Key Takeaways

  • To change an LLC address in California, file a Statement of Information with the Secretary of State.
  • Changes can be made online, by mail, or in person, depending on your filing preference.
  • Fees for address changes vary: online filing is typically free, while paper filings incur a $20 fee.
  • You must update your address with other government agencies, including the IRS and FTB, as well as private institutions.
  • Principal and mailing address changes differ slightly in procedure and importance.
  • Changes involving a registered agent or office require specific forms and may incur additional fees.
  • UpCounsel can connect you with experienced attorneys to help navigate this process.

A California LLC change of address is fairly straightforward. Depending on the additional changes you need to make, you may need to file a new Statement of Information as well as an LLC Certificate of amendment form. 

How to File Your California LLC Amendment

Amendments to your Articles of Organization in California will require you to file an LLC Certificate of Amendment Form. You can send this to the California Secretary of State. You can do this in person or by mail. This process takes 8 weeks or more. Processing times are updated on the Secretary of State's website on a regular basis. For an additional fee, you can get expedited service. Same-day processing is available if you submit the documents by 9:30 AM. A result should be received by 4:00 PM the same day. 

Here is some additional information about filing:

  • A $30 fee is part of your amendment filing. Expedited service is available only in person. A $15 fee is added to in-person filings. The expedited service charge is $350 if you need 24-hour turnaround and $750 if you need same-day turnaround. If paying by check, make your check out to the California Secretary of State. Pay the filing fee separately from in-person handling fees.
  • It is possible to change your LLC's name, ownership, and other articles on the amendment form. If you need additional space, attach pages to your form. A Statement of Information form is also required if you are changing the managers or members in your LLC.
  • If you need to change your registered agent, you will also do this on your new Statement of Information, which you can mail directly to the office of the CA SOS or submit in person. You can change your LLC's mailing address or physical address on the Statement of Information form.
  • It is possible to amend a statement you've already filed if your changes happen in between filing periods. This is free, as long as you submit your LLC amendments outside of the period where reports are due. 

You can receive stamped copies of your certificate of amendment by mail for free. The first two copies are free, and any additional copies are $8. 

Understanding the California Statement of Information

To officially change your LLC’s address in California, you must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with the California Secretary of State. This form includes fields to update:

  • Principal office address (inside or outside California)
  • Mailing address (if different from principal)
  • Manager/member names and addresses
  • Agent for service of process

You can file Form LLC-12:

  • Online: Free of charge through the California Secretary of State’s bizfile portal.
  • By mail or in person: $20 filing fee.

You must file a Statement of Information:

  • Initially, within 90 days of forming your LLC.
  • Biennially, every two years in the same month the LLC was formed.
  • Whenever a change occurs, such as an address change.

Ensure that you’re using the current version of the form, available on the Secretary of State’s website. Submitting an outdated form may cause delays or rejection.

LLC Restated Articles of Organization

Restating your articles of organization is possible if you prepare a Restated Articles of Organization form. The cost for the submission is $30, made payable to the Secretary of State. You can file your changes in the mail or submit your application in person. 

When to Use an LLC Restated Articles of Organization for Address Changes

Most LLC address changes do not require an amendment to the Articles of Organization. However, if you want to comprehensively update all LLC details—including the address—you may file LLC-10 (Restated Articles of Organization).

This is typically used when:

  • Multiple amendments have accumulated over time.
  • You want to consolidate all changes into a single, updated Articles of Organization.
  • You need to change the business purpose or structure beyond just the address.

Note that LLC-10 requires a $30 filing fee and must be submitted by mail or in person.

Change a California Business Address

Make sure you tell any applicable governmental agencies whenever you change your business' address. This will ensure that you receive all official mail relating to your business. If you don't reply to government notifications within a reasonable timeframe, it can lead to business suspension or other penalties. Suspended businesses may not do business in California. An address change is a common and simple process. Many new California businesses need to change their address after formation. 

As businesses are still growing, it makes sense that they need to grow and hire new employees to take care of their larger customer base. 

In order to change your address, find your articles of organization and all certificates that give you permission to operate your business in California or another state. File a revised Statement of Information, which is Form LLC-12. Include a $20 filing fee. 

Types of Address Changes for a California LLC

California recognizes different business addresses, and each has specific rules:

  1. Principal Office Address:
    • This is the main location where the LLC’s records are kept.
    • Must be a physical street address (P.O. Boxes are not allowed).
  2. Mailing Address:
    • Can be a P.O. Box or different from the principal address.
    • Used for receiving government correspondence.
  3. Business Location Address:
    • This address may be required by local city or county authorities for permits, licenses, or tax purposes.
  4. Registered Office Address:
    • The address of your agent for service of process.
    • Must be a California physical street address, not a P.O. Box.

Before submitting any forms, confirm which address you intend to change and where it’s reflected in state records and other agencies.

Changing LLC Address With Everyone Else

You will need to change your address not only with the state, but with federal and local tax authorities. The IRS accepts Form 8822-B for a change of address. Look on local and state tax websites to see how you change your address in any other states where you do business and pay taxes. Many of these entities allow online address changes. 

To change the address for your state and local business licenses, contact the relevant agencies directly to find out how to change your address. Speak with your bank to change your address there and to order new checks for your business. Also, send a notice to any people with whom you regularly do business. This includes suppliers, lenders, and vendors. 

Who to Notify After Changing Your LLC Address

After you’ve filed the appropriate documents with the California Secretary of State, you must notify other entities and update internal records. Here's a checklist:

Government Agencies:

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS): Use Form 8822-B to update your address.
  • California Franchise Tax Board (FTB): Update your address by calling (800) 852-5711 or through your MyFTB account.
  • Employment Development Department (EDD): File a Change of Employer Account Information (DE 24).

Local Agencies:

  • City or County Business License Offices: Update your business license address where applicable.
  • Permitting Authorities: Address changes may affect zoning or operational permits.

Other Institutions:

  • Banking and Credit Accounts
  • Vendors and Clients
  • Insurance Providers

Failing to update your address with these parties can result in missed legal notices, tax forms, or other crucial correspondence.

Special Considerations for Registered Agent Address Changes

If your registered agent's address is changing, you must complete Form LLC-12, checking the box for registered agent change. If you're appointing a new agent, include the full name and street address.

Alternatively, your registered agent service can typically make this change on your behalf. Note:

  • A Statement of Information is still required.
  • A registered agent must always have a California street address and be available during business hours.
  • The Secretary of State charges a $20 fee for paper filings related to agent changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to pay to change my LLC address in California? Online filings of the Statement of Information are free. Paper filings typically cost $20, and changes to the Articles of Organization may cost $30.

2. Can I use a P.O. Box as my LLC's new address? You may use a P.O. Box for the mailing address, but the principal and registered agent addresses must be physical street addresses.

3. How long does it take to process an address change? Online filings are usually processed immediately. Mailed forms can take several business days to a few weeks, depending on the Secretary of State’s workload.

4. Do I need to notify the IRS separately after changing my LLC address? Yes. Use IRS Form 8822-B to report any change in your LLC's mailing or business address.

5. Can I update my registered agent address without changing the agent? Yes. Use Form LLC-12 to update just the address of your current agent for service of process.

If you need help with a California LLC change of address, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.