At a glance
| Official name | Certificate of Status |
|---|---|
| Fee | $5 |
| Online | Yes — available within minutes |
| Issued by | California Secretary of State · Franchise Tax Board |
| Order page | Official page |
How to order
Order online on bizfile Online or with the paper records order form.
Have your LLC’s exact name or state filing number ready. Banks and other states often want a certificate issued within the last few weeks, so order it shortly before you need it.
Staying in good standing in California
- California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12): Every two years, by the last day of your formation month — in even years if you formed in an even year, odd years if odd. — $20.
- California initial Statement of Information: Within 90 days of registering your LLC with the Secretary of State. — $20.
- California $800 annual LLC tax: The 15th day of the 4th month of your tax year — April 15 for calendar-year LLCs. First year: the 15th day of the 4th month after you file with the Secretary of State. — $800.
- Registered agent: keep one with a physical address in the state. California registered agent rules.
If you fall behind: Assessed by the Franchise Tax Board; suspension or forfeiture possible. Reinstatement: not published on the pages we verified.
Full details: California annual report guide. Get reminders before each deadline:
All California LLC fees in one place
Every state fee a California LLC can run into, from formation to closing. The typical recurring state cost is $810 a year ($800 annual LLC tax + $20 Statement of Information every two years).
| Filing or service | State fee | When |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) | $70 | Once, to form the LLC |
| Name reservation (optional) | $10 for 60 days | Before forming, if you want to hold a name |
| California Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) | $20 | Within 90 days of formation, then every two years |
| California initial Statement of Information | $20 | Once, after formation |
| California $800 annual LLC tax | $800 | Every year |
| Registered agent | $0 if you qualify to serve yourself; $99–$199/yr for a service | Ongoing |
| Change of registered agent | $20 (filed on a new Statement of Information) | When you switch agents |
| Certificate of Status | $5 | When a bank, lender or another state asks |
| Fictitious business name | Set by each county | Only if you trade under another name |
| Certificate of Dissolution (LLC-3) / Certificate of Cancellation (LLC-4/7) / Short Form Cancellation (LLC-4/8) | No fee | Once, to close the LLC |
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a certificate of good standing in California?
Order online on bizfile Online or with the paper records order form. California calls it a “Certificate of Status”.
How much is a California certificate of good standing?
$5, per the California Secretary of State.
How long does it take?
It’s available online within minutes once you find your LLC’s record.
Why can’t I get a certificate for my California LLC?
The state only issues one if the LLC is current. The usual cause is a missed california statement of information (form llc-12) (Every two years, by the last day of your formation month — in even years if you formed in an even year, odd years if odd.) or unpaid fees. Late consequence: If you don't file, the Secretary of State notifies the Franchise Tax Board, which assesses a penalty; the LLC can also be suspended or forfeited.
Is it the same as a certificate of existence?
For most purposes, yes — states use different names for the document confirming an entity exists and is current. Some states also offer a longer version listing filing history.
Your LLC setup checklist
- Get a free EINFrom the IRS, in minutes online.
- Open a business bank accountKeep LLC money apart from yours to protect the liability shield.
- Sign an operating agreementSettle who owns and decides what before it matters.
- Get business insuranceCover what the LLC itself doesn’t protect.
- Plan your taxesKnow your tax status and federal due dates.
- Track state deadlinesFree reminders before each filing.
Everything in one list: printable LLC compliance checklist · live deadline calendar.