Last checked against the official sites: October 22, 2026
Every step to form a California LLC without paying a formation service: name check, registered agent, Articles of Organization ($70), EIN, and your first Statement of Information.
These are facts and official fees, not a recommendation. Which type fits your business depends on your situation; a lawyer or tax professional can help you decide.
Search the state's list, then plan your exact name.
Search bizfile Online for the name. It must be different enough from existing California businesses.
Your LLC's legal name must end with "LLC," "L.L.C.," or "Limited Liability Company," for example "Sunrise Bakery LLC."
Your brand, website, and social media can use the shorter name. Ask a lawyer whether you also need a fictitious business name filing for it.
The person or company that receives legal papers for the LLC.
You can be your own agent. You need a California street address (not a P.O. box) where someone can accept legal papers during business hours.
Or hire a registered agent company for a yearly fee. Their address goes on the public record instead of yours.
Either way, the agent's name and address are public. You can change agents later on your Statement of Information.
Everything on the filing is public.
Principal office: a physical street address where the business is run. A P.O. box isn't allowed here.
Mailing address: can be a P.O. box.
These become public in state records and are often copied by data sites. A registered agent or virtual office address can keep your home address off the record.
Form LLC-1 on bizfile Online, $70.
On bizfile Online, sign in (or create a free account), go to Forms, and choose Articles of Organization – CA LLC.
Management: "All LLC Member(s)" means the owners run it; choose managers only if someone else will run it.
File date: the current date, or a future date up to 90 days ahead.
Skip paid extras you don't need, like certified copies or expedited service. Pay the $70 fee and save the confirmation.
Download them once the state approves.
Online filings are usually reviewed within a few business days. You'll get an email.
Download the filed Articles from bizfile Online under My Records. Note your entity number.
Free on irs.gov, and you get the number right away.
Apply on irs.gov once your Articles are filed. Have the Social Security number (or ITIN) of the person in charge ready.
Finish in one sitting: the application can't be saved and times out after 15 minutes of no activity. The IRS online tool has set hours, so check them on the page.
At the end, download the confirmation letter (CP 575). Upload it to Dulybook's Documents later so it's on file.
Not filed with the state, but banks often ask for it.
It sets out who owns the LLC and how it's run. California expects LLCs to have one, even with one owner.
Dulybook doesn't provide legal documents. A lawyer can write one, or you can start from a reputable template and have it reviewed.
Keep business money separate from personal money.
Banks usually ask for your filed formation document (if you have one), your EIN letter, and a photo ID. Some also ask for an operating agreement or bylaws.
Use this account only for the business. Mixing business and personal money makes bookkeeping harder, and for LLCs and corporations it can weaken liability protection.
Within 90 days of forming, $20.
On bizfile Online, find your LLC under My Records and file the Statement of Information. It lists your addresses, managers or members, and agent.
After that, it's due every two years. Dulybook reminds you.
Depends on what you sell and where you work.
Selling physical products? You generally need a seller's permit from CDTFA before your first sale. It's free.
Your city: many cities require a business license or tax registration. In the City of Los Angeles, it's the Business Tax Registration Certificate.
Your industry: contractors, food businesses, car dealers, salons, and others need their own licenses. CalGold lists permits by city and business type.
Dulybook is a tracking and guidance tool, not tax or legal advice. Rules, fees, and websites change, so always confirm on the official agency page before you file or pay. Dulybook doesn't file anything for you. Terms of Service