Can I operate in California with an out-of-state LLC?

Yes, but you must register as a foreign LLC first. File Form LLC-5 with the California Secretary of State, submit a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state, pay $70, and appoint a California registered agent. Operating without registration violates Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13 and exposes your LLC to penalties.

Registration Requirements

Submit Form LLC-5 (Application to Register a Foreign LLC) online at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/ or mail to 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Include your Certificate of Good Standing (issued within six months) and the $70 registration fee. Processing takes 5–10 business days.

You must appoint a California registered agent—either an individual resident aged 18 or older, or a corporation/LLC authorized to do business in California. A member of your LLC may serve as agent. The agent requires a physical California street address (no PO boxes) where legal documents can be served. Written consent from the agent is required before filing.

Ongoing Compliance

File an annual report each year with a $20 fee. Update your registered agent using Form LLC-12 (Statement of Information, $20) or Form LLC-2 (Amendment, $30)—no standalone agent change form exists.

Failure to file the annual report may result in administrative dissolution of your foreign LLC registration in California.

Contact Information

California Secretary of State
Phone: (916) 657-5448
Website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/
Business Search: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/search/business

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This is general information, not legal advice.