California LLC or Corporation formation + Statement of Information: Los Angeles restaurant guide

California Secretary of State

What it is

Creates the legal entity that signs the lease, holds the health permit and the liquor license, and shields your personal assets.

When a restaurant needs it

Before signing a lease or applying for any permit in the business's name.

How to apply

File Articles of Organization (LLC-1) or Articles of Incorporation online in bizfile Online, then file the initial Statement of Information.

Documents you’ll need

Entity name (checked for availability)
Registered agent name and California address
Business and mailing addresses
Manager/member or officer/director names

Fee

LLC Articles of Organization $70; Statement of Information $20 (LLC); stock corporation Articles $100; corporation Statement of Information $25 (SOS fee schedule)

Processing time

Online filings are fastest; see SOS 'Current Processing Dates'

Renewal

Statement of Information every two years for LLCs (annually for corporations); most entities owe the $800 minimum California franchise tax each year

Who files

Any organizer or authorized agent (attorney, registered-agent service) can file.

Good to know

As of August 1, 2026 you need a bizfile user account to file online. Missing a Statement of Information can lead to Franchise Tax Board penalties and suspension.

Official source

CA SOS — forms, samples and fees · CA SOS — business entity FAQs

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.