A private, or anonymous, LLC in California is a regular LLC organized so the owner’s name and address do not appear on the public filings with the Secretary of State. Ownership is documented in the private Operating Agreement and organizational minutes instead. It is legal, but it does not hide ownership from the IRS, the Franchise Tax Board, banks or courts.
Why privacy matters
When you form a California company, the information you file becomes public on the Secretary of State’s website for anyone to see. Data miners download the state’s database and republish it, so names and addresses end up on search engines and people-search sites.
AI-powered search now makes that information easier to find and connect. A single question to a search engine or AI assistant can link your company to your name and home address. That is why we recommend privacy instead of having your information searchable by anyone, anywhere on the internet.
What California makes public
The Articles of Organization do not list owners. The Statement of Information, due within 90 days and every two years after, does: it lists the LLC’s managers, or its members if there is no manager, with their addresses, plus the agent for service of process. Older filings stay in the online record.
How our LLC with privacy works
- You order and give us your details privately.
- We prepare and file your LLC so your name and address are not shown on the public filings.
- We prepare your Operating Agreement, which records you as the owner, and organizational minutes appointing you manager of the LLC.
- Our registered agent service and an address from us are used on the state filings, so your address does not show up on state public records.
- You keep the Operating Agreement and minutes with your records. They prove your ownership and authority to banks and others who need to see them.
| Item | Public | Private |
|---|---|---|
| LLC name and file number | Yes | |
| Principal office street address | Yes | |
| Registered agent name and address | Yes (ours) | |
| Your name and address | Yes, with our privacy service | |
| Ownership percentages | Yes, in the Operating Agreement |
The LLC’s principal office street address is public, and California does not accept a P.O. box for it. Choose that address with privacy in mind. We go over the options with you when you order.
Who chooses a private LLC
- Rental property owners and real estate investors who don’t want tenants or the public finding their home
- Online sellers, creators and consultants with a public-facing brand
- Professionals and executives who want their side business kept separate
- Anyone with personal safety concerns
Prices
| Service | Today’s price |
|---|---|
| California LLC with privacy, 3 to 5 business days | $499 |
| California LLC with privacy, next business day | $625 |
| Private registration of an out-of-state LLC, next business day | $825 |
Both include registered agent service and an address from us to keep your address off state public records (first year included; $75 a year after that), plus EIN service if needed.
Corporations: privacy is not available, because California requires officers and directors to be listed by name on the public Statement of Information.
Source: California Secretary of State, Business Entities. Privacy limits public display of your information; it is not a way to avoid taxes, creditors or legal obligations.
Questions
Is an anonymous LLC legal in California?
Yes. Keeping your personal information off public filings is legal. Your ownership is still recorded in your company records and reported to tax agencies as required.
Can I open a business bank account with a private LLC?
Yes. The bank will verify your identity and ask for the state-certified Articles, your EIN, the Operating Agreement and the minutes appointing you manager. That is exactly what those documents are for.
Can I make my existing LLC private?
Filings already made stay in the public record, but future filings can change. Call us at 310-980-4455 to talk through options for an existing LLC.
Why can’t a corporation be private?
California requires every corporation’s Statement of Information to list its CEO, secretary, CFO and directors with addresses. There is no equivalent flexibility for corporations.
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.