California Registered Agents (2026): Official Rules, State Fees and the 3 Best Agents
For registered agent service in California this year (2026), the order is California Registered Agent.ai ($99 a year), Mainstay Filing ($149 a year) and CA Registered Agent.org ($99 a year). Each California LLC keeps an agent for service of process on record. The state's recurring charges come to $810 a year, ranking 50th of 50.
Company price pages, recorded November 12, 2026. California's own fees do not depend on the agent.
Agent and state fees, by year
Each agent's price is paired with the repeating state fees (the Statement of Information from year two) and the minimum tax; formation fees are left out of the total.
California agent for service of process requirements (official, Secretary of State)
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. 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.
Who qualifies as agent: 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. This rests on Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13.
California LLC upkeep in 2026
On top of the agent, the LLC files the Statement of Information every two years for $20, due last day of the LLC's registration-anniversary month, biennially. A late filing costs $250. $800 a year minimum LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board (Form FTB 3522), separate from the Statement of Information.
Why California Registered Agent.ai is listed first
Added cost over three years settled first place in California. It carries 32% of the score, and the other criteria are requirements covered, renewal terms, fit with state rules, fee clarity.
California Registered Agent.ai's service fees across three years: $297 ($150 less than Mainstay Filing).
California FAQ
Is an agent for service of process compulsory in California?
It is. Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Who is allowed to act as the agent for service of process in California?
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.
What does a California registered agent charge each year?
The agents listed here charge $99 to $149 a year.
What does the state charge an LLC every year?
$810 a year on the almanac's yearly measure, which is the Statement of Information ($20 every two years) together with the minimum tax.
Which registered agents does this entry list?
California Registered Agent.ai ($99 a year), Mainstay Filing ($149 a year) and CA Registered Agent.org ($99 a year), best entry to last.
Which registered agent should I choose?
Our entry order: California Registered Agent.ai ($99 a year, unchanged at renewal, for a company that stays in one state), then Mainstay Filing and CA Registered Agent.org.