Registered agent. The reliable way to serve a corporation.
Every CA-registered corporation and LLC must designate an agent for service of process. Under CCP §416.10, serving that agent IS valid service on the entity. Servd looks up the agent on the SOS registry, dispatches a server to the agent\'s registered address, and returns a clean POS-040. $99 standard — no matter how big the company.
A registered agent is a person or business designated to accept legal papers on behalf of a corporation or LLC. CCP §416.10(a) makes service on the agent valid service on the entity. You can find any CA-registered entity\'s agent via the CA Secretary of State business search — name, address, agent on file. Most large corporations use one of three commercial registered-agent firms: CT Corporation, CSC, or Cogency Global.
Why registered-agent service
Cleanest service method
Registered agents accept service as their business. No refusal, no evasion, no "the person you want doesn't work here." Same-day in most metros.
Cheaper than serving at HQ
Big-tech HQs typically refuse lobby service and route everyone to the agent anyway. Going to the agent first saves a wasted trip.
Hard to invalidate
Defendants can't move to quash on grounds of "wrong agent" — the agent IS authorised on the SOS registry. The agent's receipt acknowledgement is conclusive.
Predictable address
Agents file change-of-address with the SOS within 30 days. The address is current; office-of-business addresses go stale faster.
Multi-state coverage
CT Corporation, CSC, Cogency operate in all 50 states. One workflow regardless of where the entity is incorporated.
How it works
Upload complaint
AI extracts the defendant entity name. We confirm the legal entity (DBA vs registered name; "Apple Inc." vs "Apple Inc., a California corporation").
SOS registry lookup
CA Secretary of State business search → registered agent + address. For out-of-state entities, the home state's SOS or CT/CSC nationwide registry.
Server dispatched to agent
CA-licensed server attempts at the registered agent address. For CT/CSC/Cogency — they have staffed offices in most major metros, same-day capability.
Agent accepts service
POS-040 filed
POS-040 notes "served on [Agent Name] as registered agent for [Entity Name]". Court-ready PDF + original mailed to your office same day.
Pricing
| Registered-agent service (in CA) | $99 |
| SOS lookup (included) | $0 |
| Out-of-state registered agent (via partner network) | $99-125 |
| Multi-defendant batch (same agent firm — e.g. 3 CT Corp companies) | $99 + $30 each |
| Same-day add-on | +$25 |
Common mistakes
Serving the wrong entity name
"Apple Computer" vs "Apple Inc." vs "Apple Inc., a California corporation". The exact registered name on the SOS is what the POS-040 must show.
Using a stale SOS lookup
Agents change. We always re-pull the SOS registry on the day of service — agent on file 6 months ago may not be on file today.
Serving a foreign LLC at its CA office instead of registered agent
Out-of-state LLCs registered to do business in CA designate a CA agent. CCP §416.10(b) — serve the agent, not the CA office.
Forgetting to substitute on suspended entities
If the entity is suspended by FTB, you can serve the Secretary of State directly under Corp Code §1702. The SOS forwards.
FAQ
What if the corporation has no registered agent on file?
CA Corp Code §1702 lets you serve the SOS directly when the agent is unknown / vacant. The SOS then forwards to the entity's last known address. Slower but valid.
What if the agent refuses to accept service?
Registered agents almost never refuse — accepting is their business. If one does refuse, the server's declaration of attempted-service + the agent's registration on the SOS is enough for default-judgment purposes.
Can I serve an officer instead of the agent?
Yes — CCP §416.10(b) allows service on an authorised officer (President, CEO, Secretary, CFO, etc.) OR on a person apparently in charge of the office. Agent is usually simpler though.
How about service on an LLC?
Same rules — CCP §416.10. LLCs designate an agent on Corp Code §17701.13. Look up via SOS LLC search.
Can you serve in another state?
Yes. Out-of-state registered agents — most national firms (CT, CSC, Cogency) have offices in every state. We coordinate with our partner network; $99-125 depending on the state.