Getting a registered agent is a relatively affordable and easy way to ensure that you’re always compliant with the state law, you receive all your important documents and notices on time, and protect your privacy. If you’re a Californian entrepreneur who is looking for an outstanding registered agent to help maintain your business, then our article on the best California registered agent services will be of massive help.
If you don’t have the time to read our comprehensive reviews of each registered agent service, check out our top 3 recommendations below.
Best California Registered Agent Services
| Registered Agent Service | Cost | Office Location |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest | $125 a year | Sacramento |
| ZenBusiness | $199 a year | Not stated |
| IncFile | $119 a year/ first year free with incorporation | Not stated |
| CSC Global | $381 a year | Sacramento |
| California Registered Agent | $50 a year | Sacramento |
| California Registered Agents | $49 a year | Sacramento |
| LegalZoom | $299 a year | Not stated |
| MyCorporation | $120 the first year/ $179 every year after | Calabasas |
| California Corporate Agents | $50 a year | Sacramento |
| Harbor Compliance | $99 | Sacramento |
| InCorp | $129 a year | Westlake Village |
We have provided eleven recommendations of the top services in the state of California that vary in price, features, and whether they provide nationwide service. At the end of our article, we have included a detailed FAQ section where we answer some common questions.
Before we get into the reviews, let’s start by briefly defining the role of a registered agent.
What Is a California Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a business entity or an individual whose job is to accept legal and official documents for your business and forward them to you in due time.
Several requirements need to be fulfilled in order for a business or an individual to operate as a registered agent, such as having a physical address in the state where the business is conducted, being over 18 years old, and operating during normal business hours.
Does California Require a Registered Agent?
In some states, appointing a registered agent is entirely optional. However, in California, it’s mandated by law that all corporations and business entities appoint and maintain a registered agent during the formation process of their business.
Now that you know that the state of California requires you to have a registered agent by law, it’s time to delve into our reviews of the best registered agent services in California.
1. Northwest
Our number one recommendation for a registered agent service in California is Northwest. Renowned for their nationwide service and outstanding customer support, this family-owned business provides everything you need from a registered agent service, and much more.
Their package is excellent – once you hire their services, you’ll get access to perks such as:
- Pre-filled state forms
- Annual report reminders
- Online storage for your documents
- Free mail forwarding
In addition to the abovementioned benefits, they offer same-day local scans for your documents. Their privacy policy is also great and it enables you to safely share your personal information without stressing about it leaking.
Moreover, Northwest gives you access to their Corporate Guides that contain many useful tips and information about everything business-related, which will especially come in handy to new business owners.
Their services cost $125 a year, a pretty affordable price considering all the benefits you’ll get in turn. In addition, there are no late fees, so you only have to pay once a year to access all their features.
Plus, you’ll never have to worry about missing any important deadlines with the help of their free compliance calendar available during the first year.
Customers appreciate how easy to use their online systems are, as well as their personalized customer support. Regardless of what kind of issue you’re facing, you’ll always talk to a real person instead of a pre-programmed robot with years of experience.
Their California office is located in Sacramento.
Apart from registered agent services, they also offer other services like:
- LLC formation
- Mail forwarding
- Phone service
- Virtual office
- Foreign qualification
- Annual report filings
If you decide to use their formation services, you’ll get appointed a registered agent for free for your first year.
2. ZenBusiness
Rated as the #1 service on Forbes, ZenBusiness is an incredible option for a well-rounded registered agent service. Some of the amazing services they offer in their registered agent package include:
- Fast turnaround
- Mail forwarding
- A personalized digital dashboard
- Mail notifications
The registered agent package costs $199 a year. If you decide to upgrade it, you’ll also get access to perks like receiving two free filing changes a year and submitting documents on your behalf. Their website is very intuitive and easy to use, and the set up process will only take you a few minutes.
Thousands of positive customer reviews corroborate their excellence. Customers particularly love how transparent they are, how helpful their customer support team is, and how dedicated they are to giving back to their community – a portion of their income goes to helping entrepreneurs in need.
In addition to a registered agent, they also offer many other services that have equally glowing reviews, such as:
- Formation services
- EIN Number
- Annual reports
- Operating agreement
- Small business banking
- Worry-free compliance
If you use their California LLC formation package, you’ll get access to a complimentary one year registered agent service. And if you ever need legal advice, don’t hesitate to use one of their legal support services.
3. IncFile
IncFile have helped over 800,000 businesses reach their potential throughout the years. Whether you want to form an LLC, trademark your business, or simply get access to their registered agent services, you’re guaranteed quality and transparency. Their service includes benefits like:
- Expert handling of all your documents
- Automatic mail forwarding
- Tailored notification
- Personalized dashboard
If you decide to use their LLC formation services, you’ll get your first year of registered agent services for free. After that, you’ll be billed $119 annually. We also appreciate how there are no hidden fees or contracts.
You can also try out their other services, like:
- Virtual address
- Amendment
- Certificate of good standing
- Foreign qualification
- Business licenses and permits
- Trademarking
- Company dissolution
4. CSC Global
Another registered agent service that will help you keep compliant with the state laws and give you access to a California address is CSC Global. Whether you’re starting your business in California or expanding it in this state, we guarantee their services will be of immense help. Here is what you can access with their registered agent package:
- Same-day scanning
- Electronic delivery of SOP
- Automatic email alerts
- Compliance reminders
Plus, you’ll get unlimited access to CSCNavigator – an online dashboard that allows you to track your SOP, and insert your compliance dates and entity details.
We also love how dedicated they are to protecting your security with the help of their 2-audited facilities. You’ll never have to stress about any of your data being compromised.
Apart from a registered agent service, you can also use their:
- Annual report services
- Corporate filing services
- Business license services
Their California office is located in Sacramento.
5. California Registered Agent
If you’re looking for an affordable registered agent service, then look no further than California Registered Agent. Costing only $50 a year, it provides all the necessary tools you need for your business to thrive.
Their services include:
- Instant physical address
- A secure online account
- Annual report reminders
- Access to all state forms
- Real-time scanning
Their pricing is extremely affordable and you can cancel it anytime if you’re not satisfied with their services.
One of their strong suits is their Compliance Alert System – whenever you receive a document, it’s immediately scanned and uploaded in their client portal, after which you get an instant notification via your preferred method of contact.
Whenever you face a challenge or have a pressing question, you can contact their top-notch customer support service that can easily be reached on the phone. Their office is located in Sacramento.
6. California Registered Agents
Another very affordable registered agent service in California is California Registered Agents. For as low as $49 annually, you’ll get access to services such as:
- Corporate forms
- A Sacramento business address
- Mail forwarding
- Compliance tracking
- Filing reminders
The drawback of hiring an affordable service is that it sometimes comes with a myriad of hidden costs. The best thing about California Registered Agents is that their pricing is straightforward and transparent – there are no yearly price increases or add-ons.
On top of providing an excellent registered agent service, California Registered Agents also offer:
- Business filing services
- Incorporation services
- Virtual office
Overall, it’s a great option for businesses that are just starting out and have a low budget to work with. You can find their office in Sacramento.
7. LegalZoom
While their pricing is slightly higher than the previously mentioned registered agent services, LegalZoom is one of the best services to hire if you want fast results and expert legal advice. Having helped over 3.5 million businesses throughout the years, you know you’ll be in good hands.
Their services cost $299 a year and, with this package, you’ll receive:
- Fast alerts
- Emails for important deadlines
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Credit monitoring
On top of that, if you’re in the process of switching your registered agent, they offer to handle all the paperwork for you and cover any fees that come up in the process.
One of our favourite aspects is their $1 million identity theft insurance coverage – an incredibly important feature for any business. Their expertise in IP protection and trademark registration make them an especially good fit for larger businesses.
They offer an array of services in addition to their registered agent services, such as:
- Wills
- Power of attorney
- Business licenses
- Tax services
- Foreign qualification
- Business registration
8. My Corporation
My Corporation is a nationwide registered agent service that provides excellent service and support for their clients. Some of the services included in the registered agent package include:
- Handling of paperwork
- Completed filings
- Fast delivery
The first year of registered agent services will cost you $120. After that, you can enjoy their services for $179 a year.
Customers really appreciate their fast service and the knowledgeable team behind the business that is ready to answer any question you throw their way.
My Corporation is an amazing option for anyone who is starting their business. If you decide to expand your business in the future, you won’t be obliged to change registered agents. Apart from offering registered agent services, they also offer:
- Dissolution services
- Amendments
- Annual reports
- Filings
- Copyright registration services
Their office is located in Calabasas.
9. California Corporate Agents
If you’re starting a new business or you have a limited budget to work with, then you’ll benefit from a registered agent service like California Corporate Agents. Their registered agent services will cost you only $50 per year without compromising on the quality. The perks included in their package are:
- Compliance monitoring
- Mail forwarding
- Scanned and uploaded documents
The best part is – their low pricing doesn’t come with any strings attached. There are no contracts or hidden fees, and the pricing remains fixed regardless of how long you’ve been using their services.
With California Corporate Agents, you won’t have to worry about missing any important deadlines – as soon as they receive their documents, they scan and upload them to your account within 24 hours. Their office is located in Sacramento.
They also offer:
- Foreign qualification
- Incorporation
- LLC formation
- Registered agent change
10. Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is a well-known name in the business industry. With years of experience and a plethora of satisfied clients, it’s one of the best registered agent services in the United States. When you choose Harbor Compliance, you’ll have access to:
- An immediate registered agent address
- Same-day document delivery
- Annual report notifications
- Pre-filled state forms
Their yearly fee costs $99, but you can get up to a 10% discount if you purchase their services for more than two years. There are no auto-billing or hidden fees, which is always a plus.
Customers really appreciate their personalized customer service and their dedication to protecting the privacy of their customers.
Apart from offering a registered agent service, they also offer:
- Incorporation
- LLC formation
- Business license
- Annual reports
The California office of Harbor Compliance is located in Sacramento.
11. InCorp
Last but not least, InCorp is an affordable registered agent service that provides services in all 50 states. Their company was formed in 1998, so they’ve had years of experience and expertise. Here is what their basic package includes:
- Access to their Entity Management System
- Compliance reminders
- Mail forwarding and tracking
- Online document storage
Their annual plan costs $129, but if you decide to sign up for their multi-year services, you’ll pay only $89 a year. Apart from registered agent service, you can also use their:
- Formation service ( which they are known for, for only $99 a year)
- Copyright
- Trademark
- Entity dissolution
- Foreign qualification
- Entity formation
InCorp’s California location is in Westlake Village.
How Do I Register a Business in California?
It’s time to cover the necessary steps of registering a business in California.
Choose an Entity Type
One of the first steps in forming a business in California is choosing what kind of business entity you want to operate. The main business entities available in California are:
- Corporation
- LLC (Limited Liability Company)
- Limited Partnership
- General Partnership
- Limited Liability Partnership
- Sole Proprietorship
Every business entity comes with certain advantages and disadvantages. If you need more guidance, you can always hire a legal consultant who could advise you on which business entity would suit your vision best. If you’d like an overview of the requirements for every business entity, don’t hesitate to check out the California Secretary of State’s website.
Choose a Name for Your California Business
Now that you have an idea about which business entity you want to pursue, it’s time to choose a name for your California business. You must choose a name that isn’t used by another business. To ensure that your name is unique, you can conduct an online name search. Check out the United States Patent and Trademark Office website for additional business name rules that you need to comply with.
When you’ve chosen the name, it’s a good idea to reserve your name so that other businesses don’t steal it while you’re completing the formation of your business. You can do so on the California Secretary of State’s website. Your name will be reserved for 60 days after you file the form.
File Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State Office
Every incorporated business needs to file articles of incorporation at the formation stage of the business. In order for you to form a corporation in California, you need to file articles of incorporation with the California Secretary of State’s office. Their website contains a section where you can access all the forms you’ll need for successful incorporation.
If you’re forming an S Corporation, you have to file IRS Form 2553 with the IRS.
Registering an LLC in California – Submitting Articles of Organization
If you’re forming an LLC in California, you’ll need to complete an online registration on bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov.
Filing articles of organization is similar to filing articles of incorporation. Essentially, it’s a document that is used to establish LLCs, one that contains information about the duties, responsibilities, rights, and liabilities of every member. It’s a useful document that can prevent conflict in the future and allow the members to have a clear outline of their role in the business.
An optional step in forming an LLC in California is creating an operating agreement that contains all the basic rules regarding the operation of your business.
Apply for California Licenses and Permits
The final step in ensuring that your business complies with California State laws is applying for all the necessary licenses and permits.
For starters, if you’re planning on selling goods in California, you need to register for a seller’s permit.
Additionally, all businesses in California are required to obtain a general business license.
Depending on the type of business you’re doing, you might require additional business licenses and permits. To check whether you need these, visit the Business License Requirements section of the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector’s website.
If your business has employees, you will also need to apply for an EIN (Employee Identification Number), which functions like a Social Security Number for your business. The EIN application is conducted online – once your application has been approved, you will be given an EIN. Even if you don’t have employees, applying for an EIN is advised for added security.
FAQs
Where Can I Do a California Business Entity Search?
You can do a California business entity search on the California Secretary of State website.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Business in California?
The cost of registering a corporation in California is $100, whereas LLCs will cost you $70.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost in California?
The average cost of a registered agent service in California is between $50 and $100 a year. Needless to say, the price can change depending on several different factors, such as how many states your business operates in. If you want to get the most affordable option possible, we suggest looking at the multi-year service plans of your agent of choice. Typically, they offer anywhere between 5-10% discount if you purchase their services for more than one year.
Should I Hire a Registered Agent Service?
Depending on the state where you’re planning on opening your business, you might be required by law to appoint a registered agent. However, despite the yearly costs, there are many benefits to look forward to. For instance, you’ll have more privacy for your business, since you won’t be obligated to share your address with anyone, and your working hours will remain flexible. Another great benefit of hiring a registered agent is that you won’t have to receive any junk mail. Plus, you’ll always stay compliant with the law if you choose a registered agent service that provides compliance reminders.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent in California?
Yes, you can appoint yourself as your own registered agent in California, but you have to be wary of some of the drawbacks that come with this choice. For example, your information will have to be on the public record and you risk getting into embarrassing situations with clients if you get served at your business address.
A Word of Farewell
We hope you enjoyed reading our reviews of the best registered agent services in California.
If you’re in need of comprehensive service with excellent customer support, don’t hesitate to check out Northwest or ZenBusiness. If you’re just starting your business and you need an affordable service that doesn’t compromise on the quality, we recommend California Registered Agent or California Registered Agents, both of which will only cost you $50 a year. Most of our service recommendations offer nationwide service, so you can easily expand your business in the future.