agent for service of process Service in California — $99/year
Getting started is easy. Follow the steps below.
Get Started — $99/yearComplete our simple order form with your business details. Takes less than 5 minutes.
We register as your agent for service of process with the California Secretary of State.
We receive and forward documents, send compliance reminders, and keep you in good standing.
An agent for service of process is an individual or corporation authorized to receive legal documents, service of process, and official state correspondence on behalf of your California business. California uses this specific terminology rather than "registered agent," emphasizing the agent's primary function of receiving legal service. Maintaining an agent for service of process is a continuous requirement for every LLC and corporation operating in the state.
California Registered Agent provides this essential service for $99/year with educational support and practical solutions.
Your agent for service of process acts as the official point of contact between your business and California's legal and regulatory systems. The agent receives:
Legal Documents Service of process for lawsuits, subpoenas, and other legal notices requiring formal delivery to your business entity. The agent must be available to accept hand-delivered service during normal business hours.
State Correspondence Official communications from the California Secretary of State, including filing confirmations, compliance notices, and administrative updates.
Tax and Regulatory Documents Notifications from the Franchise Tax Board, state agencies, and other governmental entities regarding tax matters, licensing, and regulatory compliance.
Document Forwarding A professional agent for service of process scans and forwards all received documents to you promptly, typically the same day they arrive.
The California Secretary of State establishes specific criteria that agents for service of process must meet:
Physical Address in California The agent must have a physical street address in the state where hand-delivered service can be accepted during normal business hours.
Age and Residency for Individuals Individual agents must be at least 18 years old and California residents.
Corporate Agents Corporations can serve as agents for service of process after filing the 1505 Certificate with the California Secretary of State.
LLC Prohibition California uniquely prohibits LLCs from serving as agents for service of process. This is specific to California law — only individuals and corporations qualify for this role.
No Self-Appointment California law prohibits entities from serving as their own agent for service of process. You must designate an external individual or qualified corporation.
California LLCs Every limited liability company formed in California must designate an agent for service of process at formation and maintain one continuously.
California Corporations All corporations organized under California law need an agent for service of process as an ongoing compliance requirement.
Foreign Entities Businesses formed in other states but registered to do business in California must maintain a California agent for service of process.
Professional and Nonprofit Organizations Professional corporations and nonprofit entities operating in California also need agents for service of process meeting the same requirements.
No. California law explicitly prohibits entities from serving as their own agent for service of process. This means you must designate an external individual or qualified corporation to serve in this capacity.
Even if California permitted self-appointment, serving as your own agent would create several practical challenges:
Privacy Concerns Your personal or business address appears on public records filed with the California Secretary of State, accessible to anyone searching the state's business database.
Availability Requirements You must be at the registered address during normal business hours to accept hand-delivered service. Travel, irregular schedules, or remote work arrangements create compliance issues.
Professional Considerations Receiving legal service can be uncomfortable, particularly if served at your home or in front of employees and customers.
Risk of Missed Service Unavailability when legal documents arrive might cause you to miss critical deadlines for responding to lawsuits or other legal matters.
Privacy Protection Our California address appears on your public filings instead of your personal location, keeping your home or business address out of public databases.
Consistent Availability We maintain presence at our registered address during all required business hours, ensuring reliable receipt of legal service and important documents.
Immediate Document Handling Same-day scanning and forwarding provides quick notification when documents arrive, maximizing your time to respond to legal matters.
Compliance Monitoring We track California's Statement of Information deadlines and other filing requirements, sending reminders to help you maintain good standing.
Professional Buffer We handle the receipt of legal service, keeping that process separate from your daily business operations and personal life.
While our agent for service of process fee is $99/year, it's important to understand California's other business costs:
$800 Annual Franchise Tax California requires an annual $800 franchise tax paid to the Franchise Tax Board, separate from Secretary of State fees. This applies to all LLCs and corporations.
Income-Based Fees for LLCs LLCs with gross income over $250,000 pay additional annual fees ranging from $900 to $11,790 based on their income level.
Statement of Information California requires a biennial Statement of Information filing with a $20 fee to the Secretary of State.
Understanding these costs helps you budget appropriately for operating a business in California.
California Registered Agent provides complete agent for service of process service in California for a transparent annual fee:
No setup fees. No per-document charges. No complicated billing.
Get Started — $99/year
Ready to ensure compliance and protect your privacy? Visit our checkout page or contact us with questions.
This is not legal advice. California Registered Agent is not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal guidance.
A agent for service of process is an individual or company designated to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of a business entity registered in California.
California requires all business entities to maintain a agent for service of process with a physical address in the state. This ensures you can be contacted for legal and tax matters.
Our California agent for service of process service is $99/year with no hidden fees or setup charges.
Sign up today and we can typically begin serving as your agent for service of process within 1 business day.