Customer Service Update: August 1, 2026

User Access Update 

Effective August 1, 2026, web User Access is required for Statement of Information filings. The option to file a Statement of Information online will only be visible to users with access established.   

Establishing User Access will help in preventing unauthorized submissions or filings on your entity’s record. User Access allows the entity to control who is authorized to submit online filings on behalf of the entity. 

How the change may affect you: 

User Access is required for all users conducting online filings within the bizfile Online portal. If you are conducting online filings on behalf of your entity and require access, you will need to request access via the online portal. For more information on how to request access, check out the short, instructional video titled How to Establish User Access Control within the Video Resources Library. 

If you have any questions about the update, please contact us at bizfile@sos.ca.gov or (916) 653-6814.

Notice: Federal Reporting of Beneficial Ownership Information

Alert: Reporting requirements pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act have been impacted by ongoing litigation. For current information regarding the status of the Corporation Transparency Act, please visit FinCEN.gov/BOI.

As of January 1, 2024, certain types of corporations, limited liability companies and other similar entities created in or registered to do business in the United States were required to report information about their beneficial owners – the persons who ultimately own or control the company – to the United States Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act. These requirements have been impacted by ongoing litigation.

Reporting beneficial ownership is a federal requirement and not administered by the California Secretary of State. Questions regarding reporting requirements should be directed to FinCEN. Additional information about the reporting requirements, including answers to questions such as “is my company required to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN,” “who is a beneficial owner,” and “when do I need to report my company’s beneficial ownership information" is available at FinCEN’s beneficial ownership information webpage, FinCEN.gov/BOI. You can also subscribe to FinCEN Updates for future guidance documents.

FinCEN’s BOI webpage provides:

The following is a list of recent changes that may affect business conducted with the Business Programs Division:

  • Posted April 7, 2022

    BizFile

    Enhanced bizfile Online including Business Entities launched April 7, 2022. Includes online more than 140 Business Filings, Name Reservations, and Orders for Certificates of Status and Certified Copies for corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships.

  • Posted April 7, 2022
    Name reservations now available online. Name Reservations can be performed online at bizfileOnlne.sos.ca.gov. The Name Inquiry and Name Availability phone service are no longer offered.
  • Posted April 7, 2022
    The California Business Search provides online access to information for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited partnerships (LPs) of record with the California Secretary of State including more than 17 million FREE PDF images relating to business registrations, amendments, terminations and the most recent Statements of Information for Corporations and LLCs at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov.