Registering an out-of-state LLC in California
An LLC formed in another state pays $70 to register in California, then files the same recurring reports as a California LLC.
Foreign LLC in California
Source-linkedState fees only · retrieved 2026-10-20
Application to Register a Foreign LLC (Form LLC-5)source$70
Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)source$20 / 2 yrs
LLC annual taxsource$800 / yr
Year one$890
Every year after (average)$810
5-year total$4,130
When you need to register
If your LLC was formed in another state but "transacts business" in California — an office, employees, or regular in-state operations — California generally requires you to register before you do business here. You file Application to Register a Foreign LLC (Form LLC-5) with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division (Business Entities); see the official fee.
Your home state keeps charging its own fees too, so the true cost is both states added together.