Description
Form/Register a business entity in California. Depending on the business, there can be multiple steps and required forms. The Secretary of State website can help.
Phone: 916-653-6814
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find more FAQs regarding Forming a Business?
How do I obtain a license or permit for my business entity?
Once the business entity is formed or registered with the California Secretary of State it must obtain the necessary licenses and/or permits.
The Secretary of State does not issue licenses or permits for business entities. Please refer to the CalGold (California Government: On-Line to Desktops)(external link) website for information about business license/permit requirements. CalGold's online database provides links and contact information to agencies that administer and issue business licenses, permits and registration requirements from all levels of government.
How do I check or reserve a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name, and can this be done over the phone or online?
Please refer to our Name Availability(external link) webpage for complete information and request forms.
- A request to check for the availability of a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name can be submitted by mail to the Secretary of State's Sacramento office. Corporation, limited liability company and limited partnership names can be checked by phone upon establishing a prepaid account with the Secretary of State.
- A request to reserve a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name can be submitted by mail or dropped off at the counter at the Secretary of State's Sacramento office. A request to reserve a corporation name can also be submitted in person to the Secretary of State's Los Angeles regional office(external link). Corporation and limited liability company names can be reserved by phone upon establishing a prepaid account with the Secretary of State.
Online requests to check or reserve a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership name are not available at this time.
How do I form a business entity in California?
To form a business in CA, file with the Secretary of State. See Forms(external link) for details.
- Corporation: File Articles (ARTS-GS, ARTS-CL, ARTS-PC, ARTS-MU, ARTS-PB, ARTS-RE, ARTS-CID)
- LLC: File LLC-1
- LP: File LP-1
- GP: File GP-1 (optional)
- LLP: File LLP-1
Consult legal counsel. See Filing Tips(external link).
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