‹ California Filing Guide
How to Change Your Registered Agent in California
The form, the fee, and how to file it.
Filing details
- Form name
- Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)
- Filing fee
- Free
- Online filing
- Yes
- Processing time
- 3-5 business days for online filings
- Secretary of State
- California SOS ↗
Note: California changes the registered agent through Form LLC-12. If filed between your biennial windows specifically to update the agent, there is no fee. If the change coincides with your regular biennial Statement of Information filing, the standard $20 fee applies. Paper Form LLC-12 is no longer accepted; filing is online-only at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov.
Open online filing portal ↗
How to change your registered agent in California
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Choose your new registered agent first.
Do not file the change form until you have a new agent lined up. The new agent has to consent to the appointment, and most states will not process the change without that consent in hand. If you let coverage lapse, the California SOS can administratively dissolve your LLC.
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Get the Statement of Information (Form LLC-12). Download the form ↗
You can file this online through the California Secretary of State portal. The form requires your LLC name, the new agent name and address, and a signature. The new agent must consent to the appointment.
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Pay the Free filing fee.
California does not charge a state filing fee for this change. The only cost is what you pay your new registered agent.
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Notify your old agent.
Once the change is processed, your old agent's responsibility ends. If you are paying them an annual fee, cancel that subscription so it does not auto-renew. Most services prorate or refund the unused portion.
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Verify the change in state records.
Search your LLC name on the California SOS business search and confirm the new registered agent is listed. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for online filings, so check back after that window.
Important to know about California
- Filing between your biennial windows is free, but if the change coincides with your regular biennial filing the $20 fee applies.
- Paper Form LLC-12 is no longer accepted. Online filing only.
- The registered agent must have a physical California street address. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
Have a service handle the change for you
Northwest will file the Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) and pay the state filing fee when you sign up. The change is usually filed the same business day.
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This page provides general information based on publicly available California Secretary of State requirements. It is not legal advice. Forms, fees, and procedures can change. Verify with the California SOS before filing.