California LLC Name Search

Check if your business name is available in California before you file, then see California's LLC naming rules, fees and filing requirements

California
Filing Fee
$70
Articles of Organization
Statement of Information
$20
Due within 90 days of forming the LLC, then every two years by the end of your formation month
Name Reservation
$10
Holds a name for 60 days

How Much Does an LLC Cost in California?

Filing your Articles of Organization in California costs $70. After that, the statement of information costs $20 every two years and is due within 90 days of forming the LLC, then every two years by the end of your formation month. Every California LLC also pays an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board, starting in its first year.

  • Articles of Organization

    When you file to form the LLC. Source →

    $70

  • Statement of Information

    Due within 90 days of forming the LLC, then every two years by the end of your formation month. Source →

    $20

  • Annual LLC tax

    Paid to the Franchise Tax Board every year, even if the LLC does no business. The first payment is due by the 15th day of the fourth month after you form it. Source →

    $800 a year

  • Name reservationOptional

    Holds a name for 60 days. Source →

    $10

Checked against official California sources on October 23, 2026. Fees change, so confirm with the state before you file.

LLC Requirements in California

Formation Requirements

Basic Requirements

  • Operating Agreement (required)
  • Federal Tax ID (EIN)
  • Business Licenses (if applicable)

Registered Agent

California requires all LLCs to maintain a registered agent in the state.

Processing Time

Online filings take five days or less, and paper filings take 10 days or more.

24-hour service costs $350, and same-day service costs $750.

Source →

Contact the California Business Filing Office

Search LLC Name isn’t a government website. For an official answer about a name or a filing, contact the state office directly.

Contact Details

Fax

916-653-4795

Address Information

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 944230, Sacramento, CA 94244-2300

Physical Address

1500 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814

Official California Resources

California LLC Name Search FAQ

Enter the name in the search at the top of this page to open California’s official business entity search. Search close variations too: California law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable in the records of the Secretary of State and not likely to mislead the public (Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.08). A clear search is a good sign, but the state makes the final call when it reviews your filing.

It must include “Limited Liability Company” or an abbreviation such as “LLC” or “L.L.C.”. California law requires a new LLC name to be distinguishable in the records of the Secretary of State and not likely to mislead the public (Cal. Corp. Code § 17701.08). Words like Bank, Insurance or Trust usually need approval from another agency.

A California name reservation costs $10 and holds the name for 60 days. You can reserve it again, but not for back-to-back periods.

Filing your Articles of Organization in California costs $70. After that, the statement of information costs $20 every two years and is due within 90 days of forming the LLC, then every two years by the end of your formation month. Every California LLC also pays an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board, starting in its first year.

Online filings take five days or less, and paper filings take 10 days or more. 24-hour service costs $350, and same-day service costs $750.

Yes, California requires every LLC to keep a registered agent in the state who can receive legal documents for the business.

California requires a statement of information ($20), due within 90 days of forming the LLC, then every two years by the end of your formation month. Annual LLC tax: $800 a year. Paid to the Franchise Tax Board every year, even if the LLC does no business. The first payment is due by the 15th day of the fourth month after you form it. You also need to keep a registered agent in the state.

File a fictitious business name statement with the county clerk where your business is based, then publish it in a local newspaper. Fees vary by county.

LLC Name Search in Other States