California LLCs and corporations must designate an agent for service of process. Choose an individual California resident with a California street address, or an authorized registered corporate agent. Form 1505 costs $30 to register an eligible corporation as a corporate agent; it is not a $30 annual customer-agent service charge.
Official source: California Secretary of StateOfficial source: California Secretary of State – official form (PDF)Verified against the California Secretary of State and FTB on Oct 21, 2026
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Private information and filing service; not a government agency.
Start with the right question.
Choose the individual or corporate branch
An individual agent must reside in California and provide a physical California street address; a P.O. box is not sufficient. A business entity cannot serve as its own agent. Confirm the individual’s willingness and ability to receive legal papers.
Official source: California Secretary of StateVerify corporate authorization
Form 1505 allows an active corporation registered with the SOS to become an authorized corporate agent for other entities. Confirm the corporate agent’s exact registered name and authorization; an ordinary LLC or corporation is not automatically an authorized corporate agent.
Official source: California Secretary of State – official form (PDF)Keep the designation current
Review the agent in bizfile before filing and update the Statement of Information when agent details change. Agent designation does not replace a business license and should not be confused with general mailing or office services.
Official source: California Secretary of StateYour preparation checklist
- Choose individual or authorized corporate agent
- Confirm California residency/address or corporate authorization
- Verify the agent is not the entity itself
- Keep current agent information in the state record
Agent eligibility checklist
Agent eligibility checklist
Confirm consent and ability to receive legal papers. The checklist relies on your answers; it does not verify residency or government records.
Keep the requirements separate.
| Requirement | Verified detail / confirmation needed | Official authority |
|---|---|---|
| Individual agent | California resident; California physical street address | Official source: California Secretary of State |
| Corporate agent | Active registered corporation authorized through Form 1505 | Official source: California Secretary of State – official form (PDF) |
| Form 1505 registration | $30 fee paid by applicant corporate agent | Official source: California Secretary of State – official form (PDF) |
| Customer service charge | Separate service quote; no price assumed | Official source: California Secretary of State |
Carry the decision forward.
Corp USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. State fees are pass-through. Service fees and taxes are separate. Review the order price before payment.
Before your next step
No. A business entity cannot act as its own agent; choose an eligible individual or authorized corporate agent.
Official source: California Secretary of StateNo. That is the Form 1505 corporate-agent registration filing fee. Commercial service charges are separate.
Official source: California Secretary of State – official form (PDF)