Whether you are starting a business or incorporating an existing one in California, you'll want to understand state requirements for California corporations and limited liability companies (LLCs).
California Corporation Formation Requirements
Cost to incorporate. BizFilings clearly outlines our fees and the state fees to form a corporation in California. View our pricing to plainly see:
- BizFilings' package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
- State fee for standard turn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in California with standard turn-around.
- Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
- 24-hour turn-around. There is a 24-hour filing option in California, which is outlined in our pricing.
- Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Articles of Incorporation.
Corporate name. Name endings are not required unless the corporation is being filed as a professional corporation, close corporation or using a person's name. In such case, the name must end with "Corporation," "Company," "Incorporated," "Limited" or an abbreviation thereof. The name must not be likely to mislead the public, be the same as, or resemble so closely as to lead to deception, the name of a domestic or qualified foreign corporation, a name under reservation, or the registered or assumed name of a foreign corporation. The name needs Superintendent of Bank's approval if it contained the words "Bank," "Banc," "Trust" or "Trustee."
Director information. The following are California's requirements for directors of corporations.
- Minimum number. Corporations are required to have not less than three directors unless (1) shares have not been issued, then the number can be one or two, (2) the corporation has one shareholder, then the number can be one or two, or (3) the corporation has two shareholders, then the number can be two.
- Residence requirements. California does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
- Age requirements. California does not have age requirements.
- Inclusion in the Articles of Incorporation. Director names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Articles of Incorporation.
Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Articles of Incorporation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no P.O. Boxes) in California. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Professional services businesses. Professional corporations (PCs) are allowed to be formed in California for professional services businesses.