California Registered Agent Primer (2026): 6 Moves and the 3 Best Agents
Our 2026 marks for appointing a registered agent in California: Mainstay Filing ($149 a year), California Registered Agent.ai ($99 a year) and CA Registered Agent.org ($99 a year), highest first. Learn the rule, the eligibility test, the address test and the filing in 6 moves.
A California resident, or a corporation registered with the Secretary of State as a corporate agent under Corporations Code § 1505. A business cannot act as its own agent for service of process. Read Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13.
Move 3
The address test
An individual agent's California street address goes on the public record. A registered corporate agent's address is already on file with the state and is not repeated in the company's filing.
Each service we rank gives you the in-state address.
Move 4
Be the agent or pay for one
You qualify? Serve yourself. If not, a pro from the ranking is $99 to $149 per year.
Move 5
File the agent's details
A new LLC names its agent on the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1), filed with the California Secretary of State. An LLC that changes agents files an amendment there.
California sees your agent's details through the Statement of Information ($20, every two years, due last day of the LLC's registration-anniversary month, biennially), and state notices about it go to the agent for service of process. $800 a year minimum LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board (Form FTB 3522), separate from the Statement of Information.
Where this comes from:sos.ca.gov, read October 2026
Agent and state costs
What
Payee
Total
Agent service
Service company
$99 to $149 a year
Each later year
Service company
$99 to $149 a year
Statement of Information
The state
$20 every two years
Minimum tax, annual
The state
$800 a year
We get the three-year state number by adding the filing, the reports due in years two and three and any yearly minimum tax. Service fees stay separate.
The logic behind the order
won on to-dos the price takes off you (38% of the mark), with close behind.
One agent for any state beat the one-state plan.
California quick answers
Can a California LLC skip an agent for service of process?
Yes. Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Can I be my own agent for service of process?
Yes, if you pass the eligibility and address tests in moves 2 and 3.
Can I change my agent for service of process later?
Change whenever you like through the California Secretary of State, as move 5 describes.
What does a registered agent cost in California?
Plan on $99 to $149 a year.
What does the LLC pay the state each year?
Once a year there is the Statement of Information at $20, plus the yearly minimum tax.
Which registered agent would you choose?
Mainstay Filing, California Registered Agent.ai and CA Registered Agent.org, best mark first.