Registered Agent Change

Registered Agent Change › California

How to change your registered agent in California

File the Statement of Information (LLC-12) with the California Secretary of State — Business Programs Division (online via bizfileOnline). California charges no state fee. Moving to Mainstay Filing makes the first year $149 in all.

The filing

Form
Statement of Information, LLC-12
Filed with
California Secretary of State — Business Programs Division (online via bizfileOnline)
State fee
No state fee
Law
Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13
Who can serve
A California resident, or a corporation registered with the Secretary of State as a corporate agent under Corporations Code § 1505. A business cannot act as its own agent for service of process.
Address rule
An individual agent's California street address goes on the public record. A registered corporate agent's address is already on file with the state and is not repeated in the company's filing.

The steps in California

  1. Settle the new agent. Required: Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
  2. Fill in the form. Use the Statement of Information; it names the new agent and address.
  3. File and pay. No state fee is listed. Keep the acceptance.
  4. Close out the old service before its renewal date.

With Mainstay Filing as the new agent

$149 a year, renewing at $149, plus no state fee once. Service of process is scanned and uploaded the same business day at no fee.

Or serve yourself

California does not let the LLC be its own agent; an owner may qualify only as an individual, so check with the California Secretary of State.

How much does it cost to change a registered agent in California?

The state charges nothing (California Secretary of State — Business Programs Division (online via bizfileOnline)). The new agent’s price is separate.

Who can be my registered agent in California?

A California resident, or a corporation registered with the Secretary of State as a corporate agent under Corporations Code § 1505. A business cannot act as its own agent for service of process. Law: Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13.

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