Are you in search of the best registered agent in California? Although the criteria for a California registered agent may appear clear at first view, there is some complication to this profession. We’ve produced a guide on the best California registered agent services to make it simple for you to access the rules and regulations rather than spending hours doing research on California registered agents yourself.
Here Is The List Of Top California Registered Agent Services
Your legal assets will be secured, your information and privacy will be protected, and your business entity will receive crucial information from the California Secretary of State and other correspondence from state offices in addition to accepting service of process if you choose the right registered agent.
It’s crucial to understand exactly what a registered agent must do for your company to be in compliance with state regulations. California registered agents must stay on top of things in order for your business to maintain compliance, whether you take on this position personally or delegate it to another individual or business structure. If you are planning to start a business in California, check out our guide on how to start an LLC in California.
In this article, we’ve covered the best registered agents for LLCs in California who can help you comply with tax laws and stay compliant.
Here we have outlined the best registered agent services in California (2023 Updated):
Top 10 List Of California Registered Agent Services In 2023
Here are the best-rated California registered agents reviews, California Registered Agent List Of 2023:
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness Best for startups
For your business entity, ZenBusiness offers the majority of the services you’d anticipate a registered agent to offer, such as a California business address, mail forwarding of notices from the California Secretary of State, and process serving.
With the important exception of compliance deadline notifications, such as the filing of a statement of information, they accept service of process and notices on behalf of your California corporate business entity and more. They are excellent for California business registration, and they are generally a very trusted California registered agent. Small business owners will have their own agent to deal with their company and will have all of their crucial business documentation handled.
Their pricing is quite reasonable. They have relatively reasonable filing costs. They are among the top companies offering registered agent services in California. Zenbusiness provides a range of assistance, including business advice, assistance with yearly reports, and legal advisor. They are knowledgeable about all types of business entities. They will handle crucial papers like the EIN. They provide the option of same-day delivery and the development of business websites. Their customer service is robust and excellent.
ZenBusiness Related Information
ZenBusiness Comparison
ZenBusiness offers a free first year of registered agent service with LLC formation and costs $49 + State Fees.
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent top notch customer support
Northwest Registered Agent is one of the top picks for the best registered agent in Califonia, as they provide the most value at an incredibly low price and are the only registered agent that offers small company guidance with their US-based cus
tomer assistance. Northwest provides free legal forms for small enterprises, including those for corporations, LLCs, and nonprofit organizations. They provide protection for business data.
Firstly, they offer all the services a registered agent should offer including the best LLC formation services in California. You will receive the crucial California street address and a statutory agent who is always accessible during regular business hours when you choose Northwest Registered Agent as your registered agent. Despite the limited number of reviews overall, they have favorable ratings. They are among the top options available if you want to start a business in California. For the first year, they even provide a free compliance calendar.
They are a cheap registered agents in California which includes a street address in California, mail scanning and uploading, an online access portal, compliance and service of process alerts, and filing a statement of information for your business entity), they also have industry-leading customer support.
Northwest Registered Agent Related Information
Northwest Registered Agent Services provides lifetime customer support from local experts and offers mail forwarding services with free registered agent services.
3. Incfile
Incfile affordable LLC Filing Services
Incfile offers a balanced typical range of registered agent services, including a physical address in the state, the ability to send service of process notifications to your business, and act as a point of contact for your California corporate business entity. However, there are a number of drawbacks to this service.
Overall, they are among California’s best registered agents. Their registered agent services are of the best quality and are reasonably priced. They provide assistance for any type of business. Their return processes are complicated, and their customer feedback is inconsistent. There are numerous reviews with varying opinions.
They provide a real location for your business mail so you can be sure that IncFile will take care of any legal matters or receive any papers.
Additionally, Incfile provides a helpful registered agent dashboard that enables you to keep track of and quickly access crucial business paperwork. Additionally, the business notifies you via email and SMS so you may stay informed about the progress of your documents. Global companies can get the main street address for their company entity via Incfile’s virtual mailbox in addition to a registered agent office location.
The drawback is that they offer significantly less value than Northwest Registered Agents because their customer care is only available during regular business hours and can only help with problems relating to your registered agent service.
Incfile Related Information
Incfile Comparison
4. Firstbase.io
Firstbase.io
Firstbase.io was founded in 2018, making it a relatively new organization. It has assisted thousands of firms from more than 120 countries in registering their companies in the three years since it was founded.
Reputable registered agents located in California, Wyoming, and Delaware are used by Firstbase.io. You can manage your business remotely with confidence in compliance if you have a registered agent in charge of receiving vital paperwork. The registered agent will also assist the clients in maintaining copies of the most important paperwork for their business. The certificate of establishment or incorporation is one document it retains since it can be used as a backup in a crisis. Check our guide on Best LLC Incorporation Services 2023.
Additionally, Firstbase.io assures that its clients’ private information is secure and that it won’t appear in the state’s public records where the client is incorporated. The name and address of the registered agent are made public rather than the address of the consumer.
The majority of positive online ratings for Firstbase.io show that the company provides exceptional customer service. Its customer service staff is competent and professional, and they immediately address customers’ questions. The business offers its customers lifelong online assistance via email or the contact form on its website.
Firstbase.io Related Information
5. Inc Authority
Inc Authority Most Affordable Filing company
One of the most well-known companies in the formation industry, Inc Authority has a lengthy and very remarkable track record. Their excellent ratings on websites like Google and Trustpilot also make them stand out.
The free LLC formation or incorporating file offered by Inc Authority, which also includes a free year of registered agent service, is the company’s main service.
Despite being a modest company, Inc Authority offers a lot of its business-related services through partners and third parties. Additionally, its non-entry formation bundles are pricey and it has a tendency to offer some needless items.
Inc Authority provides solutions for forming businesses. It provides free filing as part of its entry-level, most basic service. But the business provides a wide range of additional formation-related services. Some are common, such as its registered agent service, and operating agreement drafting service.
Inc Authority Related Information
6. Doola
Doola affordable
Doola provides you with everything you need to start a business in the US. With the help of this platform, you may concentrate on the higher value prices that are the foundation of your business and launch it in the US.
This service is basically built specifically for overseas business owners and will assist you in creating your U.S. corporation, gaining access to U.S. payment methods, and maintaining legal compliance from any location in the world.
Every LLC they create at Doola includes their Registered Agent service. Therefore, the first year is absolutely free! Your RA will then be renewed annually for $197.
You can prevent your home address from appearing in public records by using their service. You can cancel at any moment if you feel the need to change your Registered Agent.
Doola Related Information
7. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer Best For Legal Support
Rocket Lawyer considers giving you a California business address to receive mail from the California Secretary of State and service of process, Rocket Lawyer is essentially a cheap registered agent in California who charges $149 for their registered agent services. However, you can only get in touch with them during regular business hours.
They cost more and actually offer you fewer benefits than Northwest Registered Agent. Various online legal services are also provided by Rocket Lawyer. They provide a range of legal services, from advice on how to register a small business in California to other business-related matters.
Rocket Lawyer comes with simple return policies, and clients appear to be pleased with their work and services. Customers concur that some business advice is executed properly. People concur that Rocket Lawyer is an excellent company to launch a firm because of its powerful process service.
They provide guidance in various areas of law. The best registered agent for problems involving business proprietary is Rocket Lawyer. They provide assistance with legal notices. They have experience with a range of problems that small businesses encounter. The additional services they specialized in, such as corporate propriety, set them apart from rivals. With Rocket lawyer, doing business is simple, and customer service is excellent. They provide registered agent services, making it simple and hassle-free to continue doing business with them.
Rocket Lawyer Related Information
8. MyCompanyWorks
MyCompanyWorks
Dedicated features to ensure legal compliance
Excellent customer service and reviews
Offers affordable, dissolution service packages
MyCompanyWorks is one of the greatest and most well-known companies in America that offer small business services, such as LLC formation and filing legally essential government papers. MyCompanyWorks reviews highlight the company’s affordable price options, extensive business resources, and first-rate customer service.
For brand-new startup entrepreneurs who wish to start with the fundamentals, MyCompanyWorks is the best option. Every strategy has manuals and guides that examine the business side of businesses from founding to closing. Along with officially establishing your business structure, you’ll also receive help with opening a business bank account and developing a logo.
MyCompanyWorks has a lot to offer potential business owners, but it does not score well in our rankings of online legal services. Many competing services offer more features for less money than MyCompanyWorks.
MyCompanyWorks Related Information
9. StartGlobal
StartGlobal
Get A Registered Agent
US Phone Number
Formation And EIN
US Address with Mail Forwarding
US Business Bank Account With Debit card
Ongoing Business Support
StartGlobal reduces time-consuming paperwork, difficult legal requirements, and various costs, making it simpler than ever to launch a new company. Additionally, you can take care of business bank accounts, taxes, accounting, compliance, and other things.
The easiest method to launch and manage your company in the US is StartGlobal. You may quickly and easily set up and operate your business with the assistance of their skilled team.
StartGlobal Related Information
10. CorpNet
CorpNet best rated LLC formation service
Over 100,000 firms have been founded with the assistance of CorpNet, a top-rated company formation service provider, in the previous 20 years. They have an excellent reputation among LLCs and many independent review sites praise their high level of customer satisfaction with Corpnet as well!
The best approach to launch a company and maintain compliance is through CorpNet, which offers real professionals who are dependable, inexpensive, and guaranteed to be available. Their filing specialists offer the quickest and safest method for you or your customers to incorporate a firm or keep an existing one in accordance.
CorpNet Related Information
How We List Best California Registered Agent Service
That's why we have created a comprehensive list of registered agent services based on a variety of factors, including offerings, value, customer service, and ease of use. By analyzing and ranking registered agent services based on these key factors, we aim to help businesses make informed decisions and find the registered agent that best fits their unique needs.
When selecting a registered agent service, one important factor to consider is the range of offerings provided. While many registered agents offer the basic package of an address in the state and mail forwarding, some go above and beyond by providing additional services such as compliance alerts, personalized filing calendars, and online document access portals.
By choosing a registered agent with a more comprehensive range of offerings, businesses can ensure that they receive the necessary support for their unique needs, making it easier to stay on top of important filings and comply with state regulations. Ultimately, a registered agent that offers a broader suite of services can provide valuable assistance to businesses looking to streamline their operations and ensure compliance with state requirements.
Another important ranking factor when selecting a registered agent service is value. While price may be a consideration, it is important to weigh the overall value provided by the registered agent. A registered agent that offers a range of services for a slightly higher price may ultimately provide greater value by reducing the administrative burden on businesses and ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Furthermore, a registered agent with a strong track record of reliable service and responsiveness can save businesses time and money in the long run by avoiding costly mistakes and missed deadlines. Ultimately, businesses should seek out a registered agent that provides a combination of high-quality service and affordable pricing, striking the optimal balance between cost and value.
When selecting a registered agent service, the level of customer service offered is a crucial ranking factor. A registered agent that provides responsive and helpful customer support can make all the difference when navigating the complexities of state compliance requirements.
The best registered agent services offer knowledgeable and experienced support staff that can answer questions quickly and provide guidance on important filings and deadlines.
They may also provide additional resources, such as online tutorials and guides, to help businesses stay on top of state requirements. By choosing a registered agent that prioritizes customer service, businesses can have the peace of mind that they will receive the assistance they need to stay compliant and avoid costly errors.
Ease of use is an essential ranking factor when choosing a registered agent service. A user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and provides clear and concise information can save businesses valuable time and resources. The best registered agent services offer intuitive online dashboards that allow businesses to manage their accounts and access important documents and information quickly and easily.
They may also provide automated reminders for important deadlines and filings, simplifying the process of staying compliant with state regulations. Additionally, a registered agent that provides a streamlined onboarding process and flexible payment options can make it easier for businesses to get started and manage their accounts. By choosing a registered agent that prioritizes ease of use, businesses can ensure that they have the tools and support they need to stay compliant without unnecessary hassle or complexity.
What Is a California Registered Agent?
In the state of California, a registered agent is necessary for every legal business company. In addition, you won’t be able to complete your company’s incorporation until you choose a registered agent.
As stated by the California Secretary of State, there are two different kinds of registered agents in this state: individual and corporate. As the name implies, individual registered agents are just that—a single person acting as a registered agent. Otherwise, corporations that act as registered agents are referred to as corporate registered agents.
Accepting document deliveries from the state government, informing your company of the delivery, and then passing the documents to you are the most crucial responsibilities of this position. The registered agent’s job is crucial because it creates a point of contact between your company and the state, giving them a reliable location to reach a legal representative of your firm at any time.
Who Can Be A Registered Agent In California?
An individual or company with a physical address in California is a registered agent for the state. You or one of your co-owners can act as your company’s registered agent. However, you can name a friend or family member in this position, appoint a lawyer or accountant, or outsource registered agent services to an online business services provider.
Regardless of who you select to act as your registered agent, they must be present in person at the address you gave the state during all regular business hours. No prior experience as a registered agent is necessary for this person or business, although it is advisable to select a registered agent who’s really aware of the severe obligations that come with this position.
In contrast to certain states, California does not have a minimum age limit for registered agents. Here are some requirements of a California Registered Agent:
- An individual who lives in California, or a corporation, is appointed as an agent for service of process in the event that the business entity is sued. A corporation must have previously submitted a certificate in accordance with California Corporations Code section 1505 if it is chosen to serve as a process server.
- No corporation may file a certificate in accordance with California Corporations Code section 1505 unless the corporation is currently permitted to engage in business in California and is in good standing on the records of the Secretary of State. No business entity may act as its own agent for the service of the process.
How To Choose A Registered Agent Service In California

When selecting a registered agent service in California, there are various factors that must be considered.
- The first is whether the service supports many states. You could desire to expand into additional states as your company develops. If so, you’ll require a registered agent service that can meet your needs.
- Whether the service offers same-day document delivery is the second thing to think about. This may be crucial if you get legal papers with a limited amount of time in which to reply.
- The cost of the service is the third factor. The typical annual cost for registered agent services is between $100 and $150.
- Lastly, you should think about the registered agent service’s reputation. The best way to achieve this is to check reviews online.
You’ll be in a good position to select the best registered agent service for your company once you’ve taken into account all of these aspects.
California Business Formation Facts
Choosing one of the top registered agent services we’ve highlighted can assist you to handle the majority of these quick details, which are the largest benefits of starting a business in California!
- Business Formation Speed: Standard filings can take up to 15 business days, while expedited processing can take up to 5 business days.
- Cost For Forming A Business: $100 for corporations and $70 for LLCs (plus the service cost if you use one)
- How To Register: Online or by mail filing of the articles of organization (LLC) or incorporation (cost of $5 per certified copy)
- Biennial Reports: The Statement of Information, is a two-yearly filing requirement and costs $20.
- State General Business License: While not necessary, industry licenses may be required.
Benefits Of Registered Agent Service In California
By accepting and distributing legal documents, an agent for the service of the process serves as your company’s primary point of contact with the government. While acting as your own agent for a serving process is an option, using a registered agent service has a number of advantages:
- Reliability: By using a registered agent service, you can avoid needing to be available to take service of process between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. every weekday.
- Privacy: The address of your registered agent service—not your home or business address—will be listed in the public record.
- Peace Of Mind: You can spend all of your time, effort, and attention on developing your company when you use a registered agent service.
- Compliance: Your registered agent service will assist your company in complying with state regulations.
Get Registered Agent Service Anywhere In the USA
Getting a registered agent service is a crucial step for any business entity operating in the USA. A registered agent is an individual or company responsible for receiving legal and official documents on behalf of a business. They act as a liaison between the business and the state, ensuring that the business is compliant with all regulations and laws.
With a registered agent service, businesses can enjoy peace of mind knowing that important documents will be received promptly and professionally. With many reputable registered agent service providers available across the USA, businesses can easily get registered agent service anywhere in the country, regardless of their location.
Here is a list of best registered agent services in every US State:
- Best Florida Registered Agent
- Best New York Registered Agent
- Best Wyoming Registered Agent
- Best Texas Registered Agent
- Best Washington Registered Agent
- Best Delaware Registered Agent
- Best Illinois Registered Agent
- Best New Mexico Registered Agent
- Best Michigan Registered Agent
- Best Maryland Registered Agent
- Best Wisconsin Registered Agent
- Best Missouri Registered Agent
- Best Indiana Registered Agent
- Best Virginia Registered Agent
- Best Pennsylvania Registered Agent
- Best South Carolina Registered Agent
- Best Massachusetts Registered Agent
- Best Ohio Registered Agent
- Best Montana Registered Agent
- Best Utah Registered Agent
- Best Louisiana Registered Agent
- Best In Kansas Registered Agent
- Best New Hampshire Registered Agent
California Registered Agent For Forming An LLC
There are multiple ways to form a California LLC, however, a California registered agent is a must in order to form an LLC.
Apart from California, we have given clear instructions on how to form an LLC for each and every state of the USA. Please see the links below:
- How To Start A LLC In New York
- How To Start A LLC In Delaware
- How To Start A LLC In California
- How To Start A LLC In Idaho
- How To Start A LLC In Florida
- How To Start A LLC In Georgia
- How To Start A LLC In Ohio
- How To Start A LLC In North Carolina
- How To Start A LLC In Montana
- How To Start A LLC In Pennsylvania
- How To Start A LLC In South Carolina
- How To Start A LLC In Michigan
- How To Start A LLC In Illinois
- How To Start A LLC In Maryland
- How To Start A LLC In Arizona
- How To Start A LLC In Washington
- How To Start A LLC In Massachusetts
- How To Start A LLC In Kentucky
- How To Start A LLC In Wyoming
- How To Start A LLC In Indiana
- How To Start A LLC In Wisconsin
- How To Start A LLC In Utah
- How To Start A LLC In Connecticut
- How To Start A LLC In Tennessee
- How To Start A LLC In Colorado
- How To Start A LLC In Oklahoma
- How To Start A LLC In Missouri
- How To Start A LLC In Iowa
- How To Start A LLC In Mississippi
- How To Start A LLC In Louisiana
- How To Start A LLC In New Hampshire
- How To Start A LLC In Minnesota
- How To Start A LLC In Nebraska
- How To Start A LLC In New Mexico
- How To Start A LLC In Oregon
- How To Start A LLC In Kansas
- How To Start A LLC In Alabama
- How To Start A LLC In Nevada
- How To Start A LLC In New Jersey
- How To Start A LLC In West Virginia
Final Words
The compliance and legal standing of your business depend greatly on the work of a California registered agent. This job involves handling relatively simple activities, but if you conduct them incorrectly, you could involve huge fines and even risk having the state dissolve your company.
Although you may always alter your registered agent later, we believe it’s critical to choose the best registered agent for your company from the outset of its formation. Additionally, you should monitor your compliance status to make sure nothing goes wrong along the process.
We highly recommend going for ZenBusiness as they offer free registered agent services and also provide you to incorporate your business. In case, you are looking an experienced & helpful customer service then Northwest Registered Agent Service is the best choice for your business.
I Hope, this article is helpful to you. If you have any further questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below! We will be happy to respond to you all!
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. How much does a registered agent cost in California?
The annual cost of using a registered agent service ranges between $50 and $300. When you consider how much time it will save you, this expense is really reasonable and well worth it.
2. How do I find the registered agent for an LLC in California?
On the Secretary of State’s Business Search, you can find the address of a Registered Corporate Agent. If the corporation has provided it, you may also be able to find more contact information on the Secretary of State’s website.
3. Do you need a registered agent in California?
Yes. Every company registered in the state of California is required by state law to select a California-registered agent.
4. How do I change my registered agent in California?
You must fill out and submit a Statement of Information form to the California Secretary of State in order to modify your registered agent there. You have three options for submitting the California Statement of Information: via mail, online (only for corporations), or in person.
5. How do I change the name of my LLC in California?
You need to modify your LLC’s articles of incorporation in order to change the name of the entity. Complete the Limited Liability Company Certificate of Amendment form and submit it by mail or in-person to the Secretary of State’s office. A form can be found online as well.