What Are the Registered Agent Rules in California?
California requires LLCs to appoint a registered agent who is either an individual resident of California aged 18 or older, or a corporation or LLC authorized to do business in California. The agent must maintain a physical street address in California and provide written consent to serve. Members may serve as registered agents. Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13.
Who Can Serve as Registered Agent
Your registered agent must be:
- An individual who is a California resident and at least 18 years old, or
- A corporation or LLC authorized to conduct business in California
Members of your LLC are eligible to serve as registered agents. The Secretary of State cannot serve as your agent. Your agent must have a physical street address in California—a post office box does not satisfy this requirement.
Address & Consent Requirements
The registered agent's physical street address becomes public record and is where California will serve legal documents during business hours. Before naming someone as your registered agent, obtain their written consent. Retain evidence of consent with your business records.
Changing Your Registered Agent
California does not offer a standalone registered agent change form. Instead, file either:
- Statement of Information (Form LLC-12): $20 filing fee
- Amendment (Form LLC-2): $30 filing fee
Your new agent must consent to serve and meet the eligibility requirements under Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13. There is no separate fee for the agent change itself—you pay only the form filing fee.
Submit forms online through the California Secretary of State's BizFile system at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/ or by mail to:
California Secretary of State
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Contact Information
For questions about registered agent requirements, contact the California Secretary of State at (916) 657-5448 or visit https://www.sos.ca.gov/.
This is general information, not legal advice.