The first tip is simple, but bears repeating: READ the instructions! Every State form is preceded by thorough instructions. If you read and follow the State’s directions, you will prevent most opportunities for error.

All of the State’s forms are available, complete with filing tips and instructions, on their website. Do a little research to see what corporate structure best suits your needs. Corporations and Limited Liability Companies are the most common, but each has different pros and cons. Check to make sure that the State form you use is up to date, as the State may reject previous versions of forms.

You will also want to perform a name availability search of your company’s potential name(s). There are two options on how to perform a name check. One is to do a SOS Business Search online: This, while not definitive, will give you an idea of what existing companies have similar names. The State may reject a filing if the proposed name is “deceptively similar” to an active company. Please be advised that a web search is not exact as it is not updated daily, and does not take into account variances in spacing, punctuation, case tense, symbols, etc.. Second, if you are unsure of a given name’s validity, we can call the Secretary of State’s Name Availability Department and perform a more thorough name check with one of their representatives. If a name appears available, it can also be reserved for 60 days.

Once you have settled on an available name, make sure the address you provide meet the State’s specifications. The State requires companies to provide both a physical street address and a mailing address. These may be at the same location, but the State does not accept P.O. Boxes (or other mail store boxes) as valid street locations for your company. P.O. Boxes may only be used as a company’s mailing address.

The next step is to find and list a registered agent correctly. A registered agent for service of process is an individual or corporation who receives the initial summons in the event the company is sued. Any legal adult resident of California can serve as an individual registered agent. Again, no P.O. Boxes – the agent must be available in person during regular business hours at the address provided. You may also choose to hire a corporate agent to fill this role.

Lastly, make sure you actually sign the document. The Secretary of State will reject documents that are signed with a signature stamp, DocuSign, or any other means of an electronically generated signature. Nor will typing your name in a creative font suffice. However, the State will accept a cleanly scanned copy of a wet signature. It is best to print the completed form, sign it in ink, and then scan and save the document as a PDF.

Once you have selected the right form, filled it out completely, and signed, then you are ready to file. You can mail us your document for filing or simply fill out one of our Online Order Forms (Expedited or Standard). If you still have questions, feel free to Contact Us.