Short answer: File Registration of Foreign Entity (Form CONV-1A) with the California Secretary of State for $70, and name a California registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the California Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Registering an out-of-state LLC in California
File Registration of Foreign Entity (Form CONV-1A) with the California Secretary of State ($70). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a California registered agent.
Must be an individual residing in California or a registered corporate agent. The address must be a physical street address, not a PO box.
How California compares
California's foreign LLC registration fee is $70. That's the 4th lowest of 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so California comes in $80 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| California | $70 | 43 of 47 |
| Oregon | $275 | 8 of 47 |
| Utah | $59 | 45 of 47 |
| Arizona | $150 | 19 of 47 |
| Nevada | $425 | 4 of 47 |
| Colorado | $100 | 33 of 47 |
California fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | biennial, Initial within 90 days, then every two years |
| Registration of Foreign Entity (Form CONV-1A) | $70 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: California questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in California?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in California (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the California Secretary of State.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in California?
$70 to file Registration of Foreign Entity (Form CONV-1A).
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in California?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in California. Must be an individual residing in California or a registered corporate agent. The address must be a physical street address, not a PO box.
Does a foreign LLC file the California annual report too?
Generally yes. Registered foreign LLCs usually carry the same Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) obligation. Confirm the foreign LLC fee with the state.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: state tax.escalating tiers.