Starting an LLC in California
What it costs, what you file and what you owe afterwards. Every figure below came from the state's own pages.
Forming an LLC in California costs $70 to file the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division, Business Entities Section. After that, Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) is due the first statement is due within 90 days of registering the LLC, and thereafter every two years during the six-month window ending with the anniversary month of registration.
What it costs
| What | Amount | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) | $70 | Once, when the LLC is formed |
| Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | The first statement is due within 90 days of registering the LLC, and thereafter every two years during the six-month window ending with the anniversary month of registration. |
Registered agent
California requires one. California requires an agent for service of process, who must either live in California or be a corporate agent registered with the Secretary of State under Corporations Code section 1505.
What you owe after year one
The first statement is due within 90 days of registering the LLC, and thereafter every two years during the six-month window ending with the anniversary month of registration.
Missing it is the most common way a good standing lapses, and restoring one costs more than filing on time.
The official pages
- California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division, Business Entities Section
- Search the register for your name
- File the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
- Report filing and due dates
Read from the source, 2, 3, 4 on 2026-09-04. Fees change, so check the state page before filing. SideKix has no relationship with any state agency and takes nothing for sending you there.
Before you file
- Sole proprietor, LLC or S corp, what actually differs, with no recommendation
- What it will cost to start, because the filing fee is the small part
- Whether the name is still free, checked against the registries themselves
- What to do first if the idea is still an idea
Another state
SideKix, “How much does an LLC cost in California?”, checked 2026-09-04. https://sidekixhq.com/start-an-llc-in-california.html
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an LLC in California?
The state filing fee for the Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) is $70.
What form do I file to start an LLC in California?
The Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1), filed with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division, Business Entities Section.
Does California require an annual report for an LLC?
The first statement is due within 90 days of registering the LLC, and thereafter every two years during the six-month window ending with the anniversary month of registration.
Do I need a registered agent in California?
Yes. California requires an agent for service of process, who must either live in California or be a corporate agent registered with the Secretary of State under Corporations Code section 1505.