report?
Yes! When you appoint a commercial registered agent you can receive a wide range of business compliance assistance. CorpNet handles online filings for a wide range of requirements at the state, federal, and local levels:
- File Articles of Incorporation
- File Articles of Organization
- File a foreign qualification
- File a DBA (Doing Business As)
- File initial reports and annual reports
- Request an S Corporation election
- Request EINs (Federal Tax ID Numbers)
- Register for business licenses
- Register for sales and use tax permits
- Register for payroll taxes
Are discounts available for multiple businesses or states?
CorpNet offers nationwide registered agent services supporting multi-state, multi-company, and bulk registrations. Our full coverage across the United States is enhanced by a single point of contact that offers volume discounts for multiple entities, states, or years of service.
