Many people ask, “Do I need a registered agent for my LLC in California?” and the answer is always yes.
When you want to open a limited liability company (LLC) in California, you need a registered agent. These are people who will serve as the point of contact between your LLC and the state of California – among other responsibilities. While you can be the registered agent of your own business, that doesn't always mean it's a good idea.
The added responsibilities can be a lot for a new business owner to manage. Plus, missing information that helps you remain compliant can result in your business being fined or even shut down by the state. So, delegating registered agent responsibilities isn't always a bad thing.
Furthermore, registered agent services can also help you file paperwork and manage other areas of your business you'd rather delegate; this way, you can get back to serving your customers. Read on to find a list of registered agents in California.
List of Registered Agents in California
Contents
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is someone who acts as the point of contact between California and your LLC, corporation, or limited liability partnership (LLP).
The main purpose of the registered agent is to ensure that you can prove to the state of California that your business is compliant with state laws. For this reason, your registered agent needs to be available during normal business hours in California, excluding holidays.
Registered agent services are also available, and we recommend using them. A registered agent service will also take on additional responsibilities for your business.
These tend to include filing paperwork, filing annual reports, collecting mail, and managing legal documents. Some services also offer bonus features like cloud storage and more in-depth management options.
If you plan on starting an LLC in California, make sure choosing a registered agent is part of that process.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in California?
California isn’t too strict about who can be a registered agent. Ultimately, the state wants to have someone they can communicate with to ensure that your business is compliant.
California’s rules for who can be a registered agent include:
- The person must be at least 18 years of age
- Registered agents must have a California mailing address
- Entities that serve as a registered agent must have a mailing address in California
Based on these rules, you can choose almost anyone to be your registered agent. This includes members of an LLC, yourself, family members, and even friends.
We don’t advise appointing an in-house registered agent unless you have a member of the LLC who’s dedicated to the responsibility. Otherwise, you’re better off working with a registered agent service.
How Much Does a Registered Agent in California Cost?
Registered agents in California can cost anywhere from $0 to $500. If you plan to be your own registered agent, or if you choose a member of your business to be the registered agent, it won’t cost you a dime – aside from any filing fees.
However, if you work with a registered agent service (or a local agent), you may have to spend $50 to $500 per year. The amount you spend depends on what services you want.
If you’re looking for an agent that only maintains compliance, you shouldn’t have to pay more than $100 to $150. However, if you’re looking for a service that provides cloud storage or other advanced features, expect to pay closer to $500 per year.
That said, the cost is minimal compared to the peace of mind that working with a registered agent service can bring.
Does California Require Registered Agents?
Yes, California requires registered agents for LLCs, corporations, and limited liability partnerships The state requires a registered agent to ensure that your business remains compliant.
Companies without a registered agent can face fines, penalties, and even be forced to shut the business down. For this reason, it’s important to have a registered agent and make them known to the California Secretary of State.
How to Find a Registered Agent in California?
There are many ways to find a registered agent in California. You can search online, read about a list of registered agents, or even check with local agencies. While you can find a registered agent with a quick Google search, that doesn’t mean you should land on the first one you find. Instead, you’ll want to consider a few factors before you choose.
How to Find an Agent for Service of Process in California?
This is going to be the same exact process as finding a registered agent for everything else. Follow the suggestions we’ve listed to find a registered agent for all your business needs.
When you find a registered agent or local agent in California you need to compare the cost of their services, flexibility, and much more with other providers. While many options exist, and finding a registered agent isn’t hard, the challenging part is making sure they fit your company’s needs.
Learn about some factors to consider when looking for a registered agent in California below.
Cost
First and foremost, take some time to compare the cost of a registered agent service. Some services will cost more than others, so if you’re on a budget, go for the lower options.
Many providers charge more because they offer additional services. If you like the sound of cloud storage and better responsiveness, the cost might be worth it.
California Registered Agent Reviews
Check registered agent reviews before you make a decision. It’s important to hear about the experiences that other business owners had with a registered agent service; it can help you see if they’re right for you.
We also provide a list of registered agents with good reviews in our comprehensive list of the best registered agents in California, which you can find down below.
Take some time to read up on these services, and even consider reading multiple reviews if you have to.
Document Processing
The speed at which a registered agent service processes documents is important. You want to find services that offer immediate processing, online access to documents, and mail forwarding. These services ensure that you always have what you need to remain compliant with the state of California.
Most services offer 24-hour access to documents and will have PDF copies available online. However, some registered agent services will only have mail forwarding options or copies in their office.
Local Agent vs Registered Agent
Choosing between a local agent and another type of registered agent is also important. Most registered agent companies are online services, so most document storage is online and you have to speak with them over the phone or through email. Sometimes, you may have to communicate by mail.
Who are local agents, then? Local agents are located in California, have offices you can visit, and tend to be more familiar with any specific rules California may have. While they may cost more, a local agent might be the right choice.
You can find a good local agent by comparing their cost, registered agent reviews, and other information with their competitors. Just make sure you check a local agent’s address to see that it’s not just an online service claiming to be a local California registered agent.
List of Registered Agents in California for Business
Finding a registered agent service is the easy part, so choosing the right one for your specific needs is where things get complicated. For example, some options may be cheaper than others, while other registered agents provide a better overall experience. Take a look at our California registered agent list below to see some of our top choices.
1. Northwest Registered Agent
When it comes to registered agent services in California, you can’t beat Northwest Registered Agent. It’s one of the best options in the state because you get access to a skilled team of agents who know exactly how California compliance needs to be maintained.
They have an easy-to-use client portal, great attention to detail, and plenty of tools to help you store your documents.
While the service costs $125, which is more than some other services, Northwest Registered Agent is worth every penny. Most of their additional services and storage options are even available without an extra charge. Plus, everything is ready to print as a PDF at a moment’s notice to help you stay compliant if California asks for any documents.
2. ZenBusiness
Another major player in the registered agent game is ZenBusiness. This company has only been around for a handful of years, but they’re quickly becoming one of the most well-known registered agent companies in the game.
They offer their services in California for $99 per year, which is cheaper than most options, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank. ZenBusiness also guarantees 100% accuracy, doesn’t charge you any state fees, and handles document storage for you at no extra cost.
While ZenBusiness is great at offering registered agent services, they’re also a full-service company that can help you start a business in California. If you need any additional help with the LLC formation process, they can have your back in addition to their registered agent services.
3. Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is one of the best options for multi-state LLCs. They have offices all around the country and understand compliance well. Therefore, if you plan on expanding your LLC outside of California, you’ll love to know that they can help.
Aside from being great for multi-state LLCs, they’re also great for document storage, handling legal documents, and keeping your business compliant.
It’s also important to note that Harbor Compliance is also a local agent in California. They have an office in Sacramento, which can help you get access to your documents on the same day. However, online access is available for all forms they have, so you’ll rarely need to head down there in person.
Harbor Compliance charges $99 per year for their services in California, which is about average.
4. Bizee
Backed by the popular LLC service company Incfile, Bizee is a great registered agent service that offers a lot of services. Bizee will help you access your documents and remain compliant with the state of California. You can even use them in other states if you plan on moving your business or expanding.
We like Bizee because they’re the best for mail forwarding. If you provide them with your address, Bizee will forward anything sent to them right to the address you provide; you don’t even have to ask.
Bizee is also a great choice for people who are shopping on a budget. They’ll waive the fee for the first year and only cost $119 per year after that.
5. California Agent for Service of Process
Are you asking yourself, “How do I find a local registered agent?” If so, you can’t go wrong with California Agent for Service of Process. Located in Sacramento, this company provides an immediate service in addition to being your company’s registered agent.
Everything is available in their office and online, so you don’t have to worry about any documents. Plus, the second you enroll with them, they have pre-populated forms, addresses, and more. So, you can get started immediately.
California Agent for Service of Process is also the cheapest registered agent in California. You can start the process for only $49, which is almost half the cost of most of their competitors.
If you’re looking for the cheapest registered agent service in California, you can’t go wrong with California Agent for Service of Process. Plus, you’ll have people you can visit, speak with, and place your trust in.
Find a Registered Agent in California Today!
When you want to start a business in California, you need to have a registered agent. They keep your business compliant, ensure that you have access to legal documents and much more. In fact, some local agents you find in California will have offices you can visit to handle your documents in person.
Finding a good registered agent service isn’t always easy. Make sure you consider some of the options on our list of registered agents in California; we compiled some of the best local, online, and national options for you to choose from.