California Registered Agent Service

If you operate a business in California, you are legally required to maintain a registered agent. Relay Registered Agent provides reliable, nationwide registered agent service with real-time document delivery, compliance support, and transparent pricing.

What Is a California Registered Agent?

A California registered agent (referred to by the state as an “agent for service of process”) is a person or company designated to receive:

• Service of process (lawsuits)

• Legal notices

• State correspondence from the California Secretary of State

Every LLC, corporation, and certain partnerships in California must maintain a registered agent with a physical address in California (not a P.O. Box).

Why Choose Relay Registered Agent?

Most registered agent services operate as passive mail receivers. Relay is built for active compliance and real-time delivery.

What You Get:

• $149/year flat rate (no upsells or renewal surprises)

• Same-day scanning of all legal and state documents

• Instant email notifications

• Secure online dashboard access

• Compliance reminders to help avoid penalties

• Privacy protection (keep your personal address off public records)

Get Started in Minutes

Get California Registered Agent Service for $149/year →

How Much Does a California Registered Agent Cost?

Most California registered agent services charge:

• $100–$300 per year

• Many advertise low introductory pricing, then increase at renewal

Relay offers flat pricing at $149/year, with no hidden fees or pricing changes.

California Registered Agent Requirements

To serve as a registered agent in California, the agent must:

• Have a physical street address in California

• Be available during normal business hours

• Be either an individual resident or a registered corporate agent with the state

• Consent to serve in the role

Failure to maintain a registered agent can result in:

• Suspension or forfeiture of your business entity

• Loss of good standing

• Default judgments in lawsuits

Who Needs a Registered Agent in California?

You need a registered agent if you have any of the following registered with the California Secretary of State:

• LLC (Limited Liability Company)

• Corporation (Inc., Corp.)

• Limited Partnership (LP)

• Nonprofit organization

• Foreign entity registered to do business in California

California Registered Agent for Out-of-State Businesses

If your company is formed outside California but conducts business in the state, you must:

• Register as a foreign entity in California

• Appoint a California registered agent

This is required before legally operating in California.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?

Yes—but it comes with tradeoffs:

Pros:

• No annual fee

Cons:

• Your address becomes public record

• You must be available during all business hours

• Risk of missing important legal notices

• Service of process could occur in front of clients or employees

Most business owners choose a professional service to avoid these issues.

What Happens If You Don’t Have One?

If your registered agent fails or resigns and you do not replace them:

• The state may suspend your business

• You could miss lawsuits or deadlines

• Courts may enter default judgments against your company

How to Get a California Registered Agent (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose a registered agent service

2. Sign up online

3. List the agent in your formation documents

4. File with the California Secretary of State

5. Maintain the service annually

How to Change Your California Registered Agent

To switch your registered agent in California:

• For LLCs: File Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information)

• For corporations: File Form SI-550 (Statement of Information)

• Submit the filing to the California Secretary of State

• Pay the applicable filing fee (typically $20)

• Wait for confirmation from the state

If you sign up with Relay, we guide you through this process and handle the details to ensure the change is completed correctly and efficiently.