How to Register a Foreign LLC in California (2026): 5 Steps and the 3 Best Services
We would send a new founder in California to Mainstay Filing ($199), California Registered Agent.ai ($199) and CA Registered Agent.org ($199) for registering a foreign LLC in 2026, in that order. Then 5 steps, from the first check to the yearly upkeep (state fee $70).
Prices from each company's own site, read November 12, 2026. Every row excludes the $70 state fee.
Step-by-step lesson
Step1
Step 1: Know when registration is required
An out-of-state LLC that transacts business in California registers before it starts. Skipping it has consequences: It cannot start a lawsuit in California courts until it registers (Corp. Code 17708.07(a)).
Official source: Per ftb.ca.gov, last confirmed October 2026
Step2
Step 2: Request proof of good standing at home
Order certificate of good standing (existence or status) from the home state, not more than 180 days.
TipOrder it last so it is still recent when you file.
Step3
Step 3: Get an agent for service of process with a California address
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. 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.
TipEach of our picks includes the agent for service of process.
Step 4: Submit the Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This filing, the Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Form LLC-5), costs $70 at the California Secretary of State, Business Entities.
Expect the Statement of Information, Form LLC-12 and its $20 fee (within 90 days of registering, then every 2 years). Tax rule to know: $800 a year minimum LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board (Form FTB 3522), separate from the Statement of Information.
California costs by step
Step
Paid to
Amount
Registration fee
The state
$70
Statement of Information, Form LLC-12
The state
$20
State minimum tax
The state
$800 a year
Help from a service
The service
$199 to start
State fees for three years
The state
$2,490
Official state fees, cited under References. Three-year state total = filing + reports in years two and three + any minimum tax.
Why this order
On lesson steps handled, which carries 35%, Mainstay Filing scored above California Registered Agent.ai.
Covering several states beat California Registered Agent.ai's lower renewal.
California questions
What does it cost to register a foreign LLC in California?
$70 to the state. Add $199 for a service.
Which form do I file to register?
The California Secretary of State, Business Entities takes the Application to Register a Foreign Limited Liability Company (LLC) (Form LLC-5).
Do I need a certificate from my home state?
Yes: certificate of good standing (existence or status) from the home state, issued within 180 days of filing.
What if the LLC does business there without registering?
It cannot start a lawsuit in California courts until it registers (Corp. Code 17708.07(a)).
What is due after registering?
Keep the registration alive with the Statement of Information, Form LLC-12; the fee is $20.
Which service should handle the registration?
In order: Mainstay Filing, California Registered Agent.ai and CA Registered Agent.org. Mainstay Filing comes first because registration for $199 plus state fees and a free first year as an agent for service of process.