Register an LLC in Another State

Register an LLC in Another State › California

Register your LLC in California

To register an LLC formed in another state in California, file Form LLC-5, Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the California Secretary of State, Business Entities and pay $70.

Before: at home

California wants proof from the home state: certificate of good standing (existence or status) from the home state, no older than 180 days. Order it from the state where the LLC was formed before you file here.

During: in California

File
Form LLC-5, Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Fee
$70
Agent
A agent for service of process with a California street address

$70 for Form LLC-5, Application to Register.

Best 3 Foreign Registration Services in California (2026)

Rather not file it yourself? For an existing LLC in California these three do it.

1. Mainstay Filing

$199 + $70 state fee = $269

Registered agent free for the first year, then $149 a year.

2. CA Registered Agent.org

$199 + $70 state fee = $269

Registered agent included for the first year, then $99 a year.

3. California Registered Agent.ai

$199 + $70 state fee = $269

Registered agent included for the first year, then $99 a year.

Service prices read from each provider’s California page on October 28, 2026. The state fee is the official figure below and is paid to the California Secretary of State, Business Entities.

After: staying registered

Statement of Information, Form LLC-12 (California Secretary of State), $20 (due: within 90 days of registering, then every 2 years). The services above include the agent for year one.

California questions

Can my existing LLC operate in California?

Yes, once it is registered there. You file Form LLC-5, Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the California Secretary of State, Business Entities and pay $70; you do not form a new LLC.

What do I need from my home state?

Certificate of good standing (existence or status) from the home state, no older than 180 days.

What happens after I register in California?

Statement of Information, Form LLC-12 (California Secretary of State), $20 (due: within 90 days of registering, then every 2 years), and a agent for service of process must stay in place.

Sources