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Registered Agent for Your California LLC: $49 a year

When you prepay 3 years ($147 one payment), or $79 year-to-year. Flat pricing, no hidden fees, no upsells.

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Every California LLC needs a registered agent

California law requires every LLC formed in the state, and every out-of-state LLC registered to do business here, to designate and maintain an agent for service of process. You name the agent when you file your Articles of Organization (or foreign registration), and you must keep one continuously for the life of the company. Failing to maintain an agent leads to negative actions with the state, and can leave your LLC unaware of a lawsuit until deadlines have already passed.

Corpgate, Inc. has served as the registered agent for California LLCs since 2008 and is a registered corporate agent under California Corporations Code section 1505.

What your registered agent actually does

The agent's job is to be reliably available at a physical California address to receive two kinds of documents on your LLC's behalf:

It's rare; most clients never receive a service of process. But when a document does arrive for your LLC, we scan it and email it to you promptly, and the hard copy is forwarded to you. Nothing sits in a pile; nothing depends on you being home.

Who can be an LLC's registered agent?

California gives you two options: an individual California resident with a physical street address (a P.O. Box doesn't qualify), or a corporation registered with the Secretary of State under section 1505 to act as a professional agent, like Corpgate, Inc. The LLC cannot name itself.

A professional agent keeps this role independent of any one person's schedule or address, for less than most people expect.

What you get with Corpgate, Inc.

Switching from another agent?

Sign up first, then update your registered agent with the Secretary of State. It's a single form, filed online, and we email you simple instructions after checkout. See our step-by-step guide: how to change your registered agent in California.

Important: always sign up before filing any state form that lists Corpgate, Inc. as your agent. Filing first can result in lost documents and can leave your entity out of compliance with the state.

Forming a new LLC?

If you're forming a new California LLC, you'll designate your agent right on the Articles of Organization. Sign up with us first, and the confirmation email will have exactly what you need to list Corpgate, Inc. correctly. Also see our agent for service of process page — it's the term California uses for the same role.

Related guide: What does a registered agent cost in California?

California LLC registered agent: FAQ

What does a registered agent cost for a California LLC?

Professional registered agent services in California typically run $100 to $300 per year. Corpgate, Inc. charges $49 per year with a 3-year plan (one $147 payment) or $79 year to year, with no additional fees.

Does a single-member LLC need a registered agent?

Yes. Every California LLC, including single-member LLCs, must designate and maintain an agent for service of process for as long as the LLC exists.

My LLC is registered in another state but does business in California. Do I still need one?

Yes. Out-of-state (foreign) LLCs that register to transact business in California must designate an agent for service of process in California, just like domestic LLCs.

How do I switch my LLC's agent to Corpgate, Inc.?

Sign up first, then update your registered agent with the California Secretary of State. It's a single form, filed online, and we email you simple instructions after checkout. Signing up before you file means there is never a gap in coverage.

This page is general information about California's registered agent requirement, not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.

$49/year with a 3-year plan · $79 year-to-year

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