Key Takeaways

  • A California LLC number is a 12-digit identifier assigned by the Secretary of State when forming an LLC.
  • Understanding how to get an LLC in California involves several steps—choosing a name, filing the Articles of Organization, and paying filing fees.
  • You can locate your LLC number through the California Business Search using the business name or entity number.
  • The LLC number is distinct from your EIN (Employer Identification Number), which is issued by the IRS.
  • You’ll need the LLC number for tax filings, annual reports, banking, and other legal or compliance purposes.

A California LLC number is a twelve-digit number assigned to a newly formed LLC by the office of the California secretary of state during the formation of the LLC. The number acts as a unique identifier for the LLC and can be used to look up the company on the Business Search page of the California secretary of state. 

How Companies Get LLC Numbers 

The California secretary of state assigns each newly formed entity a unique identifying number called the entity number. It is assigned to corporations, LLCs, and partnerships. The entity number usually has eight digits for corporations and twelve digits for California LLCs. 

Steps to Get an LLC in California

Before you can receive an LLC number from the California Secretary of State, you must complete a few key steps to form your business legally. Here’s a breakdown of how to get an LLC in California:

  1. Choose a Unique Business Name
    • Your LLC name must be distinguishable from existing entities in the California Secretary of State database.
    • The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or an approved abbreviation like “LLC” or “L.L.C.”
    • You can reserve a name for up to 60 days by filing a Name Reservation Request form.
  2. Designate a Registered Agent
    • A registered agent must have a physical address in California and be available during business hours to receive legal and tax documents.
    • You may act as your own agent or hire a professional registered agent service.
  3. File Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1)
    • File online or by mail with the California Secretary of State.
    • The filing fee is $70, plus an optional $15 counter drop-off fee.
    • The Articles include the LLC’s name, address, management structure, and registered agent details.
  4. Create an Operating Agreement
    • Although not required for filing, a written Operating Agreement outlines ownership percentages, profit distribution, and management duties.
    • It helps protect your limited liability status in legal disputes.
  5. Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
    • Apply for an EIN from the IRS, even if your LLC has no employees.
    • This is required for tax purposes, hiring employees, and opening business bank accounts.
  6. File the Initial Statement of Information (Form LLC-12)
    • Must be filed within 90 days of formation.
    • Lists the LLC’s members, managers, and addresses.
    • The filing fee is $20.
  7. Pay the Annual Franchise Tax
    • All California LLCs must pay an $800 annual franchise tax to the Franchise Tax Board, due by the 15th day of the fourth month after formation.

Completing these steps ensures that your business is legally recognized, and your LLC number will be issued automatically once your Articles of Organization are approved by the Secretary of State.

When You Might Need to Use the LLC Number

The fact that different LLCs can have similar names calls for a reliable system of differentiating LLCs. The LLC number acts as the LLC's unique identifier and is normally needed when LLCs are filing taxes, filling Statements of Information, and even when getting bank accounts. The LLC number is issued by the California secretary of state during the initial formation of the LLC. The LLC number differs from the IRS-issued Employer Identification Number, which is essentially a social security number for the company.

Other entities might also want to know a company's LLC number when they have dealings with that particular LLC. For example, they can use the company's LLC number to find out the LLC's agent for service process when they want to deliver legal papers to the company. 

The LLC number can also help other entities to look up the company on the Business Search page of the California secretary of state website. Other entities may want to find out the standing of the company or to do business with the LLC. To search for a California company's details using the LLC number, follow these steps: 

  • Select "Entity number" in the "Search Type" box on the Business Search page.
  • Enter the LLC number of the company whose details you are seeking in the "Search Criteria" box.
  • Click on the "Search" box.

The site will redirect to a page with the company's details.

Difference Between an LLC Number, EIN, and SOS Number

It’s common for new business owners to confuse the California LLC number, EIN, and SOS number, but each serves a different purpose:

  • LLC Number: Assigned by the California Secretary of State when your Articles of Organization are filed. It identifies your business in state records.
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number): Issued by the IRS for federal tax purposes and required for hiring employees, opening business accounts, and filing returns.
  • SOS Number: A general reference to the Secretary of State’s assigned entity number, which may differ in format depending on the type of entity (LLC, corporation, etc.).

Understanding these distinctions helps ensure you use the correct identifier for state filings, tax submissions, and business licensing.

How to Look Up a Company's LLC Number

One way to look up a company's LLC number is by using the Business Search page on the website of the California secretary of state. For the search to be effective, you may need to know the exact name of the company whose LLC number you desire. Follow the following steps to get the LLC number.

  • Step 1: Choose "LLP/LLC Name" in the "Search Type" box on the Business Search page on the website of the California secretary of state. 
  • Step 2: Enter all or part of the name of the LLC whose details you want in the "Search Criteria" box and click on the "Search" box. The site will yield a list of LLCs with names that match your search terms.
    Please note that the Business Search site may not yield the desired results if you include any form of punctuation in the name. Do not include periods even if the company name contains initials. Putting the appropriate spaces is adequate for such searches. 
  • Step 3: In the list of companies, click on the name of the company whose number you are looking for. The site will redirect to the page containing details about the company.

The following details are provided for LLCs in the search results

  • The LLC's name.
  • The LLC's entity number.
  • The date on which the LLC was filed.
  • The status of the company.
  • The jurisdiction of the LLC.
  • The address of the LLC.
  • The LLC's agent for service process.
  • The agent's address.

How to Get an LLC Number Confirmation

Once your LLC formation is approved, you can find your official 12-digit LLC number in several ways:

  • Certificate of Status: You may order this document from the California Secretary of State, which displays your LLC’s legal name and entity number.
  • Articles of Organization Copy: Your approved Form LLC-1 will include your LLC number near the top.
  • California Business Search Tool: Use this online database to confirm your company’s registration status and entity number.

If your filing is rejected, the Secretary of State will return your submission with reasons for rejection—often due to naming issues or incomplete information. Resubmit the corrected form to obtain your LLC number once approved.

Limitations of the Business Search

There are limitations to using an LLC's number to find out its details on the California Business Search page. The success of the search may hinge on knowing particular details about the company including its legal name. The search may fail to yield the desired results if the company's name is misspelled in any way, including erroneously using plural forms of the words in the company name. You can find tips on how to maximize the chances of getting succeeding in your search on the Business Search site. 

Maintaining Your California LLC in Good Standing

After obtaining your LLC number, you must maintain compliance to keep your business in good standing with the state:

  • File Biennial Statements of Information: Every two years after the initial filing, submit an updated Statement of Information (Form LLC-12).
  • Pay Required Fees and Taxes: Continue to pay the annual $800 franchise tax and any applicable LLC fees based on income.
  • Keep Your Registered Agent Updated: If your registered agent changes, file Form LLC-12A to update the Secretary of State.
  • Renew Business Licenses and Permits: Depending on your industry, you may also need city, county, or state-level licenses renewed annually.

Failing to comply with these requirements can lead to penalties or suspension of your LLC’s status. If suspended, your LLC number will remain in the state database, but you’ll lose legal protections until reinstatement.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I get an LLC in California?
    You must file Articles of Organization (Form LLC-1) with the California Secretary of State, pay the $70 filing fee, and appoint a registered agent. Once approved, your LLC will receive its 12-digit entity number.
  2. How long does it take to get an LLC number in California?
    Online filings are usually processed within 5–10 business days, while mailed filings can take 2–4 weeks, depending on volume.
  3. Do I need an EIN if I already have an LLC number?
    Yes. The EIN is required for federal tax identification, while the LLC number is a state-issued identifier.
  4. What is the cost to form an LLC in California?
    The base cost is $70 for filing the Articles of Organization and $20 for the Statement of Information, plus the $800 annual franchise tax.
  5. Can I find my LLC number without the company name?
    Yes. If you know the 12-digit number, you can enter it in the Business Search tool. Otherwise, search by company name to locate it on the Secretary of State’s website.

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