How Do I Register a Foreign LLC in California?

File Form LLC-5 (Application to Register a Foreign LLC) with the California Secretary of State. Submit a $70 filing fee, a Certificate of Good Standing from your home state, and designate a California registered agent with a physical street address. File online at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/ or mail to 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Registration Requirements

Form and Fee

Complete Form LLC-5 and submit it with a $70 non-refundable filing fee. You may file online through BizFile or by mail. The Secretary of State processes filings within 5-10 business days.

Certificate of Good Standing

Obtain a current Certificate of Good Standing from your home state's Secretary of State office. This document proves your LLC is in valid standing and must accompany your Form LLC-5. The certificate cannot be expired.

Registered Agent

Appoint a registered agent under Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13. Your agent must be either:

An individual resident of California, age 18 or older, or
A corporation or LLC authorized to do business in California

Your registered agent must maintain a physical street address in California (no P.O. boxes) and must consent in writing to serve in this capacity. A member of your LLC may serve as registered agent.

Ongoing Compliance

File an annual report with a $20 fee each year to maintain active registration status. Failure to file results in administrative dissolution.

To change your registered agent, file either a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12, $20 fee) or an Amendment (Form LLC-2, $30 fee). You may withdraw your registration at no cost if you cease California operations.

Contact Information

California Secretary of State 1500 11th Street Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 657-5448 Website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/ File Online: https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/

This is general information, not legal advice.