The current secretary of state is Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. The Business entities section of the office of the Secretary of State is in charge of filings, maintaining records, and providing information that has to do with business entities such as corporations, public limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships, etc. to interested persons. The standard provisions most business entities follow are found in the California Corporations Code.

Functions of the section

The division offers the following services to the general public. 

Service Options: this applies to online searches and filings, processing of documents, and requests for information for status reports, certificates, copies, etc. 

Reservations of Business names: Firms, limited liability companies, and limited partnerships can reserve names for their entities

Forms, document samples, and fees: Forms, document samples, and associated fees are available online 

Annual and biennial reports: Corporations and PLCs’ statements of information, publicly-traded disclosure statements, etc are readily accessible

Offer filing tips: Offers filing tips for Corporations, LLCs, and LPs documents

Requests for Information: carry out orders for certificates, copies, and status reports

Pay compensation to victims of corporation frauds: pay restitution to victims of corporate fraud

Services provided by the division

Most of the services provided are carried out online by the staff of the section. They include:

Forming a business

Individuals interested in setting up a firm in the state can obtain information on how to begin on the website.

Entity filing

The division provides two options to submit filings, which depend on the type of entity and filing. Filings for business entities may be done directly on the website. Currently, there are more than 140 business filings, reservations of names, certificates of status, and certified copies of corporations, LLCs, and LP orders accessible online. Filing can be done at https://bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov/. 

Business Search

A simple search is done with an entity name or number. If one is searching with the number, where applicable, erase “C” from it.  This search has a keyword search. The Advanced search lets a user filter the search as desired. Since a basic search will only display active entities such as corporations, LLCs, LPs, foreign name reservations, etc., the advanced search feature is recommended when looking for entities with statuses other than active. 

Service options

The fastest way of receiving services is online at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov. This includes a 24-hour expedite ($350) and same-day expedite ($750). This covers online services such as filings for companies, and cooperatives, requests for statements of information, amendments, mergers, certificates of status, certified copies, etc. 

Forms, samples, and fees 

Forms may be sent by mail or presented in person. All one has to do is find the form on the site and then follow the instructions. 

Business identity theft

Identity theft occurs when a criminal illegally impersonates a business owner, officer, or employee of an entity to extort money, credit, or loans, causing the business great loss and debts. These corporation thieves steal businesses’ identities with unlawfully acquired access to their bank accounts or credit cards. Also, by stealing private company information such as TIN and the owners’ personal information. Usually, these criminals withdraw cash quickly and are sometimes never discovered until the shocking arrival of unexpected billings and collection notices. Businesses usually spend months or even years and resources recovering from the harm done to their finances, business reputation, and credit profile. The division pays restitution to affected businesses and provides the necessary information needed to track down such thieves. 

Other services provided

• Tax Information
• Starting a business checklist
• FTB abatement and voluntary administrative termination
• FTB pending administrative termination notice
• Customer alerts
• Requests for business records, etc. 

Contact information

California Secretary of State Business Entities Division

1500 11th Street, Sacramento, California 95814

Office:(916) 653-6814