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California does not use the phrase registered agent in its forms. It asks for an agent for service of process. The rule for LLCs is Corporations Code section 17701.13: the company must keep an office and an agent in California, and the agent must be "an individual who is a resident of this state or a corporation that has complied with Section 1505". For the business search and filing fees, see our California business guide.
Two kinds of agent, and no third
The Secretary of State's business entity FAQs put it in one line. The agent is an individual who resides in California, or a registered 1505 corporate agent. That leaves out:
- your own company. A business entity cannot act as its own agent for service of process;
- an LLC or partnership as agent. Section 17701.13 allows only a resident individual or a 1505 corporation;
- someone who lives in another state. The individual must be a California resident.
A corporation named as agent must be active and have a current 1505 filing on record with the Secretary of State. It also must be authorized to do business in California and in good standing. The state fee for a section 1505 certificate is $30 on the Secretary of State's fee schedule.
One detail surprises people. When you name a 1505 corporation, section 17701.13(c) says no address for that agent goes on your filing.
Naming yourself: the privacy trade
An owner or officer who lives in California can be the agent, and the Secretary of State says small corporations often do this. The same FAQ warns that the agent's name and physical street address are public records, open to anyone. If you list your home, your home address is on the state register.
Changing or replacing the agent
There is no separate change of agent form for corporations and LLCs. The FAQ says a Statement of Information must be filed when the agent's name or address changes, or when the agent resigns. You file it on bizfile Online:
- CA and out of state LLCs: Statement of Information, CA and Out-of-State LLC.
- CA stock and out of state corporations: Statement of Information, CA and Out-of-State Corporation.
- Nonprofit corporations: Statement of Information, Nonprofit Corporation.
The fee schedule lists no fee for a statement filed between the regular filing periods to report a change. An agent who wants to quit files a Statement of Resignation of Agent Upon Whom Process May Be Served in California, also with no fee.
Limited partnerships and other entity types use their own amendment forms, listed in the same FAQ.
When the agent cannot be served
Serving the listed agent is not the only lawful method. The Secretary of State's service of process page points to Code of Civil Procedure sections 416.10 to 416.40 and to service rules in the Corporations Code, including section 17701.16 for LLCs.
If direct service fails, substituted service through the Secretary of State is possible, but only when:
- direct attempts have been unsuccessful;
- the court accepts that the attempts were reasonably diligent;
- the court issues an order allowing it.
The order, the papers and the $50 fee must be hand delivered at the Sacramento public counter. It cannot be done by mail or in the Los Angeles office.
Finding the agent of a California company
Search the business by name or entity number on bizfile Online. The Secretary of State says its business search shows the name and address of the agent for service of process, if any. For a step by step method, see our registered agent lookup guide. Because individual agents are often owners or officers, the record can also feed a business owner lookup. The registered agent overview compares California with other states.
Forming a new company? See how to start an LLC in California.