To form an LLC in California, you file Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the Secretary of State and pay the $70 state fee. You must name an agent for service of process with a California street address. Within 90 days you file a Statement of Information ($20), and the LLC owes at least $800 a year to the Franchise Tax Board.
What we do
We check your name, prepare your Articles of Organization, file them with the Secretary of State and send you the state-certified documents when the state approves them. If you order by 12:00 noon PT on a business day and choose next-business-day service, we file that day with the state’s 24-hour expedited service.
| Service | Timing | Today’s price |
|---|---|---|
| California LLC with privacy | 3 to 5 business days | $499 |
| California LLC with privacy | Next business day | $625 |
| California LLC without privacy | 3 to 5 business days | $299 |
Price includes the $70 state filing fee and $350 state 24-hour expedite fee. (next-business-day service). Privacy packages include registered agent service and an address from us, so your address stays off state public records. Every package includes your first year of registered agent service ($75 a year after that) and help obtaining your EIN if you need one.
How to form an LLC in California, step by step
- Choose a name. The name must end with “LLC,” “L.L.C.” or “Limited Liability Company” and must be distinguishable from names already on file. Search it in the Secretary of State’s bizfile Online business search.
- Pick your agent for service of process. This is the person or company that accepts legal papers for the LLC. It needs a California street address, which becomes public. See registered agent.
- Decide who manages the LLC. A member-managed LLC is run by its owners. A manager-managed LLC is run by one or more named managers, who may or may not be owners.
- File the Articles of Organization. Form LLC-1 lists the LLC’s name, business and mailing addresses, agent and management structure. It does not list the owners.
- Sign an Operating Agreement. It sets out ownership, voting and what happens if an owner leaves. It is not filed with the state, but banks often ask for it.
- File the Statement of Information within 90 days. This public filing lists managers or members. See Statement of Information.
- Get an EIN and plan for the $800 tax. See California franchise tax.
What you receive
- State-certified copy of your filed Articles of Organization, emailed as soon as we receive it
- Operating Agreement
- First year of registered agent service
- EIN service, if needed
- A list of your upcoming state deadlines
Want your name off the public record? The Statement of Information that every LLC files is public. Our LLC with privacy keeps your name and address off the public filings.
Source: California Secretary of State, Business Entities.
Questions
Can one person form a California LLC?
Yes. A single-member LLC has one owner. By default, the IRS treats it as a disregarded entity for income tax, but it still owes California’s $800 annual tax.
Do I need an Operating Agreement in California?
California law recognizes Operating Agreements that are written, oral or implied, and the agreement is not filed with the state. A written agreement is strongly recommended, and most banks ask for one. We include it.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes, if you have a California street address and are available there during business hours. That address becomes public. Many owners use a registered agent service instead for privacy.
Can licensed professionals use a California LLC?
Generally no. California does not allow LLCs to provide professional services that require a state license, such as medicine or law. Those professions usually form a professional corporation. Check with your licensing board.
Last reviewed October 18, 2026 against California Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board sources. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.