What does it cost to register a foreign LLC in California?
$70 for normal processing.
$15 additional for in person processing.
$350 additional for 24 hour expedited processing.
$750 additional for same day expedited processing.
$500 additional for 4 hour expedited processing, but must be precleared and approved.
These are fees charged by the state. We charge also an additional fee for courier service for walking in filings. Requests for expedited processing must be submitted in person.
How long does it take for the state to process the California Application for Registration?
Normal Processing: 2 months, plus additional time for mailing.
Expedited Processing: depends on type of processing requested.
In Person Processing: 25 business days.
How will I get verification of registration back from California?
You will receive a Certificate of Qualification by mail. If you would like a copy returned to you for your records, you can provide up to 2 copies for them to return to you.
What forms do I file with California to register my out of state LLC?
The Limited Liability Company Application for Registration form as well as a Certificate of Good Standing showing the corporation status and existence is required. To speed the processing of documents mailed in, you can provide a self-addressed envelope with a letter referencing the corporate name, contact name, return address, and telephone number.
What do I need from my home state?
A Certificate of Good Standing.
Does it need to be an original copy?
No.
How current does the certificate need to be?
The Certificate of Good Standing needs to be dated within 6 months of this filing.
Will I need an California registered agent for my LLC?
Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent, it's a flat rate yearly price of $125 a year, you'll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which states you are registered in, when your yearly service with us is up, and any documents we receive locally for you are uploaded into your account immediately for complete viewing. If or when you get served with a lawsuit, we can email up to 4 people and your attorney at the same time for real time complete viewing of a lawsuit. You'll receive annual report reminders. It's the same price every year, and there are no weird fees or cancellation fees.
You'll also see all the pre-populated forms and specific filing instructions on the thank you page, in your online account, and they will be emailed to you immediately upon signing up for 1 year of registered agent service.
Does the California registered agent need to sign the filing?
No.
How can I file the California Application for Registration?
By mail or in person.
What is the state agency that accepts the out of state registration?
California Secretary of State
Document Filing Support Unit
PO Box 944260 (Corps)
PO Box 944228 (LLCs)
Sacramento, CA 94244
or
1500 11th Street, 3rd Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: (916)657-5448
Do the signatures on the California LLC application need to be original?
No.
Who has to sign the foreign LLC filing?
A person with authority to sign under the laws of the state of organization of the foreign limited liability company needs to sign the application.
Are there any weird things about registering in California?
A foreign LLC may not render professional services in the State of California. If your business is required to be licensed, registered or certified, they recommended that you contact your licensing authority before filing with the Secretary of State's Office.
County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.
Are there ongoing California annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?
The initial report is due within 90 days of your filing. Biennial reports are due the last day of the month you filed.
What are your fees?
You'll need to have an California registered agent. We charge $125 a year to act as your registered agent in California. It's a flat rate, once a year fee, and includes more than other registered agents. Here's a little more about our registered agent service.
We charge a $100 one-time filing service fee if you would like us to obtain the certificates needed from your home state, and register your company in any state you choose. We have offices in every state and can act as your registered agent and make your filings for you in any state. If you would like to register with multiple states at once, we can usually drop our filing service fee down. |
