Learn the basics · California
3 Best Registered Agents in California (2026) and Why
The gist
- Required by the state?
- Must be named
- Official term
- Agent for service of process
- Service pricing
- $99 to $149 per year
- Our recommendations
- Mainstay Filing, CA Registered Agent.org then California Registered Agent.ai
California: the ranked picks
Prices come from each company's own pricing page. The ranking is explained on how we pick.1. Mainstay Filing: best for one price in any state
Pay $149 annually; it renews at $149
Mainstay Filing comes out on top: the $149 yearly price is identical across states.
CA Registered Agent.org would save $150 over three years but covers California only.
Includes
- A street address in the state
- Up to three government mailings a year scanned for free
- Serves LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs and nonprofits
Points in its favor
- $149 per year with no increase
- One account for every state
Where it falls short
- CA Registered Agent.org charges $50 less each year
- Report filing requires the formation package
2. CA Registered Agent.org: best for LLCs staying in one state
Pay $99 annually; it renews at $99
CA Registered Agent.org ranks second. In short, $99 a year gets an agent located in the state.
Includes
- A physical address in the state
- Scanned copies of legal papers online
Points in its favor
- A fixed $99 each year
- Costs less each year than Mainstay Filing
Where it falls short
- A one-state service
- The Statement of Information remains your task
3. California Registered Agent.ai: best for staying close to home
Pay $99 annually; it renews at $99
California Registered Agent.ai ranks third. In short, $99 a year gets an agent located in the state.
It charges exactly what CA Registered Agent.org charges; either would serve you well.
Includes
- A physical address in the state
- Scanned copies of legal papers online
Points in its favor
- Costs less each year than Mainstay Filing
- A fixed $99 each year
Where it falls short
- A one-state service
- The Statement of Information remains your task
How they stack up
| # | Company | Year one | Renewal price | Three-year total | Covers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mainstay Filing | $149 | $149/yr | $447 | A street address in the state; up to three government mailings a year scanned for free; Serves LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs and nonprofits | Learn more at Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | CA Registered Agent.org | $99 | $99/yr | $297 | A physical address in the state; scanned copies of legal papers online | Learn more at CA Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | California Registered Agent.ai | $99 | $99/yr | $297 | A physical address in the state; scanned copies of legal papers online | Learn more at California Registered Agent.aiPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Questions explained
Do I have to name an agent for service of process?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Statute: Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.13. as of October 2026: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
Who is allowed to be the agent?
A California resident, or a corporation registered with the Secretary of State as a corporate agent under Corporations Code § 1505. A business cannot act as its own agent for service of process.
Qualify, and you do not need to pay for an agent.
What do agents cost?
Between $99 to $149 per year; $297 to $447 over three years.
Choosing a different agent does not change any state fee.
What is the agent for?
It serves as the LLC's address in California for court papers and state letters.
A service is only as useful as its forwarding, so ask how documents reach you. More about service of process
What does the LLC owe the state every year?
One filing repeats: the Statement of Information, on a two-year cycle, costing $20. Filings fall due last day of the LLC's registration-anniversary month, biennially, a date worth noting down. You also owe the minimum tax every year.
as of October 2026: sos.ca.gov
Why is the first pick first?
How much work the price handles counts for 28%, and Mainstay Filing comes out ahead on it.
Most of the score, 62%, comes from what three years cost and how much work the price handles.
Coverage settled it: all fifty states against one.
California requirements checklist
| Item | What the state says | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee | $70 | as of August 2026: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov |
| Agent for service of process | Must be named | as of October 2026: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov |
| Statement of Information | $20 every two years | as of October 2026: sos.ca.gov |
| Yearly minimum tax | $800 a year | as of October 2026: ftb.ca.gov |
| Paid to the state in three years | $2,490 | Sum of the figures above |
FAQ
Do I have to pay anyone for an agent?
Usually. Check the two rules above: who qualifies and the address.
What kind of address does the agent need?
An individual agent's California street address goes on the public record. A registered corporate agent's address is already on file with the state and is not repeated in the company's filing.
What is the three-year price of each?
Mainstay Filing at $447, CA Registered Agent.org at $297, California Registered Agent.ai at $297
What are your sources?
The state side uses California's own publications. The service side uses published company prices.
Do I have to hire a service?
Not required. Services charge to do the paperwork for you.
Which company ranks first in California?
Mainstay Filing is on top because it costs $149 a year, renewing at $149, and one account serves any state; CA Registered Agent.org and California Registered Agent.ai follow.
References
- August 2026 confirmation of California Secretary of State at sos.ca.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of California Secretary of State at bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California yearly filing: Statement of at sos.ca.gov
- August 2026 confirmation of Cal at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California registered agent statute at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California other cost: Annual LLC at ftb.ca.gov
- October 2026 confirmation of California other cost: Annual LLC at ftb.ca.gov
- Fetched November 13, 2026: the Mainstay Filing California service page
- Fetched November 13, 2026: the CA Registered Agent.org pricing page
- Fetched November 13, 2026: the California Registered Agent.ai pricing page