To register a business with the California Secretary of State (SOS), use the bizfile Online portal (bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov) to file organizational documents like Articles of Incorporation for corporations or Articles of Organization for LLCs, create an account, and pay the required fees, with options for mail/in-person filing also available for some entities like General Partnerships (GP-1). Steps to Register Online (LLC/Corporation Example) Go to bizfile Online: Navigate to bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov. Create Account: Click Login and then Sign Up to create a secure Okta account, following the setup guide if needed, notes Harbor Compliance and the CA.gov portal. Select Entity: Under the Business Entities section, choose Register a Business. Choose Filing Type: Select your entity type (e.g., Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for Corporations). Complete Forms: Fill out the online forms, ensuring your business name meets state requirements (e.g., ending with LLC for an LLC) and providing required addresses and management details, according to a YouTube video. Submit Pay: Review, digitally sign, and pay the filing fee (e.g., $70 for LLCs). Ordering a certified copy is recommended, notes bizfile.sos.ca.gov. Other Business Types General Partnerships (GP): File a paper Statement of Partnership Authority (GP-1) by mail or in person, notes CA.gov. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP): File an Application to Register (LLP-1) by mail or in person, per CA.gov. Key Things to Remember bizfile Online: bizfileonline.sos.ca.gov is the primary portal for most filings. Forms: Available online for immediate filing or as PDFs for mail/in-person submission, notes Harbor Compliance and CA.gov. Fees: Vary by entity type; a $15 handling fee applies to in-person filings (not mail). EIN: An Employer Identification Number from the IRS is needed for taxes and banking, advises this YouTube video. Licenses/Permits: Check with CalGOLD for local/state requirements, notes CA.gov. AI can make mistakes, so double-check responsesStarting a Business - California Secretary of StateIf you would like help deciding on a location for your business, contact the California Business Investment Services unit of the GCalifornia Secretary of State (.gov)Online Business Services | California Secretary of StateOnline Business Services | California Secretary of State. Home Search Forms HelpPDF. bizfile Online. California Secretary of StateCalifornia Secretary of State BizFile Online (.gov)