California Registered Agent Search & Requirments in 2023

Are you looking to form a new business in California? One of the first steps you must take is to find a California registered agent. A registered agent is a person or business entity who agrees to receive official documents on behalf of a company, including service of process and other legal documents. In California, the registered agent must have a physical address in the state and be available to accept service during business hours. In this article, we'll discuss the California registered agent search and requirements and how to find one.

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Written by:
Nick
Updated on:
August 7, 2023
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What is a California Registered Agent?

A California Registered Agent is a person or company designated to receive legal notices and other important documents on behalf of their clients. This service is required in California for any business entity that is registered in the state, and is usually done through a third-party service provider. The Registered Agent's primary responsibility is to forward any documents that have been served to the company, such as lawsuits, court orders, or subpoenas.

The California Registered Agent must have a physical address in the state and be able to receive legal documents during regular business hours. This ensures that the company is aware of any legal matter that may affect them and can respond appropriately. The Registered Agent also provides an additional layer of privacy for the business, as the documents will be sent to the Registered Agent's address instead of the business's address.

A Registered Agent can be an individual or a company, such as an attorney, accounting firm, or another professional service provider. It is important to choose a Registered Agent that is reliable and can be trusted to provide timely service. To find out more information about California Registered Agents, please visit the California Secretary of State website.

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Why is it Important to Have a California Registered Agent?

Having a California Registered Agent is an important part of doing business in the state. A Registered Agent is a person or entity that has agreed to receive legal documents and other processes related to the company on behalf of the company. It is the Registered Agent's responsibility to forward the documents or processes to the company.

Having a California Registered Agent is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that the company is in compliance with the law. The California Corporations Code requires companies to have a Registered Agent in the state that can accept service of process. Without a Registered Agent, companies can be subject to fines or other penalties.

Second, having a Registered Agent ensures that the company is notified of any legal proceedings or other processes that are served on the company. This is important because the company will have time to respond to the proceedings or processes and protect its legal rights. Without a Registered Agent, the company may be unaware of any actions being taken against it until it is too late.

Finally, having a Registered Agent can help the company maintain its privacy. In California, the Registered Agent's information is publicly available. This allows the company to keep its address and other contact information private while still being able to receive important documents and processes.

Overall, it is important to have a California Registered Agent in order to stay compliant with the law, be aware of any legal proceedings or processes that are served on the company, and maintain the company's privacy. For more information, please visit the California Secretary of State website.

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Who can be a Registered Agent in California?

Anyone who is a California resident and is available during normal business hours can be a Registered Agent in California. This includes individuals, corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. It is important to be aware that the Registered Agent must have a physical street address in California, as a post office box address is not acceptable. Additionally, the Registered Agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important documents from the Secretary of State.

Being a Registered Agent requires a certain level of responsibility and commitment. The Registered Agent must be willing to accept service of process, official state documents, and other important documents on behalf of the business. It is important to note that the Registered Agent is the designated point of contact for the Secretary of State and is the individual who will be notified in the case of any legal action taken against the business.

To learn more about Registered Agents in California, please visit the California Secretary of State website.

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Do you Need a Registered Agent for Your California Business?

Absolutely! Every business in California needs a registered agent. A registered agent, also known as a resident agent, is a third-party individual or business that receives legal documents on behalf of a business. These documents include service of process notices, official government correspondence, and tax forms.

In California, the Secretary of State requires all businesses to designate a registered agent when filing the Articles of Incorporation. The registered agent must be a California resident, or a business entity authorized to conduct business in California. The registered agent must have a physical street address in California and must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the business.

By having a registered agent in California, you ensure that your business will not miss important notices from the government. A registered agent is also responsible for filing the required biennial Statement of Information with the Secretary of State. If a business fails to file the Statement of Information, it may be subject to administrative dissolution.

If you are looking for a qualified and reliable registered agent in California, you can find a list of registered agent service providers here. It's important to choose a provider that can provide you with a secure and reliable way to receive legal documents. That way, you can rest assured that all notices sent to your business will be received and responded to in a timely manner.

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How to Designate a California Registered Agent?

Designating a California Registered Agent is an important step for any business entity that is registered in the state. It is the designated agent’s responsibility to accept service of process and other official documents on behalf of a business.

In California, a registered agent must have a physical address within the state, and can be a business entity, an individual, or a corporation that has been authorized to do business in California. The registered agent must be available to receive service of process and other official documents during normal business hours.

To designate a California Registered Agent, you will need to provide the following information:

  • The legal name and address of the registered agent.
  • The name of the business entity.
  • The type of business entity.
  • The effective date of the designation.

Once the information has been provided, you will need to file the information with the California Secretary of State. This is done by completing and submitting Form S.A.1, Appointment of Agent for Service of Process, which can be found here. The form must be signed by an authorized officer of the business.

It is important to keep in mind that the registered agent must remain current and up-to-date with the California Secretary of State. If the registered agent’s information changes, it must be updated with the Secretary of State.

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How Does a Registered Agent in California Resign?

A registered agent in California can resign by filing a Statement of Withdrawal of Registered Agent with the California Secretary of State. The form must be signed by the registered agent and the business entity, and must include the name of the business entity, the name of the registered agent, and the address of the registered agent. The withdrawal is effective upon receipt of the form by the Secretary of State.

The form is available on the California Secretary of State’s website here.

When filing the Statement of Withdrawal, the registered agent must also file a Statement of Information for the business entity. The Statement of Information is used to update the contact information of the business entity. It must be signed by the registered agent and include the name of the business entity, the date of filing, the name of the registered agent, and the address of the registered agent.

The Statement of Information is also available on the California Secretary of State’s website here.

When filing the Statement of Withdrawal and Statement of Information, the registered agent must also include a $20 fee for each document. This fee can be paid with a check or money order, made payable to the Secretary of State. The documents and payment must be sent to:

Secretary of State
Statement of Information Unit
P.O. Box 944228
Sacramento, CA 94244-2280

Once the documents and payment have been received and processed, the registered agent’s resignation will be effective.

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Is There a Penalty for Not Designating a Registered Agent in California?

It is compulsory for all LLCs registered in California to designate a registered agent, as it is a requirement of the California Secretary of State. If an LLC does not designate a registered agent, the state can take action against the LLC which can eventually lead to the dissolution of the LLC.

The Registered Agent serves as the point of contact for the LLC, and is responsible for receiving important legal documents such as service of process, tax documents and other official correspondence. If the LLC chooses not to designate a registered agent, they will be unable to receive these important documents.

The California Secretary of State is the legal body responsible for ensuring the registered agents of LLCs are in compliance with the law. If the LLC is not compliant, the California Secretary of State can take action, such as the suspension of the LLC’s ability to transact business in the state, or the dissolution of the LLC.

Therefore, it is important for LLCs in California to designate a registered agent in order to maintain state compliance and avoid any penalties or dissolution of the LLC. For more information, please visit the California Secretary of State's website.

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What is the California Secretary of State Contact Information:

The California Secretary of State (SOS) is responsible for overseeing a wide range of state government activities, including elections and voter registration, business filings and records, and charitable organizations. The office also serves as a public resource for state government information. To contact the California Secretary of State, please use the information below:

  • Phone: (916) 653-6814
  • Fax: (916) 653-3214
  • E-mail: elections@sos.ca.gov
  • Mailing Address: California Secretary of State, 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

For more information about the California Secretary of State, please visit their official website https://www.sos.ca.gov/.

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How Much Does a Registered Agent in California Cost?

The cost of a registered agent in California will vary depending on the company or individual you choose and the services they offer. Generally, the average cost of a registered agent in California ranges from $75 to $300 per year.

The cost for a registered agent typically covers the services required by the California Secretary of State and other state and federal agencies. This includes the filing and processing of legal and business documents, such as annual reports and tax forms. It also includes the delivery of business and legal documents to the registered agent in California.

In addition to the required services, registered agents may also offer additional services such as registered agent address services, legal advice, and more. These additional services may increase the cost of the registered agent in California.

If you are looking for a registered agent in California, it is important to do your research and compare rates. You should also ask about additional services and any discounts that may be available. There are many reputable registered agent providers in California, and it is important to choose the provider that best suits your needs.

For more information about registered agents in California, please visit the California Secretary of State website.

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This post is for information only. You are responsible for reviewing and using this information appropriately. This content doesn’t contain and isn’t meant to provide legal, tax, or business advice. Requirements are updated frequently and you should make sure to do your own research and reach out to professional legal, tax and business advisers, as needed. We’re reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What are the Steps Needed to Find a Registered Agent in California?

Finding a registered agent in California is an important step for businesses that are registered in the state. A registered agent is a person or business that is responsible for accepting legal documents and notices on behalf of the business. Here are the steps needed to find a registered agent in California:

Step 1: Research Your Options – Start by researching the different options available for registered agents in California. Consider both local and online services. Look into the fees, services, and other factors that will affect your decision. Make sure the registered agent you choose is properly licensed and insured to provide services in your state.

Step 2: Get Referrals – Ask your peers and colleagues for referrals. Talk to those who have used registered agent services in the past and ask for their opinion. This will help you narrow down your choices and make a more informed decision.

Step 3: Check Reviews – Once you have identified a few potential registered agents, take the time to read reviews and ratings for each one. This will help you get a better idea of the quality of service and customer service provided by each agent.

Step 4: Contact the Company – Once you have identified a few potential registered agents, contact each one to ask questions and further explore their services. Ask about their fees, services, and any other information you need to make an informed decision.

Step 5: Make Your Decision – Once you have researched your options and gathered all the information you need, it’s time to make a decision. Choose the registered agent that best meets your needs and budget.

For more information on finding a registered agent in California, visit the California Secretary of State website.

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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.