Incorporating in California? We've assembled a list of useful links
where you can find information on incorporating in California. If
we are missing a good resource, please let us know.
Incorporating in California
The California Corporations Section is responsible for examining,
processing, filing and maintaining documents related to the existence
and structure of California domestic corporations and foreign (out
of state or country) corporations qualified to transact business
in California.
Contact Information
California Secretary of State
Corporations Unit 1500
11th Street Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 657-5448 Incorporate in California
Useful California Incorporation Links
Search for California Businesses - Search that determines if a corporation or LP/LLC is currently registered with the California Secretary of State
E-File Your Corporation's Statement of Information - Use this service to file an initial, annual or biennial statement for most California corporations. Also includes all fees for filing Statement of Information in California.
Publicly Traded Disclosure Search - Search for all publicly traded corporations that have filed a Corporate Disclosure Statement with the California Secretary of State. There is no fee for this search.
UCC Connect - Online service that enables you to perform transactions such as inquiries, filings, request copies, place bulk orders, and more, from the California Secretary of State's office.
Forms- The California Business Portal lists all forms and fees for doing business in the State of California.
Business Entities Processing Times - Due to the large volume of business entity filings and order requests received by the California Secretary of State office, customers may experience delays in receiving confirmation of requests submitted by mail. This link provides current mail processing times as provided by California Secretary of State.
Regional Offices - Link provides listing of California Secretary of State regional offices, addresses, hours and services.
California Codes - Search for current California Law covering various subject areas, the State Constitution and Statutes.
Tax Information - Contains list of state agencies that determine tax obligations, provide information about tax reporting, and have information regarding taxpayer rights.
Business Resources - Agencies a business entity may need to contact to ensure proper compliance and several links to web sites that may assist businesses in the State of California.
Private Service Companies - Contains a list of private service companies who provide a variety of services ranging from UCC searches to business filings in the State of California.
Corporate Disclosure Statement - Includes forms for the Statement of Information, Corporate Disclosure Statement, and Statement by Common Interest Development Association, for the State of California.
Notary - Includes information about becoming a notary, the notary newsletter and notary regulations for the State of California.
Corporations - The Secretary of State's office in California is the custodian of records for all corporate records filed. Link to the California Corporations Code.
Limited Partnerships - Explains the definition of Limited Partnership in California in addition to linking to legislative changes made in 2008 with regards to LPs.
General Partnerships - Explains the California Corporations Code requirements for General Partnerships in California.
Limited Liability Partnerships - Explains the California Corporations Code for Limited Liability Partnerships in California.
Trademarks and Service Marks- California state trademarks and service marks are accessible to the public upon request. This web page includes links to forms, fees and frequently asked questions, regarding trademarks and service marks in the State of California.
Miscellaneous Filings - Includes forms for Unincorporated Common Interest Development Associations, Unincorporated Associations, Unincorporated Nonprofit Associations, Foreign Lending Institutions, and Foreign Partnerships in the State of California.
Special Filings - Explains special filings including Roster of Public Agencies, City and County Charters and Amendments, Joint Powers Agreements and Amendments, Registration of Claim as Successor-In-Interest, and specific business bonds.
International Business Relations Program - The State of California created IBRP to develop stronger connections between the international business community and the State of California by assisting foreign business entities with the various filing processes and procedures in California.
