Frequently Asked Questions

What is an agent for service of process?

An agent for service of process is an individual or corporation designated to receive legal documents, service of process, and official state correspondence on behalf of your California business. California uses this term rather than "registered agent." The agent must maintain a physical address in California and be available during normal business hours to accept hand-delivered service.

Why does California require an agent for service of process?

California law requires every LLC and corporation to maintain an agent for service of process to provide the California Secretary of State and legal system with a reliable contact point for delivering official documents, legal notices, and compliance communications to your business.

Who can serve as an agent for service of process in California?

Individuals must be at least 18 years old and California residents. Corporations can serve as agents after filing the 1505 Certificate with the state. Importantly, LLCs cannot serve as agents for service of process in California — this is unique to California law. The agent needs a physical street address available during normal business hours. Entities cannot serve as their own agent for service of process.

What types of documents will I receive?

You'll receive service of process for lawsuits, official correspondence from the California Secretary of State, tax documents from the Franchise Tax Board, compliance notices, Statement of Information reminders, and other legal or governmental communications addressed to your business.

Can I be my own agent for service of process?

No. California law prohibits entities from serving as their own agent for service of process. You must designate an external individual or qualified corporation to serve in this role.

How do I change my agent for service of process in California?

File a change form with the California Secretary of State and confirm the update appears in state records. California typically doesn't charge a fee for agent changes filed separately. However, if you file the change as part of your Statement of Information, the fee is $20 for LLCs or $25 for corporations during the scheduled filing period.

What are California's annual report requirements?

California requires a Statement of Information filing on a biennial (two-year) basis, with a $20 filing fee. More importantly, California requires an $800 annual franchise tax paid to the Franchise Tax Board, separate from Secretary of State fees. LLCs with income over $250,000 pay an additional fee ranging from $900 to $11,790 based on income level.

What is the California Secretary of State?

The California Secretary of State oversees business entity filings, maintains corporate records, and handles compliance matters for LLCs, corporations, and foreign entities operating in California. Their website is https://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities/

How much does your service cost?

$99 per year with no hidden fees or setup charges. This covers your agent for service of process address, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders, online portal access, and privacy protection.

What's included in the $99/year fee?

Everything: a physical registered office address in California, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders and alerts, secure online document portal, and privacy protection with our address on public filings.

How quickly do you forward documents?

We scan and forward documents the same day they arrive. You'll receive an email notification with the scanned document attached and can access it through your online portal immediately.

How do I sign up?

Visit our checkout page to get started. The enrollment process is designed to be educational and straightforward. You'll receive your California agent for service of process address and account information right after completing signup.

Can I use your address as my business mailing address?

Our address serves as your agent for service of process address for official and legal correspondence. We forward all documents we receive to your preferred mailing address or make them available through your online portal.

What is California's franchise tax?

California's franchise tax is an annual $800 tax paid to the Franchise Tax Board, separate from Secretary of State filing fees. LLCs with gross income over $250,000 pay additional fees based on their income level. This is a significant ongoing cost of doing business in California that all LLCs and corporations should understand.

Do you provide service for foreign entities?

Yes. If your business was formed in another state but is registered to do business in California, you need a California agent for service of process. We provide the same service and pricing for foreign entities as we do for California-formed businesses.

What if I need to contact you?

Email us at support@caregisteredagent.org, call during business hours (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm PT), or visit our contact page. We typically respond to inquiries within one business day.

Why can't LLCs serve as agents in California?

California is unique among states in prohibiting LLCs from serving as agents for service of process. Only individuals (California residents, age 18+) or corporations (after filing Form 1505) can serve in this capacity. This is an important distinction when selecting your agent.

How does your online document portal work?

After enrollment, you'll receive login credentials for your secure portal. All documents we receive are scanned and uploaded to your account the same day, where you can view, download, or share them whenever needed.

What happens if you relocate your office?

If we move our registered office to a different California location, we'll handle all required filings with the California Secretary of State and notify you in advance. Your service continues without interruption, and you don't need to take any action.