A registered agent is a person or company who agrees to receive legal documents and notices on behalf of your LLC. Most states refer to them as “registered agents”. The registered agent ensures your LLC remains compliant with state regulations. Fundamental factors to consider when selecting an agent are service offered, efficiency, and costs.
Aside from receiving and forwarding documents, a registered agent may also be responsible for maintaining a physical address and accepting legal actions. The role varies by state.
Some LLC owners work with registered agent service providers to manage documents. Since an LLC cannot receive service itself, a registered agent, also called an "agent for service of process," is legally required in all 50 states to receive correspondence and lawsuits.
You can be your own registered agent for a California LLC. Although it is not required by law, it is strongly advised that this crucial function be delegated to a third party.
You can find an agent by visiting the California Secretary of State website and searching by the entity name or number to find out the registered agent’s information. The results section will list the agent for service of process and the agent’s address.
In general, any individual or business entity with a physical address in the state where the business operates can serve as a registered agent. However, there are a few requirements that a registered agent must meet.
To change the registered agent for an LLC in California, you need to follow certain steps outlined by the California Secretary of State:
- Verify the eligibility of the new registered agent. They must have a physical address in California and be willing to accept legal documents.
- Obtain the necessary forms: Download Form LLC-10, "Certificate of Amendment" from the California Secretary of State’s website.
- Complete the form with the required information.
Some benefits of being your own agent include cost savings and rapid access to service of process documents. A California registered agent must be available during regular business hours.
Professional registered agent services can add a layer of privacy and reduce hands-on management. The cost to have a registered agent in California varies depending on the service provider and the services they offer.