State registration fee
$70
Read October 2026 at bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov
Foreign LLC guide · California
California Foreign LLC Registration Fees (2026): the Official Numbers and the 3 Best Services
California fact sheet for 2026: when registering an out-of-state LLC, pick CA Registered Agent.org ($199), Mainstay Filing ($199) and California Registered Agent.ai ($199), in that order. The fee is $70 up front and $20 on every report; California sits at number 50th of 50 for foreign LLCs.
California in figures
50th
of 50 states on registration plus reports
A low number means a low bill. See all 50 states ranked
Recurring report
$20
Statement of Information, Form LLC-12
Certificate from home state
180 days
The certificate cannot predate
Minimum tax each year
$800
Read October 2026 at ftb.ca.gov
State charges over 3 years
$2,490
The registration fee plus reports in years 2 and 3, plus the minimum tax each year
California: who to hire
Five weighted criteria set the order (method): provider fees over three years 34%, filings covered 28%, then renewal terms, fit with California rules and a clear state fee.
1. CA Registered Agent.org: best for a small yearly agent price
$199 plus $70 to the state, then $99 yearly
CA Registered Agent.org comes first because $199 plus the state fee, with the first agent year included, then $99 yearly for the agent.
Mainstay Filing costs more over three years, and that criterion is worth 34% of the score.
What the price takes in
- Files your California registration
- A year of agent service
In its favor
- No agent fee in the first year
- $199 to register
- $99 per year for the agent afterward
Against it
- The home state needs a separate agent
2. Mainstay Filing: best for registering in many states
$199 plus $70 to the state, then $149 yearly
We put Mainstay Filing second since $199 plus the California state fee, then $149 a year for the agent starting in year 2.
The three-year total here is $100 above CA Registered Agent.org's, and cost is the heaviest weight in the score.
After year 1, agent service runs $149 yearly everywhere.
What the price takes in
- Files the registration for you
- Costs the same in every state
In its favor
- One price, any state
- $199 plus the state fee
Against it
- A renewal $50 above CA Registered Agent.org's
3. California Registered Agent.ai: best for a local filer
$199 plus $70 to the state, then $99 yearly
California Registered Agent.ai ranks number 3. $199 plus the state fee, with the first agent year included, then $99 yearly for the agent.
The prices are the same as CA Registered Agent.org's.
What the price takes in
- Files your California registration
- A year of agent service
In its favor
- $199 to register
- No agent fee in the first year
- $99 per year for the agent afterward
Against it
- The home state needs a separate agent
The ranking in numbers
| No. | Provider | First year | Later years | Provider fees over 3 years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CA Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit CA Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $149/yr | $497 | Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | California Registered Agent.ai | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit California Registered Agent.aiPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
Posted prices as of November 13, 2026. California charges $70 to register, apart from every provider.
Registration cost calculator
The registration fee is $70, with a $20 report from year 2; provider fees are added.
California and the states around it in the ranking
| Place | State | Three-year foreign LLC fees |
|---|---|---|
| 46th | Tennessee | $900 |
| 47th | Delaware | $1,000 |
| 48th | Rhode Island | $1,450 |
| 49th | Massachusetts | $1,500 |
| 50th | California | $2,490 |
Foreign LLC fees by state puts every state in order, lowest cost first.
California foreign LLC registration in 2026
A foreign LLC files the Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Form LLC-5) with the California Secretary of State, Business Entities and pays $70. Enclose certificate of good standing (existence or status) from the home state, at most 180 days.
Upkeep in this state means the Statement of Information, Form LLC-12 ($20), within 90 days of registering, then every 2 years. A state tax rule applies as well: $800 a year minimum LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board (Form FTB 3522), separate from the Statement of Information.
Before filing
- Certificate of good standing (existence or status) from the home state, dated within 180 days.
- The home-state legal name and date of formation.
- A agent for service of process located in the state (each pick includes one).
- A way to pay the $70 official fee.
Risks of operating unregistered
The state's courts will not take a lawsuit from an LLC that has not registered (Corp. Code 17708.07(a)).
Why the California ranking looks like this
The criterion that decided California was service bill, years one to three, at 34%.
It leads on cost at $397 over three years, $100 lower than Mainstay Filing.
Questions about California
How much does it cost a foreign LLC to register in California?
$70 to the state in fees. The providers here charge $199 more.
Which form registers a foreign LLC in California?
The Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Form LLC-5), which is sent to the California Secretary of State, Business Entities.
Does the state want a certificate from the home state?
Yes, it wants certificate of good standing (existence or status) from the home state, dated within 180 days of the filing.
Does a foreign LLC file anything every year?
Yes, it files the Statement of Information, Form LLC-12 for $20.
What are the consequences of working there without registering?
The state's courts will not take a lawsuit from an LLC that has not registered (Corp. Code 17708.07(a)).
Does a foreign LLC in California need an agent for service of process?
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address.
Which service would you choose to register a foreign LLC?
CA Registered Agent.org, because it registers you in California for $199 and includes a year of agent service; after that the agent costs $99 a year. After it come Mainstay Filing and California Registered Agent.ai.
Where these facts come from
- Backing for the numbers about California Secretary of State is found at sos.ca.gov, which we read in August 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about California Secretary of State is found at bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov, which we read in August 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about California yearly filing: Statement of Information, official source is found at sos.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Cal is found at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, which we read in August 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about California registered agent statute is found at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about California Secretary of State, foreign LLC forms is found at sos.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Form LLC-5 is found at bpd.cdn.sos.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Corporations Code section 17708.03 is found at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Revenue and Taxation Code section 19135 is found at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Franchise Tax Board, LLC filing requirements is found at ftb.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about California Corporations Code 17708.07 is found at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov, which we read in November 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about California other cost: Annual LLC tax: amount and is found at ftb.ca.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Tennessee Secretary of State, business forms and fees is found at sos.tn.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Form SS-4233, Certificate of Authority for a foreign is found at sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Tennessee Secretary of State, business FAQs is found at sos.tn.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Form SS-4241, withdrawal or cancellation is found at sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Tennessee Revised LLC Act, Public Chapter 286 is found at publications.tnsosfiles.com, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Foreign LLC registration form is found at corpfiles.delaware.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Delaware Code Title 6, chapter 18, subchapter IX is found at delcode.delaware.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Delaware Code Title 6, chapter 18, subchapter XI is found at delcode.delaware.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Division of Corporations fee schedule, August 2026 is found at corpfiles.delaware.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Alternative entity annual tax instructions is found at corp.delaware.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Form 450, Application for Registration is found at docs.sos.ri.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Business Services fee schedule is found at docs.sos.ri.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about R.I is found at webserver.rilegislature.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about R.I is found at webserver.rilegislature.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Form 452, Certificate of Cancellation is found at docs.sos.ri.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Rhode Island other cost is found at tax.ri.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Massachusetts Corporations Division, foreign LLC page is found at sec.state.ma.us, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about Corporations Division fee schedule is found at sec.state.ma.us, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about G.L. c. 156C § 48, foreign LLC registration is found at malegislature.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about G.L. c. 156C § 54, failure to register is found at malegislature.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about G.L. c. 156D § 15.01, transacting business is found at malegislature.gov, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Backing for the numbers about 950 CMR 112.00, limited liability companies is found at sec.state.ma.us, which we read in October 2026, and you can check it there.
- Pricing page at CA Registered Agent.org, from the company website, read November 13, 2026
- California service page at Mainstay Filing, from the company website, read November 13, 2026
- Pricing page at California Registered Agent.ai, from the company website, read November 13, 2026