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How to form an LLC in California

File an Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division. State filing fee $70.

Start my California LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$90

Filing fee plus what is due with it

How to file

Online only

See SOS Current Processing Dates page; 24-hour and same-day expedite available online.

Keeping it active

Statement of Information (biennial)

Every 2 years in the registration month window · $20

The steps in California

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “LLC”, “L.L.C.”, “Limited Liability Company”, “Limited Liability Co.”, “Ltd. Liability Co.”. Cannot include bank, trust, trustee, incorporated, inc., corporation, corp. or insurer terms. Reservation optional (60 days, online). You can reserve a name first for $10 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a agent for service of process

    California resident individual with CA street address, or a registered corporate agent (Corp. Code 1505); LLC cannot be its own agent.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division (form LLC-1). Filing is online only. California requires its own form or online system: LLCPros gives you a worksheet with every answer to copy in. Fee: $70.

  4. 4

    File the Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)

    Within 90 days of formation Fee: $20.

  5. 5

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by California law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  6. 6

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Statement of Information (biennial) (every 2 years in the registration month window).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$70
Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)$20
Optional: 24-Hour expedite+$350
Optional: Same Day expedite+$750
Optional: 4-Hour (precleared, drop-off only) expedite+$500
Optional: 24-Hour Preclearance (drop-off only) expedite+$500
Optional: name reservation$10
Later: Statement of Information (biennial)$20

Drop-off adds $15 nonrefundable special handling fee. Certified copy $5.

State taxes to know about

FTB $800 annual LLC tax (first due 15th day of 4th month after formation; first-year waiver ended 2023) plus LLC fee $900-$11,790 if CA income >= $250,000; Form 568.

Questions about California LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?

The California filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $70, and $90 in total with what is due at the same time. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in California?

You file an Articles of Organization (form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division, online only.

›Does California require a registered agent?

Yes. California resident individual with CA street address, or a registered corporate agent (Corp. Code 1505); LLC cannot be its own agent.

›Does a California LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Statement of Information (biennial), every 2 years in the registration month window, fee $20.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official California page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • The registered agent rules, including whether the agent must sign a consent
  • Which name endings and words the state allows
  • The current filing fee and any service charge
  • Exactly what the state’s form or online filing asks for
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.