Why businesses switch registered agents
The usual reasons: the current service costs too much ($50 to $300 per year is typical), a person serving as agent moved or is no longer available, the agent resigned, or documents were handled slowly. Whatever the reason, California makes the change itself simple: one filing with the Secretary of State. If your agent resigned, see what to do next.
The right way to switch, in order
- Sign up with your new agent first. Your new agent must actually be engaged before any state form lists them. With Corpgate, Inc., signup takes a few minutes online and our confirmation email includes exactly what you need for the state filing.
- File an updated Statement of Information. California records agent changes through your entity's Statement of Information, filed online at bizfile Online. It's a single form, and you can file it any time; you don't need to wait for your normal filing window. Since August 1, 2026, your bizfile Online account also needs User Access to your entity before you can file. If no one has access yet, request it early: the state mails a PIN letter to your entity's mailing address on file, or a person who already has access can approve your request.
- You're done. Once the state processes the filing, your new agent is the agent of record. Your old agent's obligations end; check their terms so you can stop any auto-renewal billing.
Changing your agent for service of process: the forms
California corporations and LLCs change their agent for service of process by filing an updated Statement of Information on bizfile Online. Stock and out-of-state corporations use Form SI-550, and California nonprofit corporations use Form SI-100. LLCs use Form LLC-12. If you file only to change your agent, between your regular filing periods, there is no state fee. If your new agent is a 1505 corporate agent like Corpgate, Inc., you enter only its name, exactly as registered, and leave the agent address blank.
| Who files | Form | State fee |
|---|---|---|
| Stock or out-of-state corporation | SI-550 | None to change only the agent between filing periods; $25 when your periodic statement is due |
| California nonprofit corporation | SI-100 | None to change only the agent between filing periods; $20 when due |
| LLC | LLC-12 | None to change only the agent between filing periods; $20 when due |
| An agent resigning (filed by the agent) | RA-100 | None |
Fees can change, so check the state's form page before you file. Corpgate, Inc. does not file these forms for you.
How do I switch registered agents without a gap in coverage?
Sign up with the new agent first, then file the updated Statement of Information. Done in that order, your business is covered continuously: the old agent remains the agent of record until the state processes your filing, and the new agent is engaged from the moment you sign up. The switch itself does not affect your standing with the state.
Switching from a formation company's agent service
Many businesses got their first registered agent in a package from the company that formed the business, often with a free first year. Switching away works like any other change: sign up with the new agent, then file an updated Statement of Information naming them. The state filing changes your agent of record; the formation company does not need to approve it.
Before you cancel the old service, check two things in your account there: whether it renews automatically, and whether anything else you still want, such as compliance reminders, is tied to it. A registered agent's job is to receive service of process and get it to you; reminders and filing help are extras some packages add.
What if your registered agent resigned?
An agent that stops serving files a resignation with the Secretary of State on Form RA-100, and the state then notifies your business. Your business needs a new agent on record right away: sign up with a new agent, then file an updated Statement of Information naming it, the same way as any other change. You can check who the state lists as your agent by searching your entity on bizfile Online. Our guide site corpgate.biz explains what the state expects next.
Switching to Corpgate, Inc.
- $49 a year when you prepay three years ($147), or $79 a year
- Registered 1505 corporate agent serving California businesses since 2008
- Simple emailed instructions for the state filing after checkout (it's a single form)
- Documents scanned and emailed promptly, hard copies forwarded; owner-operated, no call center
We serve California LLCs and California corporations, including out-of-state entities registered in California. More on the role itself: what an agent for service of process does.
Related guide: What does a registered agent cost in California?
Changing your registered agent: FAQ
How much does it cost to change registered agents in California?
Your new agent's fee (with Corpgate, Inc., $49 per year on a 3-year plan or $79 year to year). Filing a Statement of Information only to change your agent has no state fee; the $20 (LLC or California nonprofit corporation) or $25 (stock or out-of-state corporation) fee applies only when your regular periodic Statement is due (or overdue) anyway. There is no penalty or special “change fee” for switching agents.
How long does the change take?
Signing up with Corpgate, Inc. takes a few minutes online. The state records the change when it processes your Statement of Information filed at bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. If no one has User Access to your entity on bizfile Online yet, allow time for the state's PIN letter to arrive by mail. The Secretary of State posts its current processing dates.
Will my business be uncovered during the switch?
Not if you do it in the right order. Unless your old agent has resigned, it remains the agent of record until the state processes your new filing, and Corpgate, Inc. is ready from the moment you sign up, so signing up first means there is never a gap.
Do I need to notify my old registered agent?
The state filing is what legally changes your agent. Whether you owe your old agent notice or money depends on your agreement with them, so check their terms before you cancel any auto-renewal.
Can I change agents at any time, or only at renewal?
Any time. You do not have to wait for your current agent's term to end. File an updated Statement of Information whenever you're ready.
How do I switch from a formation company's registered agent?
Sign up with your new agent first, then file an updated Statement of Information on bizfile Online naming the new agent. There is no state fee if you file only to change your agent between your regular filing periods. Then check the old service's terms and turn off its automatic renewal if it has one.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Need a California registered agent?
Corpgate, Inc. has been a California registered agent since 2008. Documents are scanned and emailed promptly, with hard copies forwarded.
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- Documents scanned and emailed promptly; originals forwarded
- No hidden fees, ever. Each plan covers one company.
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Checkout requires a US mailing address. Don't have one? Email support@corpgate.com and we'll set you up. After checkout, you get an email with simple instructions to name Corpgate, Inc. as your agent. Questions first? Call (888) 49-2-CORP or see how it works on our home page.