Frequently Asked Questions

Please select the topic below that best matches your question.

Customer Alert - Misleading Business Solicitations.

If you are representing a business, we want you to be aware of deceptive solicitations being sent to many entities registered with the California Secretary of State.

To learn more about these deceptive solicitations, please reference our Customer Alerts webpage.

California businesses that receive one of these fraudulent solicitation letters or that have paid the company and received a fraudulent certificate should submit a written complaint along with the entire solicitation (including the solicitation letter, the outer and return envelopes, all related documents if available, and a copy of the fraudulent certificate) to the California Attorney General, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, California 94244-2550. A complaint form, which can be completed online and printed to mail, is available on the California Attorney General's website.

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Form/register, license or terminate a business entity.

How do I check or reserve a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name, and can this be done over the phone or online?

Please refer to our Name Availability webpage for complete information and request forms.

  • A request to check for the availability of a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name can be submitted by mail to the Secretary of State's Sacramento office. Corporation, limited liability company and limited partnership names can be checked by phone upon establishing a prepaid account with the Secretary of State.
  • A request to reserve a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name can be submitted by mail or dropped off at the counter at the Secretary of State's Sacramento office. A request to reserve a corporation name can also be submitted in person to the Secretary of State's Los Angeles regional office. Corporation and limited liability company names can be reserved by phone upon establishing a prepaid account with the Secretary of State.

Online requests to check or reserve a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name are not available at this time.

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How do I form a business entity in California?

A business entity can be formed in California by filing the applicable document or form (as described below) with the Secretary of State. The document samples and forms described below are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. Please refer to the applicable document sample or form for complete filing instructions, fees, any additional requirements and relevant statutory filing provisions:

  • Corporation: File Articles of Incorporation. The following Articles of Incorporation forms for the most common types of corporations are provided. The forms have been drafted to meet the minimum statutory requirements. You can either use the form or compose your own statutorily compliant document:

    • Articles of Incorporation of a General Stock Corporation (Form ARTS–GS)
    • Articles of Incorporation of a Close Corporation (Form ARTS–CL)
    • Articles of Incorporation of a Professional Corporation (Form ARTS–PC)
    • Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation (Form ARTS–MU)
    • Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation (Form ARTS–PB–501(c)(3))
    • Articles of Incorporation of a Nonprofit Religious Corporation (Form ARTS–RE)
    • Articles of Incorporation of a Common Interest Development Association (Form ARTS–CID)
  • Limited Liability Company: File Articles of Organization (Form LLC–1).
  • Limited Partnership: File a Certificate of Limited Partnership (Form LP–1).
  • General Partnership: File a Statement of Partnership Authority (Form GP–1). Filing Form GP–1 is permissive. Note: A general partnership may record its partnership agreement at the county recorder's office in the county where the general partnership is located.
  • Limited Liability Partnership: Once a general partnership, file an Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership (Form LLP–1).

To ensure that all issues are considered and addressed appropriately, you should consult with private legal counsel prior to submitting formation documents to the Secretary of State.

Note: Many corporation, limited liability company and limited partnership documents are returned for correction without being filed because of name issues, errors, omissions or misstatements contained in the proposed filings submitted to this office. Filing tips have been drafted to assist with meeting the minimum filing requirements of the California Corporations Code.

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How do I obtain a license or permit for my business entity?

Once the business entity is formed or registered with the California Secretary of State it must obtain the necessary licenses and/or permits.

The Secretary of State does not issue licenses or permits for business entities. Please refer to the CalGold (California Government: On–Line to Desktops) website for information about business license/permit requirements. CalGold's online database provides links and contact information to agencies that administer and issue business licenses, permits and registration requirements from all levels of government.

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Where do I file a fictitious business name?

Fictitious business names are filed with the county in which the principal place of business is located. Please check with the county for specific requirements.

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Are bylaws or operating agreements filed with the Secretary of State?

No, bylaws and operating agreements (and any amendments thereto) are maintained by the business entity and are not filed with the Secretary of State. Requests for copies or information about these documents should be directed to the business entity itself.

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Where do I obtain my corporate seal?

Corporate seals may be obtained directly from an office supply or stationary company. The Secretary of State does not issue corporate seals.

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Do I have to qualify or register a foreign (out–of–state or out–of–country) business entity?

Before transacting intrastate business in California the business must first qualify/register with the California Secretary of State. (California Corporations Code section 2105, 15909.02, 16959 or 17708.02.) California Corporations Code sections 191, 15901.02(ai) and 17708.03 define "transacting intrastate "as entering into repeated and successive transactions of its business in this state, other than interstate or foreign commerce.

The Secretary of State's office cannot advise you as to whether or not the business must qualify/register to do business in California. If you require assistance in making that determination and to ensure that all issues are considered and addressed appropriately, you should consult with private legal counsel.

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How do I qualify or register a foreign (out–of–state or out–of–country) business entity in California?

A foreign business entity can qualify/register to transact business in California by filing the applicable form (as described below) with the California Secretary of State. The forms described below are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. Please refer to the form for complete filing instructions, fees, any additional requirements and relevant statutory filing provisions:

  • Corporation: File a Statement and Designation by Foreign Corporation (Form S&DC–S/N [for foreign general stock or nonprofit corporations], Form S&DC-PC [for foreign professional law or accountancy corporations] or Form S&DC–INS [for foreign insurer corporations) and attach to the completed form a valid certificate of good standing by an authorized public official of the foreign jurisdiction under which the foreign corporation is incorporated.
  • Limited Liability Company: File an Application to Register (Form LLC–5) and attach to the completed form a valid certificate of good standing by an authorized public official of the foreign jurisdiction under which the foreign limited liability company is organized.
  • Limited Partnership: File an Application for Registration (Form LP–5) and attach to the completed form a valid certificate of good standing (or other record of similar import) by an authorized public official of the foreign jurisdiction under which the foreign limited partnership is organized.
  • Limited Liability Partnership: File an Application to Register a Limited Liability Partnership (Form LLP–1) and attach to the completed form a valid certificate of good standing (or other record of similar import) by an authorized public official of the foreign jurisdiction under which the foreign limited liability partnership is organized.

To ensure that all issues are considered and addressed appropriately, you should consult with private legal counsel prior to submitting qualification or registration documents to the California Secretary of State.

Note: Many corporation, limited liability company and limited partnership documents are returned for correction without being filed because of name issues, errors, omissions or misstatements contained in the proposed filings submitted to this office. Filing tips have been drafted to assist with meeting the minimum filing requirements of the California Corporations Code.

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How do I terminate (dissolve, surrender or cancel) my business entity?

A domestic (California) or foreign (out–of–state or out–of–country) business entity can dissolve, surrender or cancel by filing the applicable form (as described below) with the California Secretary of State. The forms described below are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. Please refer to the applicable form(s) for complete filing instructions, fees, any additional requirements and relevant statutory filing provisions:

  • California (stock) Corporation: File a Certificate of Election to Wind Up and Dissolve (Form ELEC STK) and a Certificate of Dissolution (Form DISS STK), unless the election to dissolve is made by the vote of all the outstanding shares, in which case only the Certificate of Dissolution (Form DISS STK) is required; OR, in limited circumstances, a Short Form Certificate of Dissolution (Form DSF STK) may be filed.
  • California (nonprofit) Corporation: File a Certificate of Election to Wind Up and Dissolve (Form ELEC NP) and a Certificate of Dissolution (Form DISS NP), unless the election to dissolve is made by a vote of all the members, or if the corporation has no members by the vote of all the directors, in which case only the Certificate of Dissolution is required; OR, in limited circumstances, a Short Form Certificate of Dissolution (Form DSF NP) may be filed. Note: If the dissolving corporation is a nonprofit public benefit or religious corporation, the Certificate of Dissolution (Form DISS NP) must be accompanied by a letter from the Attorney General that either waives objections to the distribution of the corporation's assets or confirms that the corporation has no assets.
  • Foreign Corporation: File a Certificate of Surrender of Right to Transact Intrastate Business (Form SURRENDER–CORPORATION).
  • California Limited Liability Company: File a Certificate of Dissolution (Form LLC–3) and Certificate of Cancellation (Form LLC–4/7), unless all the members vote to dissolve, in which case only Form LLC–4/7 is required; OR, in limited circumstances, a Short Form Certificate of Cancellation (Form LLC–4/8) may be filed.
  • Foreign Limited Liability Company: File a Certificate of Cancellation (Form LLC–4/7).
  • California or Foreign Limited Partnership: File a Certificate of Cancellation (Form LP–4/7).
  • General Partnership: File a Certificate of Dissolution (Form GP–4).
  • Limited Liability Partnership: File a Notice of Change of Status (Form LLP–4).

To ensure that all issues are considered and addressed appropriately, you should consult with private legal counsel prior to submitting termination documents to the California Secretary of State.

Note: Many corporation, limited liability company and limited partnership documents are returned for correction without being filed because of name issues, errors, omissions or misstatements contained in the proposed filings submitted to this office. Filing tips have been drafted to assist with meeting the minimum filing requirements of the California Corporations Code.

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What do I do if I received a notice from a private company named Business Filings Division soliciting to file termination documents for my business entity?

The Secretary of State's office has been advised that letters are being sent to California corporations directing them to submit $495 and a completed form to a private company named Business Filings Division in order to dissolve their business entity. (See Example (PDF).) A similar letter is being sent to California limited liability companies.

The letter/form does not meet the requirements of the California Corporations Code, and a corporation cannot delegate the obligation to have the Certificate of Election to Wind Up and Dissolve and the Certificate of Dissolution signed and verified by the shareholders, members, officers or directors of the corporation. Additionally, the Certificate of Election to Wind Up and Dissolve and the Certificate of Dissolution must be submitted to the California Secretary of State's office for filing. Please note there is no filing fee associated with either document.

If you do intend to terminate your business entity, please refer to our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage for forms that meet the minimum content requirements of the California Corporations Code and instructions for these filings. The completed forms can be mailed to Secretary of State, Document Filing Support Unit, 1500 11th Street, Third Floor, Sacramento, California, 95814, or can be delivered in person to the Sacramento office at that same address. There is no fee for submitting these documents to our office by mail, however, there is a $15 service fee for submitting these forms in person for

California businesses that receive one of these fraudulent solicitation letters can mail a written complaint along with the entire solicitation (including the solicitation letter, the outer and return envelopes, and all related documents) to the California Attorney General's office, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, California 94244–2250. A complaint form, which can be completed online and printed to mail, is available on the California Attorney General's website at www.oag.ca.gov/consumers.

These solicitations are not being made by the California Secretary of State's office and are not being made by or on behalf of any governmental entity. Although a business entity can use an intermediary to submit filings and fees to our office, no business is required to go through another company in order to file its documents with the Secretary of State's office.

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Annual and biennial requirements for a business entity.

When and how often am I required to file a Statement of Information?

Statement of Information filing requirements vary depending on the type of entity (corporation or limited liability company), jurisdiction of formation, and for corporations, if the entity is a stock or nonprofit corporation. Statement forms are available on the Statements of Information webpage. Please refer to the applicable form for complete filing instructions, fees and relevant statutory filing provisions.

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What taxes do I need to file, or business licenses/permits do I need to renew?

There are several agencies that administer a variety of taxes. Please refer to our Tax Information webpage for a list of agencies that can assist you in determining your tax obligations and provide you with information about tax reporting and taxpayer rights. Please refer to the CalGOLD (California Government: On–Line to Desktops) website for information about business license/permit requirements in California.

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What do I do if I received a notice from a Corporate Compliance entity soliciting to prepare annual minutes or file a Statement of Information for my business entity?

Some private companies have been soliciting business through mass mailings to business entities to prepare annual minutes and/or to file the Statement of Information with our office. These private companies are in no way affiliated with the Secretary of State or any other government agency, although the solicitations are made to appear similar to our Statement of Information form. Please refer to our Customer Alert webpage for additional information about these types of misleading solicitations.

California businesses in receipt of a solicitation letter that seems misleading or confusing can mail a written complaint along with the entire solicitation (including the solicitation letter, the outer and return envelopes, and all related documents) to the California Attorney General's office, Public Inquiry Unit, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, California 94244–2550. A complaint form, which can be completed online and printed to mail, is available on the California Attorney General's website at www.ag.ca.gov/consumers/general.php.

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How do I change my business entity's address of record, the name and/or address of the agent for service of process, officers, directors, managers, members and/or partners?

A domestic (California) or foreign (out–of–state or out–of–country) business entity can change the recorded information by filing the applicable form (as described below) with the Secretary of State. The forms described below are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. Please refer to the applicable form for complete filing instructions, fees, any additional requirements and relevant statutory filing provisions:

  • California (stock) Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Domestic Stock and Agricultural Cooperative Corporations (Form SI–200). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California (nonprofit) Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Domestic Nonprofit, Credit Union and General Cooperative Corporations (Form SI–100). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • Foreign Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Foreign Corporation (Form SI–350). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California Limited Liability Company: File a Statement of Information – Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC–12). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • Foreign Limited Liability Company: File a Statement of Information – Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC–12). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California Limited Partnership: File an Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership (Form LP–2).
  • Foreign Limited Partnership: File an Amendment to Application for Registration (Form LP–6).
  • General Partnership: File a Statement of Amendment/Cancellation (Form GP–7).
  • Limited Liability Partnership: File an Amendment to Registration (Form LLP–2).
  • Unincorporated Association: File a Statement by Unincorporated Association (Form UA–100).
  • Foreign Partnership (other than a foreign limited partnership): File a Statement by Foreign Partnership (Form LL–27).

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Agent for Service of Process.

What is an "agent for service of process" and who can be such an agent?

An agent for service of process is an individual who resides in California, or a corporation, designated to accept service of process (court papers) if the business entity is sued. If a corporation is designated as agent for service of process, that corporation must have previously filed a certificate pursuant to California Corporations Code section 1505.

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Can my business entity be its own agent for service of process?

A business entity cannot act as its own agent for service of process and no corporation may file a certificate pursuant to California Corporations Code section 1505 unless the corporation is currently authorized to engage in business in California and is in good standing on the records of the Secretary of State.

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Where can I find a corporation to act as agent for service of process?

The Secretary of State does not provide a list of corporations authorized to act as agents for service of process. The private service companies listed on our Private Service Companies webpage may be able to assist you. Note: The Secretary of State's office does not endorse these service companies nor are they affiliated with the Secretary of State's office.

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How do I change the name and/or address of my agent for service of process?

A domestic (California) or foreign (out–of–state or out–of–country) business entity can change the name and/or address of its designated agent for service of process by filing the applicable form (as described below) with the California Secretary of State. The forms described below are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. Please refer to the applicable form for complete filing instructions, fees, any additional requirements and relevant statutory filing provisions:

  • California (stock) Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Domestic Stock and Agricultural Cooperative Corporations (Form SI–200). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California (nonprofit) Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Domestic Nonprofit, Credit Union and General Cooperative Corporations (Form SI–100). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • Foreign Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Foreign Corporation (Form SI–350). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California Limited Liability Company: File a Statement of Information – Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC–12). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • Foreign Limited Liability Company: File a Statement of Information – Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC–12). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California Limited Partnership: File an Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership (Form LP–2).
  • Foreign Limited Partnership: File an Amendment to Application for Registration (Form LP–6).
  • General Partnership: File a Statement of Amendment/Cancellation (Form GP–7).
  • Limited Liability Partnership: File an Amendment to Registration (Form LLP–2).
  • Unincorporated Association: File a Statement by Unincorporated Association (Form UA–100).
  • Foreign Partnership (other than a foreign limited partnership): File a Statement by Foreign Partnership (Form LL–27).

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If I am unable to serve the designated agent of a business entity with court papers, can I serve the business entity through the Secretary of State?

Please refer to our Service of Process webpage for information about substituted service of process through the Secretary of State's office.

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Delinquency and penalty notices from the Secretary of State or Franchise Tax Board.

Why was my business entity assessed a penalty?

Penalties are assessed by the Franchise Tax Board when a business entity has not filed the required Statement of Information with the Secretary of State’s office. If the statement has not been filed timely, the entity is provided a notice of delinquency, and after 60 days from that notice, if no statement has been filed, the Secretary of State’s office notifies the Franchise Tax Board, who assesses and collects the penalty.

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How was I to know that I had to file a Statement of Information?

Every corporation and every limited liability company is required to file a statutory Statement of Information either every year or every two years as applicable. The Secretary of State mails a reminder postcard to the business entity's address of record approximately three months prior to the date its filing is due. If the business entity then fails to file the required statement, it is provided a notice of delinquency and an additional 60 days in which to file. Note: It is a business entity's responsibility to submit a statement even if it did not receive the reminder or the notice of delinquency, however, that is why it is important to keep the entity's address information up to date with the Secretary of State to ensure notices are received.

For more information on when Statements of Information are due, please visit our Statement of Information Help page.

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How often am I required to file a Statement of Information?

A Statement of Information must be filed either every year for stock, cooperative, credit union, and all foreign corporations or every two years (only in odd years or only in even years based on year of initial registration) for domestic nonprofit corporations and all limited liability companies. A Statement of Information also must be filed if the name and/or address of the agent for service of process changes or the agent resigns. It is also important to file a statement when the entity’s address information changes. Statement forms are available on the Statements of Information webpage. Please refer to the applicable form for complete filing instructions, fees and relevant statutory filing provisions.

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How do I dispute a penalty assessed to a business entity?

A request to waive the penalty for failure to file the Statement of Information can be submitted in writing to the Secretary of State, Statement of Information Unit – Attention: Penalties, P.O. Box 944230, Sacramento, CA 94244–2300 or you may submit a request online at Email Penalty Waivers.

The waiver request must include an explanation of the reasonable cause or unusual circumstance supporting the business entity's failure to file the required statement timely. Per statute, failing to receive a reminder notice to file does not excuse an entity from filing the required statement. Note: If a current statement has not been filed, the waiver request must be accompanied by a completed statement and the applicable filing fee. Online services for submitting the required Statement of Information for most corporations are available at https://businessfilings.sos.ca.gov/ using a credit card (Visa or MasterCard only). When submitting online, a free PDF copy of the filed Statement of Information will be returned electronically to the submitter following confirmation of payment if an email address is provided at the time of submission.

Note: At this time, Statements of Information for limited liability companies and common interest developments must be submitted on paper and directed to the Secretary of State’s office in Sacramento, either by mail or delivered in person. All filing forms are available on our Statements of Information webpage and are based on the type of entity. Please refer to the applicable form for complete filing instructions, fees and relevant statutory filing provisions.

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How do I change my business entity's address of record?

A domestic (California) or foreign (not California) business entity can change its address of record by filing the applicable form (as described below) with the California Secretary of State. The forms described below are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. Please refer to the applicable form for complete filing instructions, fees, any additional requirements and relevant statutory filing provisions:

  • California (stock) Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Domestic Stock and Agricultural Cooperative Corporations (Form SI–200). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California (nonprofit) Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Domestic Nonprofit, Credit Union and General Cooperative Corporations (Form SI–100). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • Foreign Corporation: File a Statement of Information – Foreign Corporation (Form SI–350). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California Limited Liability Company: File a Statement of Information – Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC–12). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • Foreign Limited Liability Company: File a Statement of Information – Domestic or Foreign Limited Liability Company (Form LLC–12). Complete the form in its entirety.
  • California Limited Partnership: File an Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership (Form LP–2).
  • Foreign Limited Partnership: File an Amendment to Application for Registration (Form LP–6).
  • General Partnership: File a Statement of Amendment/Cancellation (Form GP–7).
  • Limited Liability Partnership: File an Amendment to Registration (Form LLP–2).
  • Unincorporated Association: File a Statement by Unincorporated Association (Form UA–100).
  • Foreign Partnership (other than a foreign limited partnership): File a Statement by Foreign Partnership (Form LL–27).

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Suspension/forfeiture notices from the Secretary of State or Franchise Tax Board.

I received a notice of pending suspension/forfeiture, what do I do?

Please follow the instructions in the notice. If you have not yet filed the required statement, statement forms are available on our Statements of Information webpage. Note: To avoid suspension/forfeiture of the entity's powers, rights and privileges (including the right to use the entity name), the statement must be received and filed by the California Secretary of State no later than 60 days from the Notice Date that appears on the Notice of Pending Suspension/Forfeiture.

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How was I to know that I had to file a Statement of Information?

Every corporation and every limited liability company is required to file a statutory Statement of Information either every year or every two years (only in odd years or only in even years based on year of initial registration), as applicable. The Secretary of State mails a reminder postcard to the business entity's address of record approximately three months prior to the date its filing is due. If the business entity then fails to file the required statement, the business entity is provided a notice of delinquency and an additional 60 days in which to file. Note: It is the business entity's responsibility to submit a statement even if it did not receive the reminder or the notice of delinquency, however, that is why it is important to keep the entity's address information up to date with the Secretary of State to ensure notices are received.

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Why is my business entity suspended/forfeited and how do I revive it?

A business entity's powers, rights and privileges, which include the right to use the entity's name in California, can be suspended or forfeited in California by (1) the Secretary of State for failure to file a Statement of Information and/or in the case of a domestic or foreign corporation, for failure to reimburse the Victims of Corporate Fraud Compensation Fund (VCFCF) for a paid claim; and/or (2) the Franchise Tax Board for failure to meet tax requirements (e.g., file a return, pay taxes, penalties, interest). Subject to the availability of the business entity name, an entity suspended/forfeited by the:

  • Secretary of State can be revived by:
    • Filing a current Statement of Information with this office. Note: A common interest development corporation also must submit a Statement by Common Interest Development Association (Form SI–CID) together with the Statement of Information. Statement forms are available on the Statements of Information webpage. Please refer to the applicable form for complete filing instructions, fees and relevant statutory filing provisions; and/or
    • Reimbursing the VCFCF for a paid claim. Questions about reinstatement from VCFCF suspension/forfeiture should be directed to the Secretary of State, Victims of Corporate Fraud Compensation Fund, Attention: Ombudsperson, P.O. Box 15659, Sacramento, CA 95852. For further information and relevant statutory provisions, see Victims of Corporate Fraud Compensation Fund.
    Note: In the case of a domestic or foreign corporation, the most common reason for suspension/forfeiture by the Secretary of State is failure to file the required Statement(s) of Information as stated above. Further information about the type of Secretary of State suspension/forfeiture is available at Business Search.
  • Franchise Tax Board: Contact the Franchise Tax Board for revivor requirements.
  • Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board: First file a current Statement of Information with the Secretary of State, and/or reimburse the VCFCF, and obtain a letter of proposed relief from suspension or forfeiture. Upon receipt of the proposed relief letter from the Secretary of State, the business entity should complete an Application for Certificate of Revivor (Form FTB 3557) and submit the application along with a copy of the proposed relief letter to the Franchise Tax Board. Note: The business entity will remain suspended by the Secretary of State until both the Secretary of State and Franchise Tax Board revivor requirements have been met.

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What do I do if my business entity is suspended/forfeited and another party has reserved the name or another entity is using the name?

The suspended/forfeited business entity must change its name, obtain a release of name reservation from the party who has reserved the name, in certain circumstances, obtain written consent to use the name or convince the other entity to change its name.

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How do I change the name of my business entity?

A business entity name can be changed in California by filing the applicable document or form (as described below) with the California Secretary of State. The document samples and forms described below are available on our Forms, Samples and Fees webpage. Please refer to the applicable document sample or form for complete filing instructions, fees, any additional requirements and relevant statutory filing provisions:

  • California Corporation: File a Certificate of Amendment. Samples are provided. The samples have been drafted to meet the minimum statutory requirements and can be used as a guideline in preparing the applicable document to be filed with the Secretary of State.
  • Foreign Corporation: File an Amended Statement by Foreign Corporation.
  • California Limited Liability Company: File a Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–2).
  • Foreign Limited Liability Company: File an Application for Registration Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–6).

Note: Many corporation, limited liability company and limited partnership documents are returned for correction without being filed because of name issues, errors, omissions or misstatements contained in the proposed filings submitted to this office. Filing tips have been drafted to assist with meeting the minimum filing requirements of the California Corporations Code.

To ensure that all issues are considered and addressed appropriately, you should consult with private legal counsel prior to submitting amendment documents to the Secretary of State.

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Complaints about a business entity.

Where do I file a complaint against a business entity?

For assistance in determining where to file a complaint against a business entity and how to proceed, please refer to the Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Resource & Referral Guide. The Secretary of State Business Programs Division does not regulate business operations or business practices. If you believe that a business is operating illegally, you may contact the Office of the California Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau, or seek private legal counsel.

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Where can I learn who the officers, directors, managers, members, partners, and/or agent for service of process are for a specific business entity?

Copies of filed documents containing such information can be obtained by submitting a request to the California Secretary of State's Sacramento office either in person (drop off) or by mail. Please refer to the Information Requests webpage for detailed information about copy requests. The agent for service of process for corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships can also be obtained online through the California Business Search, and the names of the directors, chief executive officer and five most highly compensated executive officers for publicly traded corporations can be obtained online through the Publicly Traded Disclosure Search.

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Where can I learn more about business identity theft?

For more information about business identity theft, please visit the Secretary of State Business Identity Theft Resources.

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Copies of records and/or a Certificate of Status.

How do I request copies of filed business entity documents, or a Certificate of Status or a Certificate of Filing?

Copies and certificates can be obtained by submitting a request to the California Secretary of State's Sacramento office either in person (drop off) or by mail. Please refer to the Information Requests webpage for detailed information about copy and certificate requests.

Phone or online requests for copies and certificates are not available at this time.

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Can I request a Certificate of Status over the phone or online?

Certificates of Status can be obtained by submitting a request to the California Secretary of State's Sacramento office either in person (drop off) or by mail. Please refer to the Information Requests webpage for detailed information about certificate requests.

Phone or online requests for a Certificates of Status are not available at this time.

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