bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov submissions are designed to help you meet the minimum filing requirements and eliminate most reasons for corrections and rejections.
Many paper submissions cannot be filed because of name issues, errors, omissions or misstatements contained in the proposed filings submitted to this office.
The following filing tips are designed to help you meet the minimum filing requirements of the California Corporations Code. These filing tips are not intended to provide legal or business advice. If you have specific legal questions or concerns, please consult a private attorney.
Name Reservations
For general information about name reservations and name style requirements relating to limited liability companies, refer to our Name Reservations webpage. Name Reservations can be submitted online at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov for faster service.
Electronic Signatures
Electronic signatures on filings submitted through the Secretary of State's online process are the only electronic signatures that are acceptable for filings with the Secretary of State. Computer generated signatures or fonts made to look like a signature printed on paper filings are not acceptable.
"Electronic signature" is defined generally as an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the electronic record. An electronic signature may be as simple as typing in a name electronically, checking a box indicating an intent to sign or some similar process. However, electronic signatures only are permissible in electronic transactions between consenting parties. The use of an electronic signature requires the agreement of both parties to allow the use of the electronic signature and must be on a document that requires a signature and that is electronic.
Electronic signatures on filings submitted through the Secretary of State's online process are the only electronic signatures that are acceptable for filings with the Secretary of State.
Digital Signatures
"Digital signature" means an electronic identifier, created by computer, intended by the party using it to have the same force and effect as the use of a manual signature. A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that requires specific security criteria to be met during the electronic transaction to ensure the signature is from the party it is supposed to be from. Digital signatures use a form of encryption as part of the signature process to ensure the signature cannot be duplicated or impersonated and require the receiving party to have the encryption key to decipher the signature.
Digital signatures on filings submitted through the Secretary of State's online process are the only digital signatures that are acceptable for filings with the Secretary of State.
Copies
Copies of filed documents are available for free at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov. Certified copies also are available at bizfileOnline.sos.ca.gov for a $5.00 fee per document being certified.
Filing Options
See Service Options to determine which service will meet your needs. For paper submissions, check(s) should be made payable to the Secretary of State.
