California Certificate of Authority for Foreign California Corporation

What does it cost to register a foreign corporation in California?

$100.00 for normal processing.
$30.00 for non-profit filing.
$15.00 additional for in person processing.
$350.00 additional for 24 hour expedited processing.
$750.00 additional for same day expedited processing.
$500.00 additional for 4 hour expedited processing, but must be precleared and approved.
(requests for expedited processing must be submitted in person)

How long does it take for the State to process the California Certificate of Authority?

Normal Processing: 29 business days, plus additional time for mailing.
Expedited Processing: depends on type of processing requested.
In Person Processing: 3-7 business days.

How will I get verification of qualification 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 will need to provide a copy to them.

What forms do I file with California to qualify my out of State Corporation?

The Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation 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. A certified copy of your Articles of Incorporation cannot be accepted as proof of Good Standing.

Will I need an California registered agent for my corporation?

Yes, when you hire Northwest as your registered agent, it's a flat rate yearly price of $125.00 a year, you'll have an online account that tracks your report due dates, which States your 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 are 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 Certificate of Authority?

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 corporation application need to be original?

No.

Who has to sign the foreign corporation filing?

A corporate officer must sign the application form.

Are there any weird things about registering in California?

County filing or publication is not necessary, unless specifically required by the county in which your registered agent resides.

Is there ongoing California annual report and/or initial reporting requirements?

You must file your first annual statement of information by the end of the anniversary month you initially qualified to do business in California. Annual 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 $125.00 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 $100.00 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.