Sacramento Registered Agent Directory
A registered agent — sometimes called an agent for service of process — is a person or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of a business entity.
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent — sometimes called an agent for service of process — is a person or company designated to receive legal documents on behalf of a business entity. In California, every corporation and LLC must maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state. This requirement exists under California Corporations Code Section 1505, which establishes the framework for certified agents who accept service on behalf of hundreds or even thousands of entities.
The purpose is straightforward: when someone files a lawsuit against a business, there must be a reliable, known address where legal papers can be delivered. Without this system, serving a corporation that operates across multiple states or countries would be extremely difficult.
Section 1505 agents are certified by the California Secretary of State. To qualify, an agent must file a certificate listing their address and agreeing to accept service during normal business hours. The Secretary of State maintains a public registry of all 1505 agents, which is how attorneys and process servers verify which agent represents a given company.
For the person initiating service, the practical takeaway is this: you do not serve the company directly at their place of business. You identify their registered agent through the Secretary of State’s records and serve the agent instead. The agent then forwards the documents to the company. This is the legally recognized method for initiating service on a business entity in California.
How It Works
Step 1 — Submit Your Documents
Upload your documents through our online intake form. Include the case name, case number, and the entity to be served.
Step 2 — We Deliver
Our process server personally delivers the documents during business hours.
Step 3 — Proof of Service
You receive a completed proof of service. Court-ready documentation, every time.
Pricing
Standard Service (1-3 business days): $99
Expedited Service (next business day): $150
Rush / Same-Day Service: $175
Court Filing Add-On: +$30
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I serve a company directly, or do I have to serve their registered agent?
In California, when a company has designated a registered agent for service of process, that agent is the proper recipient of legal documents. California Corporations Code Section 416 allows service on certain corporate officers and designated agents. However, serving the registered agent is the most reliable and widely accepted method. Courts expect it, and it avoids disputes over whether service was properly completed. If you serve a random employee at a company’s retail location, you risk having service challenged.
What if the registered agent refuses service?
A registered agent certified under California Corporations Code Section 1505 is legally obligated to accept service of process during normal business hours. Refusal is rare and is a violation of their obligations to the Secretary of State. If a refusal occurs, our process server will document the attempt, note the refusal, and we will advise you on next steps — which may include filing a declaration of diligence with the court or pursuing alternative service methods. In practice, we almost never encounter refusals at established registered agent offices.
How do I find out which registered agent a company uses?
The California Secretary of State maintains a searchable database of all business entities registered in the state. Visit bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov, search for the entity by name or entity number, and the filing will list their designated agent for service of process along with the agent’s address. This is a free public resource. If you are having trouble locating the information, contact us and we will help you identify the correct agent.
What is California Corporations Code Section 1505?
Section 1505 of the California Corporations Code establishes the certification process for registered agents who accept service of process on behalf of business entities. A 1505 agent files a certificate with the Secretary of State listing their name, address, and agreement to accept service during business hours. This certification is what distinguishes a professional registered agent company from a general agent. All of the major registered agents listed on this page — CSC, CT Corporation, Paracorp, Cogency Global, and the others — are certified 1505 agents.
Do all registered agents have offices in Sacramento?
Most major registered agents maintain a Sacramento office because of the city’s proximity to the California Secretary of State and its role as the state capital. However, not all do. CT Corporation, for example, uses a Los Angeles address for California service of process. Some smaller agents operate from other cities. The agents listed on this page represent the most commonly served registered agents with Sacramento-area addresses, plus CT Corporation which we serve statewide.
How quickly can you serve a registered agent in Sacramento?
For Sacramento-area registered agents, we offer same-day rush service for requests received by early afternoon. Standard service is completed within one to three business days. Most registered agent offices accept service Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Contact us with your timeline and we will match you with the right service level.
Ready to Get Started?
Submit your documents through our intake form. We handle delivery, proof of service, and court filing.