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California LLC formation
Start your California LLC, usually filed within 1 business hour
HourLLC usually prepares and files your California Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State within one business hour of a complete order (Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM and Friday 9 AM to 12 PM Eastern; orders placed after hours are usually filed by 10 AM the next business day). You pay our $99 service fee plus California's $70 state filing fee and $750 same-day expedited filing fee, both passed through at cost, so your total is $919. An EIN from the IRS and an operating agreement are included.
- State fee at cost, shown up front
- EIN included
- Documents by email
At a glance
California LLC: fees, speed and paperwork
Once we file, approval is up to the state. With the state rush included on every California order, approval is expected the same business day. Every California order is filed with the state's rush service: Same-day +$750. It's the state's own fee, passed through at cost with no service fee from us. Why rush is included: HourLLC files every California order with the state's Same Day service instead of the standard queue. California answers by 4 PM that day for filings it receives by 9:30 AM Pacific (California Secretary of State: service options).
- State filing fee (paid to the state at cost)
- $70
- HourLLC service fee
- $99
- Includes California same-day expedited filing (+$750 state rush fee)
- +$750
- Your total
- $919
- We file
- usually within 1 business hour
- State approval (rush included)
- Same business day
- Filing office
- California Secretary of State
- Formation document
- Articles of Organization
- Certified copy (state cost only)
- $5
- Certificate of Good Standing (state cost only)
- $5
State fees and processing times as researched in October 2026 and subject to change by California. We confirm your exact state fee before we file. Certified copies and Good Standing certificates are optional; the required California rush fee is charged at checkout at the state's cost. No service fee on any of them.
Official California fee source: official state fee page. Fees checked October 23, 2026; the price at checkout is what the state charges us, including any card or portal fee it adds.
How it works
Forming an LLC in California with HourLLC
- Pick a name. Your California LLC name must include an LLC designator such as "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company" and must not already be taken. We check availability before filing; give us a backup name on the form in case your first choice is taken.
- Fill out a 3 minute form. Members, a California registered agent, and your business address. California filings are public records, so a business address rather than a home address is a common choice.
- Review and pay. One total: $99 plus California's state fee and required rush fee at cost. No upsells.
- We usually file within 1 business hour. We prepare and submit your Articles of Organization to the California Secretary of State. When California approves it, we email your filing receipt and stamped Articles of Organization as PDFs and keep them in Documents at My account. Then we get your EIN.
After your California LLC is approved
California LLCs file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State within 90 days of formation and then every two years ($20). Every California LLC also owes the $800 annual LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board.
Your EIN is included: we apply to the IRS for it together with your state filing, so you can open a business bank account and file taxes under the LLC.
Almost every state requires a registered agent with a street address in the state who accepts official mail and legal papers during business hours. You can be your own registered agent if you have a California address, or use a commercial registered agent.
What every HourLLC order includes
- Name availability check before filing
- Articles of Organization usually filed with the state within 1 business hour
- EIN from the IRS (federal tax ID)
- Free operating agreement
- Filing receipt and stamped, approved Articles of Organization, emailed as PDFs
- Annual report reminders, free with every LLC
Choosing a California LLC formation service
Compare the all-in price, not the starting price. Ask each service: is the EIN included, is an operating agreement included, when exactly do you file, and what renews every year? With HourLLC the answer is one price ($99 plus California's fee at cost), EIN and operating agreement included, usually filed within 1 business hour, and no yearly fee for the LLC itself. See a side by side comparison.
Yearly cost after your California LLC is formed
California LLCs file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State within 90 days of formation and then every two years ($20). Every California LLC also owes the $800 annual LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board. We send free reminders before it is due.
Rules and costs
California LLC requirements
On this page: Name rules · Agent for service of process · EIN · Cost breakdown · Other rules
California LLC name rules
A California LLC name must include “Limited Liability Company”, “Ltd. Liability Co.”, “Limited Liability Co.”, “Ltd. Liability Company”, “LLC” or “L.L.C.”. It also has to be different from names already on file with the state. The name cannot include bank, trust, trustee, incorporated, inc., corporation, corp., insurer or insurance company.
You can reserve a name before you file for $10 (good for 60 days). Most people skip this: we check the name and file right away, and you can give us a backup name.
California agent for service of process
The agent must be a person who lives in California or a corporation with a current Corporate Registered Agent (1505) filing with the Secretary of State. The LLC cannot be its own agent.
On our order form you name your agent for service of process and their California street address. It can be you, if you have a street address in California, or a commercial agent for service of process service.
Getting an EIN for your California LLC
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is your LLC's federal tax ID. It comes from the IRS, not from California, and the IRS does not charge for it. You need it to open a business bank account, hire employees and file business taxes. Every HourLLC order includes it: we prepare and submit the EIN application together with your state filing and send you the IRS confirmation letter.
If your LLC will sell taxable goods or services or hire employees, you may also need to register for California state tax accounts. That is a separate step with the state.
California LLC cost breakdown
| State filing fee (one time) | $70 |
|---|---|
| Required state rush fee (California same-day expedited filing) | $750 |
| Yearly report or tax (within 90 days, then every 2 years) | $20 Statement of Information + $800 yearly LLC tax |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 |
| Agent for service of process | $0 if you serve yourself; a commercial service charges its own yearly fee |
Add our $99 service fee once, at formation. There is no yearly HourLLC fee for the LLC itself.
Other California rules to know
Every California LLC owes an $800 annual tax to the Franchise Tax Board, even if it does no business. The first payment is due by the 15th day of the 4th month after the LLC is formed.
Checked on official California sources on November 5, 2026: name rules, registered agent, name reservation, annual report, other rules. Rules and fees can change; we confirm them before we file.
FAQ
California LLC questions, answered
How much does it cost to form an LLC in California?
California charges a $70 state filing fee for a new LLC, and every California order includes its same-day expedited filing (+$750 state rush fee). HourLLC adds a flat $99 service fee, so your total is $919. That includes your EIN and an operating agreement. The state fee is passed through at cost and shown before you pay.
How long does it take to get an LLC in California?
We usually file within 1 business hour of a complete order during business hours. After that, approval is up to the California Secretary of State. With the state rush included on every order, approval is expected the same business day for filings California receives by 9:30 AM Pacific. Some filings take longer; the state sets the pace, not us.
Can I rush my California LLC?
Every California order is filed with the state's rush service: Same-day +$750. It's the state's own fee, passed through at cost with no service fee from us.
Does a California LLC have to file an annual report?
California LLCs file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State within 90 days of formation and then every two years ($20). Every California LLC also owes the $800 annual LLC tax to the Franchise Tax Board. We send free reminders with every LLC so you do not miss it.
What is the California formation document called?
In California the document that creates your LLC is the Articles of Organization, filed with the California Secretary of State. We prepare it from your order, file it, and email you the stamped, approved copy as a PDF.
Do I need a registered agent in California?
Yes, like almost every state, California requires a registered agent with a street address in the state who can accept official mail and legal papers during business hours. You can be your own registered agent if you have a California address, or use a commercial registered agent and give us that address when you order.
Is the EIN really included?
Yes. The IRS issues EINs for free, and we prepare and submit the application for you together with your state filing, at no extra charge. You will usually need the EIN to open a business bank account or hire employees.
What does a California LLC name need to include?
A California LLC name must include "Limited Liability Company", "Ltd. Liability Co.", "Limited Liability Co.", "Ltd. Liability Company", "LLC" or "L.L.C.", and it has to be different from names already on file with the state.
Who can be a agent for service of process in California?
The agent must be a person who lives in California or a corporation with a current Corporate Registered Agent (1505) filing with the Secretary of State. The LLC cannot be its own agent.
How do I get an EIN for my California LLC?
An EIN is a free federal tax ID from the IRS. Every HourLLC order includes it: we prepare and submit the EIN application together with your California state filing and send you the IRS confirmation letter.
Other states
Forming an LLC somewhere else?
We file in all 50 states and DC at the same $99 service fee. Each state sets its own filing fee and speed.
Nearby states
Sources checked October 2026: California filing requirements