What a registered agent address is
A registered agent address is the California street address where your agent for service of process can be found to receive legal papers for your business. It's part of your company's record with the California Secretary of State, so anyone suing your business knows where to deliver the papers.
It has to be a real California street address
- A physical street address in California. For an individual agent, a P.O. box or an "in care of" address won't work.
- Someone has to be there. The address only does its job if papers can actually be handed to your agent there.
- Out-of-state companies need one too. A company formed in another state and registered in California must name an agent here, even if it has no office in the state. More in our out-of-state guide.
If your agent is a 1505 corporation
When your agent is a registered corporate agent, often called a "1505 corporation," like Corpgate, Inc., your filings list the agent's name only. You leave the address lines blank, because the state already has the agent's address from its 1505 certificate. Your business record won't show the agent's address either. More in our 1505 guide.
Why it isn't your business address
Your registered agent address is only for receiving legal papers. Using it for anything else causes problems:
- Don't use it as your mailing address. Regular mail, packages and bills sent there may never reach you. Your own mailing address has its own place on your Statement of Information.
- Don't list it as your place of business. It doesn't belong on your website, letterhead, invoices, bank paperwork or license applications.
- With Corpgate, Inc., it's the agent address only. We don't offer our address as a business or mailing address.
The address is public
Anyone can look up your company on bizfile Online, the Secretary of State's search, and see who your agent is. If your agent is an individual, their street address shows on the record. If your agent is a 1505 corporation, the record shows the agent's name instead.
When the address changes
- If your individual agent moves, file an updated Statement of Information with the new address.
- If your 1505 agent moves its office, the agent updates its own certificate with the state. Your filing stays as it is.
- If you switch agents, see how to change your registered agent.
Common questions
Can a registered agent address be a P.O. box?
No. For an individual agent, California requires a physical street address in the state, so a P.O. box or an "in care of" address won't work. If your agent is a 1505 corporate agent, its address is already on file with the state, so your filing lists only the agent's name.
Can I use my registered agent's address as my business address?
Not with Corpgate, Inc. Our address is only for receiving legal papers for your company. Your business address and mailing address should be your own.
Is a registered agent address the same as a principal office address?
No. Your principal office is where your business is run, and it goes in its own place on your Statement of Information. Your agent's address is only where legal papers can be delivered.
Where can I find my company's registered agent address?
Search your company on bizfile Online, the Secretary of State's search, and open its record. If your agent is an individual, the address shows there. If your agent is a 1505 corporation, the record shows the agent's name, and the agent's address is on its own 1505 registration.
Do out-of-state companies need a California registered agent address?
Yes. A company formed in another state that registers to do business in California must name an agent here: either an individual with a California street address, or a 1505 corporate agent.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Related pages: Registered agent for California LLCs · Registered agent for California corporations · California agent for service of process · How to change your registered agent
More guides: What does a registered agent do? · What does an agent cost? · What happens without one? · Statement of Information guide · Out-of-state companies in CA · The 1505 corporate agent · Statutory agent vs registered agent · How service of process works · Business formation resources
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.
3-Year Plan
$49 a year when you prepay three years ($147)
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$79 a year, renews yearly until you cancel
Pay with Card- Service of process and other legal documents received for you
- Documents scanned and emailed promptly; originals forwarded
- No hidden fees, ever: no charge per document, scan or forwarding. Each plan covers one company.
- Same price when you renew. No first-year teaser.
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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.