Information and Instructions
Disclaimer of Proper Appointment
If your personal identifying information was used in the filing within the agent for service of process, corporate officer, or corporate director designation, you may file a Disclaimer of Proper Appointment form with the California Secretary of State to show that you are denying the appointment.
Disclaimer of Proper Authority
Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1798.203 (Senate Bill 1168; Chapter 783, Statutes of 2024), a person who has learned that their personal identifying information has been used unlawfully in a business entity filing can file a Disclaimer of Proper Authority form with the California Secretary of State so long as the business entity has not been dissolved or terminated at the time of filing the Disclaimer of Proper Authority.
Order on Unlawful Use of Personal Identifying Information
If your personal identifying information was used without your consent, you can file a petition with the California Courts by completing the CIV-165 form (Order on Unlawful Use of Personal Identifying Information). Note: Form CIV-165 was updated by the Judicial Council effective January 1, 2025. All court filings made on and after January 1, 2025, should use the 2025 form.
For more information, please visit the California Courts website.
Documentation
Once you obtain a Court Order, submit to our office the following physical documents (no emails or electronic filing):
- A certified copy of the Court Order (the clerk of the court certifies copies of original court documents for a separate fee);
- A copy of the related petition filed with the Court;
- If Box 3(a) of form CIV-165 is checked, a one-page exhibit containing the name of the business entity and the business entity’s file number with the Secretary of State for each business entity identified in the petition; and
- Your contact information.
Please send these to:
Business Programs Division
Attention: Legal Review Unit
1500 11th Street, Third Floor
Sacramento, California 95814
Disclaimer Notice
There is no statutory authorization for the California Secretary of State's office to process form Order on Unlawful Use of Personal Identifying Information that has not been properly issued and certified by a California court, or that is incomplete. Our office cannot assist with the preparation of form Order on Unlawful Use of Personal Identifying Information or related documents.
You may wish to seek legal advice from an attorney licensed to practice law in California regarding your situation. A private attorney would directly represent your interests and provide advice most helpful to you. If you need a California attorney, lawyer referral services can be located through the State Bar of California website. If you cannot afford a private attorney, assistance also may be available through a county Bar Association or a local Legal Aid Society.
