California does not have a specific form for the sole purpose of changing registered agents (often referred to as “agents for service of process” on state documents). Instead, to change your registered agent you’ll have to update your Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State (SOS).
Luckily, it’s a simple process:
Thinking of switching registered agents? Our California registered agent service is just $49 a year. We work right here in the building we own in Midtown Sacramento, just a short walk from the Secretary of State’s office. That means our employs are local business specialists who can handle your filings quickly, securely, and discretely.
To make the switch to us, all you have to do is select “Yes” when given the option “Change Registered Agent.” We can even handle the filing for you for just $45 (state fees included)—just choose “Hire Us to Change Your Registered Agent” to have us fill out and file the paperwork to make everything official.
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To change your agent for service of process, you must file an amended Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State. This applies to foreign and domestic LLCs and corporations.
The purpose of the California Statement of Information is to keep the state up to date on your business. The document is due periodically for registered companies along with a filing fee. However, if you want to change your registered agent outside of your regular filing window, you may do so free of charge. If you’re filing outside of your company’s normal filing period, then there’s no fee. Otherwise, if you’re planning to change your registered agent during the filing period for your Statement of Information, you’ll simply file and pay the fee you normally would ($20 for LLCs, $25 for corporations).
You can submit your statement of information online (corporations only), by mail, or in person.
In order to change a registered agent for an LLC, you will need to access the California Secretary of State Web Portal for LLCs and file Form LLC-12R. You’ll be asked to search the California Secretary of State’s Business Programs website for your business. Your business record can be found by searching for your business name or entity number.
Just download and complete the form, then deliver the form to the corresponding address below (or file online using the above link). Mail-in and in-person submissions should include a money order or check made payable to the Secretary of State. The filing fee for LLCs is $20 (if you’re filing during your required filing window; otherwise, it’s free).
To change a registered agent for a corporation, you will need to access the California Secretary of State Web Portal for Corporations and file Form SI-200C. You’ll be asked to search the California Secretary of State’s Business Programs website for your business. Your business record can be found by searching for your business name or entity number.
Just download and complete the form, then deliver the form to the corresponding address below (or file online using the above link). Mail-in and in-person submissions should include a money order or check made payable to the Secretary of State. The filing fee for corporations is $25 (if you’re filing during your required filing window; otherwise, it’s free).
You’ll submit your completed Statement of Information to the corresponding address:
To Submit by Mail: Secretary of State Statement of Information Unit P.O. Box 944230 Sacramento, CA 94244-2280
For In-Person Delivery: Secretary of State 1500 11th Street Sacramento, CA 95814
If you’re changing to us as your registered agent, the form is filled out and immediately available through your secure online account. Want us to handle the filing submission? Choose “Change Registered Agent” on the order form and we’ll file you for $45.
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You will need to file a California Statement of Information for your specific type of business entity. For LLCs, you will need to file Form LLC-12R. For corporations, you will need to file form SI-200C.
You can either file online or locate the appropriate forms on the California Secretary of State’s website.
There is no fee to change your registered agent if you submit your amended Statement of Information outside of your statutory (required) filing window. So, in the most technical sense, there is no fee for changing your registered agent.
However, if you decide to change your registered agent during your regular Statement of Information filing window, then you will be responsible for the usual fee for filing your Statement: $20 for LLCs, $25 for corporations.
It typically takes at least eight weeks for the SOS to process your change of registered agent. Processing times can vary, though. Your best bet is to check the California SOS estimated current processing times.
Pro tip: You can choose same day or 24 hour expedited processing for an additional fee. If you’re submitting by mail, you can submit an extra copy of your Statement of Information and request a file-stamped copy returned to you for your records.
Your agent for service of process is responsible for relaying time-sensitive legal correspondence to you. This is a critical job because if you miss a summons or deadline, your business faces steep penalties. So, at the end of the day, you need a reliable and efficient registered agent. And you shouldn’t be paying hundreds of dollars for this service, either.
But that’s really the bare minimum. A high-quality registered agent will be local and be able to protect your privacy and support your business growth. Check out our California registered agent services to learn everything that you can get with the right registered agent. At the end of the day, it’s your choice. You could be your own registered agent if you live in California and don’t mind listing your address on the public record (and getting all the solicitations and junk mail that comes with that).