Best California Registered Agent Services in 2023

Image of author Nick Cotter
Nick
Registered Agent Services in California
September 12, 2023
-
10
min read

California is a popular place for businesses to incorporate. It is important for businesses to have a registered agent in order to remain in compliance with the state’s regulations. With so many registered agent services out there, it can be difficult choosing one that meets your needs. We've reviewed and ranked the top 7+ best registered agent services in California to make your decision easier.

Who is the best Registered Agent Services in California?

ZenBusiness is considered the best Registered Agent Service in California due to its exceptional customer service, affordable pricing, and comprehensive features. With a team of dedicated professionals, ZenBusiness provides prompt and reliable support to handle legal documents and ensure compliance with state requirements. Their competitive pricing plans, starting at just $99 per year, make it an affordable option for businesses of all sizes. Additionally, ZenBusiness offers additional services like business formation, annual report filing, and worry-free compliance, making it a one-stop solution for all business needs.

The Best Registered Agent Services in California of 2023:

Here’s our shortlist of the best Registered Agent Services in California I'm ranking through our extensive research and use:

  1. ZenBusiness
  2. Rocket Lawyer
  3. MyCompanyWorks
  4. Bizee
  5. BizFilings

Our Reviews of the Best Registered Agent Services in California:

Here is our list of the best Registered Agent Services in California in 2023 that we extensively researched and tested through our methodologies below::

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Best for: Variety Services & Support
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ZenBusiness

Newfoundrz's Software Review:
Image of full star review ratingImage of full star review ratingImage of full star review ratingImage of half a star review rating
4.3
out of 5

Embarking on my entrepreneurship journey, I was introduced to ZenBusiness, a comprehensive platform tailored for startups and seasoned business owners alike. As I navigated its intuitive platform interface, I was met with a wealth of business resources, each designed to simplify the often complex business lifecycle. From LLC formation to support for other business entity types like Corporations and Nonprofits, the platform offers a seamless experience. The business dashboard became my go-to, aiding in tasks like securing an EIN, accessing my operating agreement, and reviewing the annual report. State-specific guidance ensured I was always compliant, adhering to state regulations and filings. The worry-free compliance service, complete with deadline reminders, was particularly invaluable. Additionally, the clear pricing tiers and robust customer support underscored ZenBusiness's commitment to facilitating every facet of business management. As I integrated various business tools, it became evident that ZenBusiness is more than just a service; it's a holistic toolkit designed for the modern entrepreneur.

  • Business Formation Services: ZenBusiness helps individuals and entrepreneurs form various types of business entities, such as LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), corporations, and nonprofits. They provide assistance with filing the necessary paperwork, including articles of organization or articles of incorporation, in compliance with state regulations.
  • Registered Agent Services: Many states require businesses to have a registered agent, a designated entity responsible for receiving legal documents and official notices on behalf of the business. ZenBusiness offers registered agent services to fulfill this requirement and maintain compliance.
  • Compliance Monitoring and Maintenance: ZenBusiness provides ongoing compliance support to help businesses stay in good standing with state authorities. They offer services such as annual report filing reminders and assistance with other compliance requirements, ensuring that businesses remain in compliance with state regulations.
  • Business Website and Domain Services: ZenBusiness offers website and domain-related services to help businesses establish and enhance their online presence. This includes domain name registration, website design, and hosting services, allowing businesses to create a professional online image.
  • Business Banking: ZenBusiness partners with financial institutions to offer business banking services, including the ability to open a business bank account. This feature simplifies the financial management of a business and separates personal and business finances.
  • Comprehensive Business Toolkit: ZenBusiness is more than just a business formation service. It offers a holistic approach to entrepreneurship, providing everything from registered agent services to obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number). This comprehensive toolkit ensures every aspect of your business is well taken care of.
  • State-Specific Guidance: No matter where I intended to set up my business, ZenBusiness offered clear, state-specific guidance. This included insights on state regulations and filings, ensuring compliance at every step.
  • Intuitive User Experience: The platform interface is meticulously designed, ensuring a smooth user experience. Navigating through the various resources, tools, and services feels natural, even for a startup novice.
  • Business Tools Integration: While ZenBusiness offers a robust set of tools, integrating with other popular business software would elevate its utility further.
  • Upselling: ZenBusiness may try to upsell additional services during the formation process.
  • Registered agent fee: ZenBusiness charges an annual fee for its registered agent services.
Pricing for ZenBusiness starts at $0 (plus state fees) and moves up to custom pricing for other additional legal documents and services needed. Please check the ZenBusiness website for the most up to date pricing information as pricing is also dependent on a state-by-state basis.
Best Fit For:
small and medium sized business
Free Trial Offered?
YES
NO
Pricing Plan 1:
$0 (plus state fees)
Pricing Plan 2:
Custom
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
Get started →
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Best for: Monthly Legal Service Membership
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Rocket Lawyer

Newfoundrz's Software Review:
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4
out of 5

Having explored Rocket Lawyer extensively, it's evident that this platform is a versatile and accessible solution for individuals and businesses seeking legal services. Rocket Lawyer's central premise is to provide legal assistance in a user-friendly and affordable manner. The platform boasts a wealth of legal documents and templates that can be customized to suit specific needs. This feature is particularly valuable for those who need contracts, wills, or other legal documents without the hefty costs of hiring an attorney.One standout feature is the ease of creating legal documents through their step-by-step document builder, which makes even complex legal tasks approachable for individuals without a legal background. Additionally, Rocket Lawyer offers the option to consult with attorneys, providing a bridge between self-help and traditional legal services.What I found particularly helpful was the accessibility and affordability of their subscription service, which grants unlimited access to legal documents, attorney consultations, and more. Their commitment to transparency in pricing is also commendable, ensuring that users can budget effectively.Overall, Rocket Lawyer offers a user-friendly and cost-effective way to address a wide range of legal needs, making it a valuable resource for both individuals and small businesses.

  • Legal Document Creation: Rocket Lawyer allows users to create a wide variety of legal documents such as contracts, wills, power of attorney forms, and more. Users can customize these templates to suit their specific needs by answering a series of guided questions.
  • Legal Advice and Consultation: Users can access legal advice and consultation from Rocket Lawyer's network of attorneys. This service enables individuals and businesses to get answers to their legal questions, review documents, and receive guidance on legal matters.
  • Document Storage and Management: Rocket Lawyer provides a secure platform for storing and managing legal documents. Users can upload, store, and organize their important legal paperwork, making it easy to access and share when needed.
  • Business Formation Services: Rocket Lawyer offers tools and services to help individuals and entrepreneurs start and manage their businesses. This includes assistance with business entity formation, such as forming an LLC or corporation, and ongoing compliance support.
  • E-Signature Integration: The platform offers electronic signature capabilities, allowing users to sign and request signatures on legal documents online. This feature simplifies the process of getting contracts and agreements signed, making it convenient for parties involved.
  • Membership benefits: Rocket Lawyer offers a monthly membership plan that provides access to numerous legal services, including document creation and attorney consultations, at a reduced cost.
  • Comprehensive legal services: Rocket Lawyer covers a wide range of legal needs beyond business formation, making it a one-stop-shop for many customers.
  • Responsive customer support: Rocket Lawyer provides phone, email, and live chat support, ensuring customers can get assistance when needed.
  • Expensive without membership: Rocket Lawyer's services can be costly for non-members.
  • Membership fees: Some services are only available to members, which requires a monthly fee.
  • Limited scope: Rocket Lawyer may not offer the same range of services as some specialized formation providers.
Pricing for Rocket Lawyer starts at Non-member - $99.99 (plus state fees) and moves up to custom pricing for other additional legal documents and services needed. Please check the Rocket Lawyer website for the most up to date pricing information as pricing is also dependent on a state-by-state basis.
Best Fit For:
small and medium sized business
Free Trial Offered?
YES
NO
Pricing Plan 1:
Non-member - $99.99 (plus state fees)
Pricing Plan 2:
Custom
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
Get started →
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Best for: Customer Satisfaction Focus
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MyCompanyWorks

Newfoundrz's Software Review:
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4.3
out of 5

After spending time exploring the offerings of MyCompanyWorks, it's clear that this platform is tailor-made for entrepreneurs and businesses navigating the complexities of formation and compliance. The platform primarily specializes in helping users establish LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits, ensuring that the process is both smooth and comprehensible. The dashboard is intuitive, offering a clear step-by-step guidance through the maze of legal paperwork, which many entrepreneurs find daunting. What I especially appreciated was the Startup Wizard checklist, a feature that ensures businesses don't miss any crucial post-formation tasks. Additionally, MyCompanyWorks provides a personal touch with their responsive customer support, allowing for quick resolution of queries and concerns. Their prices are competitive, with clear breakdowns and no hidden fees, making budgeting a simpler task for startups. In essence, MyCompanyWorks stands out as a reliable ally for businesses, ensuring they remain compliant while also supporting their initial growth stages.

  • Business Formation Services: MyCompanyWorks assists entrepreneurs and business owners in forming various types of business entities, including LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits. They help with the preparation and filing of necessary documents to officially establish a business.
  • Registered Agent Services: MyCompanyWorks offers Registered Agent services to act as the point of contact for receiving legal documents and official notices on behalf of their clients' businesses. This is crucial for maintaining compliance and privacy.
  • Lifetime Company Alerts: MyCompanyWorks provides access to their compliance portal, which sends clients alerts and reminders about critical filing deadlines, ensuring that businesses remain compliant with state requirements over time.
  • Business Document Templates: While not providing legal advice, MyCompanyWorks offers customizable templates for common business documents such as operating agreements, bylaws, and meeting minutes. Clients can use these templates as a starting point for creating their own documents.
  • Business Maintenance Services: In addition to formation, MyCompanyWorks offers ongoing business maintenance services, including annual report filing, amendment services, and assistance with business dissolution. This helps clients manage their businesses in the long term and stay compliant with regulatory requirements.
  • Satisfaction guarantee: MyCompanyWorks offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee, ensuring customers feel confident in their services.
  • Fast processing: MyCompanyWorks offers expedited processing options for clients who need their documents filed quickly.
  • Personalized customer support: MyCompanyWorks provides personalized customer support, making it easy for customers to have their questions and concerns addressed.
  • Limited additional services: MyCompanyWorks may not provide the same range of services as some other providers.
  • No free formation: MyCompanyWorks does not offer a free formation package.
  • Limited customer support hours: MyCompanyWorks may have limited customer support hours compared to some competitors.
Pricing for MyCompanyWorks starts at $59 (plus state fees) and moves up to custom pricing for other additional legal documents and services needed. Please check the MyCompanyWorks website for the most up to date pricing information as pricing is also dependent on a state-by-state basis.
Best Fit For:
small and medium sized business
Free Trial Offered?
YES
NO
Pricing Plan 1:
$59 (plus state fees)
Pricing Plan 2:
Custom
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
Get started →
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Best for: Cost-Effective Incorporation
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Bizee

Newfoundrz's Software Review:
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4.5
out of 5

Upon delving into Bizee, it immediately struck me as a comprehensive platform geared towards aiding business owners in their journey from startup to growth. Their main offering centers on business formation services, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover their Silver package, which allows entrepreneurs to form a company for $0 + state fees. The platform's dashboard is elegantly designed, ensuring that even those new to the business formation process can navigate with ease. Beyond just company formation, Bizee extends its offerings to include services like annual compliance, business licenses, and tax consultations. What truly impressed me was their lifetime company alerts, ensuring that business owners remain compliant without the constant stress of deadlines. The platform's support system, from customer service representatives to their Learning Center, showcases their commitment to empowering entrepreneurs at every stage. To sum up, Bizee presents itself as a holistic, value-driven platform for business formation and management, tailored to support startups and established businesses alike.

  • Free Business Formation: Similar to some of its competitors, Bizee offers a free LLC formation service, where clients are only responsible for paying the state fees. This package includes the preparation and filing of the Articles of Organization, among other services.
  • Lifetime Company Alerts: One of Bizee's standout features is the lifetime company alerts they provide. These alerts are designed to keep businesses informed about upcoming filing deadlines, such as annual reports or franchise tax dates, ensuring that businesses remain in compliance and good standing.
  • Online Dashboard: Bizee provides an online dashboard where clients can access all of their business documents, track their order status, and stay updated on compliance deadlines. This centralized portal can be a valuable tool for business management.
  • Range of Additional Services: Beyond just the initial business formation, Bizee offers a suite of additional services, including obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN), filing for S-Corp status, creating Operating Agreements, and offering Registered Agent services.
  • Transparent Pricing: Bizee is known for its transparent pricing structure. They lay out their pricing tiers clearly on their website, allowing potential clients to easily understand what each package includes and how much additional services will cost.
  • Free basic formation: Bizee offers a free basic formation package, which includes preparing and filing articles of organization/incorporation. This makes it an affordable option for new businesses.
  • First-year free registered agent service: Bizee includes registered agent service free for the first year, saving businesses money and simplifying the formation process.
  • Competitive pricing: Bizee's pricing for additional services is generally lower than competitors', making it an attractive option for cost-conscious entrepreneurs.
  • Limited customer support: Bizee's customer support availability may be limited compared to some competitors.
  • Upselling: Bizee may try to upsell additional services during the formation process.
  • Inconsistent reviews: Some customers have reported varying experiences with Bizee's services.
Pricing for Bizee starts at $0 (plus state fees) and moves up to custom pricing for other additional legal documents and services needed. Please check the Bizee website for the most up to date pricing information as pricing is also dependent on a state-by-state basis.
Best Fit For:
small and medium sized business
Free Trial Offered?
YES
NO
Pricing Plan 1:
$0 (plus state fees)
Pricing Plan 2:
Custom
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
Get started →
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Best for: Ongoing Compliance Assistance
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BizFilings

Newfoundrz's Software Review:
Image of full star review ratingImage of full star review ratingImage of full star review ratingImage of half a star review rating
4
out of 5

Having personally reviewed BizFilings, I found it to be an intuitive online platform dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs and businesses with their incorporation and compliance needs. The platform offers a range of services, from LLC formations and nonprofit incorporations to managing foreign qualifications. One of its standout features is the "Business License Wizard," which helps businesses navigate the often confusing world of permits and licenses. The user interface is streamlined and user-friendly, ensuring that even novices can navigate the process with ease. Additionally, BizFilings offers a comprehensive learning center that provides valuable insights and guides on various business topics. Their transparent pricing model, combined with excellent customer support, makes the platform a reliable choice for those looking to start or manage a business. All in all, BizFilings stands out as a one-stop-shop for business incorporation and compliance services.

  • Wide Range of Services: Bizfilings provides a comprehensive suite of business services including incorporation (LLC, Corporation, Nonprofit, etc.), foreign qualification, DBA (Doing Business As) filings, and more. They offer services for nearly every stage of a business's lifecycle.
  • Business License Wizard: One of the standout features of Bizfilings is their Business License Wizard. This tool helps businesses determine which licenses, permits, and tax registrations they need for their particular business type and location. This can be incredibly useful for new businesses that may not be familiar with local regulations.
  • Compliance Management: Bizfilings offers a BizComply tool which is an online compliance management tool. This helps businesses monitor their compliance deadlines, like annual report filings and franchise tax payments. The tool sends alert notifications to ensure that businesses meet these critical deadlines.
  • Expert Support: The company prides itself on its knowledgeable staff. They offer support and expertise in understanding the nuances of business formation and compliance, helping clients navigate complex legal requirements.
  • Educational Resources: Bizfilings provides a variety of educational resources and tools for businesses. This includes articles, interactive guides, and videos on topics like incorporation, compliance, and business operations. They aim to educate their users, not just provide a service.
  • Experience: BizFilings has been in the industry for over 20 years, providing experience and knowledge that clients can rely on.
  • Ongoing compliance support: BizFilings offers a range of services for ongoing compliance, such as annual report filings, ensuring businesses stay up-to-date.
  • Customizable packages: BizFilings allows clients to tailor their services to their specific needs, ensuring they only pay for what they require.
  • Higher pricing: BizFilings' pricing can be more expensive compared to some competitors.
  • Additional fees: Many essential services require extra fees, leading to higher overall costs.
  • Limited customer reviews: BizFilings has fewer customer reviews compared to some other providers.
Pricing for BizFilings starts at $99 (plus state fees; price varies by state) and moves up to custom pricing for other additional legal documents and services needed. Please check the BizFilings website for the most up to date pricing information as pricing is also dependent on a state-by-state basis.
Best Fit For:
small and medium sized business
Free Trial Offered?
YES
NO
Pricing Plan 1:
$99 (plus state fees; price varies by state)
Pricing Plan 2:
Custom
  • N/A
  • N/A
  • N/A
Get started →
Featured Partners:
ZenBusiness
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Northwest Registered Agent
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Software Rankings:
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Important Features to Look For in Registered Agent Services in California:

Registered Agent Services in California Pricing Comparison Table:

Platform Free Trial? Pricing #1 Pricing #2
ZenBusiness false $0 (plus state fees) Custom
Rocket Lawyer false Non-member - $99.99 (plus state fees) Custom
MyCompanyWorks false $59 (plus state fees) Custom
Bizee false $0 (plus state fees) Custom
BizFilings false $99 (plus state fees; price varies by state) Custom

Registered Agent Services in California Rating Comparison Table:

Software Customer Support Performance Value Total Product Rating
ZenBusiness 4.5 4 4.5 4.3
Rocket Lawyer 4 4 4 4
MyCompanyWorks 4.5 4 4.5 4.3
Bizee 4.5 4 5 4.5
BizFilings 4 4 4 4

What is a California Registered Agent and is one required in California?

Can you be your own registered agent in California?

How does the California Registered Agent process work?

Who can serve as a Registered Agent in California?

Factors we use to Rank Registered Agent Services in California:

Nick

Founder and CEO

I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.