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    CA · Registered agent

    California Registered Agent

    California refers to the registered agent as the agent for service of process, and every California LLC and corporation must designate one under Corp. Code §§ 1502 and 17701.13. ClearFormation acts as your California agent for service of process — included with every plan.

    CA registered agent

    $149/yr

    Billed annually · no state filing fee required

    • Physical California street address
    • Same-day scan of legal & state mail
    • Email alerts + online document portal
    Get a CA registered agent

    What your registered agent does in California

    Your registered agent is the official in-state contact for lawsuits and California Secretary of State mail. Here is what they handle:

    1. 1

      Accepts lawsuits in California

      • Lawsuits are delivered in person to the agent's CA address on file with the California Secretary of State.
      • They do not go to your home.
    2. 2

      Receives California Secretary of State mail

      • Annual report reminders and tax notices go to the agent's office.
      • We forward everything to you digitally the same day.
    3. 3

      Stays available year-round

      • California requires someone at the address during business hours all year.
      • A commercial service covers travel, moves, and remote work.

    Starting a Company?

    Form your California LLC or corporation first, and we'll set up your registered agent at the same time.

    Start Your Company

    Who needs a registered agent in California?

    A registered agent is the in-state contact that accepts lawsuits and California Secretary of State mail for your company. You need one if you have:

    • An LLC or corporation formed in California
    • An out-of-state entity foreign-qualified to do business in California
    • Licensed practices (PLLC or PC) — doctors, lawyers, CPAs, and similar professions

    List the agent when you file. If your current agent is missing or invalid, file a change-of-agent with the California Secretary of State.

    Can I be my own agent in California?

    Yes — if you have a physical California street address and are there during business hours. Most founders still use a commercial service:

    • Agent line. The registered agent street address on the SOS record is the service's address, not your home listed as agent. Other form fields may still ask for addresses that become public.
    • No missed mail. If you are not there when a process server arrives, you can lose by default.
    • You can move or travel. A commercial CA office stays the same when you relocate.

    PO boxes and most virtual offices do not qualify. Someone must accept legal papers in person during business hours.

    How to get a registered agent in California

    Appoint ClearFormation on a new formation filing, or switch an existing CA entity. We provide a physical street address, accept legal and state mail, and upload documents to your dashboard the same day.

    1. 1

      Appoint ClearFormation as your CA agent

      • New companies: include us on your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
      • Existing entities: we prepare the change-of-agent filing with the California Secretary of State, including written consent.
    2. 2

      Legal and state mail arrives at our office

      Process servers and California Secretary of State correspondence are accepted in person during business hours at our staffed California address.

    3. 3

      We scan and alert you the same day

      You get an email when service of process or official state mail arrives — with a PDF in your ClearFormation account.

    4. 4

      Coverage stays active year-round

      • Your agent must stay on file for the life of the entity.
      • ClearFormation keeps the CA appointment active when you move or travel.

    Forming new? Agent service is included when you form an LLC in California or incorporate in California.

    How to change your agent in California

    Already have a California entity? File a change-of-agent form with the California Secretary of State. The new appointee must consent in writing. The state charges a small filing fee.

    1. 1

      Pick your new in-state agent

      • Confirm they have a physical CA street address and accept the role.
      • ClearFormation provides this in California.
    2. 2

      Gather entity details for the filing

      You need your entity name, California Secretary of State file number, current agent, and the new agent's name and CA address.

    3. 3

      File the change-of-agent form

      • Submit the form to the California Secretary of State with the state fee.
      • We prepare and file it, including written consent from the new agent.
    4. 4

      Notify your prior agent

      Cancel any outside service so you are not double-billed.

    Change your CA registered agent

    We prepare the change-of-agent filing with the California Secretary of State

    Change your CA agent

    California agent FAQs

    Also for California founders: Form an LLC in California · Form a corporation in California

    Ready to get a CA registered agent?

    Stay compliant in California without listing your home on public records.

    Get a CA registered agentStarting a company?

    Questions?