California registered agent
California registered agent requirements
Who must appoint a registered agent in California, which office keeps the record, how to change agents, and what reliable coverage costs.
Direct answer
Does California require a registered agent?
Every corporation, LLC, or other registered entity formed or qualified in California must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. California Secretary of State keeps the agent of record. Cornerstone Licensing provides California coverage for $99 per year with same-day document scanning and forwarding.
Last verified July 29, 2026
The California requirement
Every corporation, LLC, limited partnership, or other registered entity formed or qualified to do business in California must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. The agent has to be available during business hours to accept service of process, tax notices, and official correspondence. A lapse can mean missed lawsuits, penalties, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.
- Filing office
- California Secretary of State
- Cornerstone Licensing service fee
- $99 per year (renews at $149)
The exact statutory reference for the California requirement is available from the filing office via the official source linked above.
Changing your registered agent in California
File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the California Secretary of State. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
California registered agent FAQ
- Does California require a registered agent?
- Yes. Every corporation, LLC, or other registered entity formed or qualified in California must continuously maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. A lapse can lead to penalties, loss of good standing, or administrative dissolution.
- Who keeps the registered agent records in California?
- California Secretary of State maintains the registered agent of record for each entity. The exact statutory reference is available from the filing office.
- How do I change my registered agent in California?
- File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the California Secretary of State. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
- What does registered agent service cost in California?
- Cornerstone Licensing provides California registered agent service for $99 per year, with renewals at $149 per year. Same-day document scanning and forwarding is included; there are no per-document charges.
- Can I be my own registered agent in California?
- An individual with a physical street address in the state who is available during business hours can generally serve. The entity itself cannot act as its own registered agent, and a P.O. box does not satisfy the street-address requirement.