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California . Contact directory

How to reach the California Secretary of State.

Direct phone number, hours, mailing and physical addresses, and the right phone for the right question. Plus the related California departments most business owners need.

Primary phone
916-657-5448
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm PT
Business + corporate filings, name availability, document retrieval.
Mailing address
P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244
For paper filings and corporate document delivery.
Physical address
1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Counter pickup, in-person filings, certified copies.
Fax
916-653-3795
Document filing fax (limited availability for expedites).
Related departments

The right phone for the right question

The Secretary of State handles corporate filings. For tax matters, payroll, insurance, and other compliance, you need the right department.

Franchise tax and corporate income tax
Annual franchise tax payments, business income tax filings, withholding accounts.
800-852-5711 (Franchise Tax Board, for $800 minimum)
Expedited filings + Same Day service
$15 (24-hour), $750 (4-hour preclearance). For founders needing fast turnaround.
916-657-5448 (4-hour and 24-hour expedite service)
Skip the call

Most calls to the California SoS are about things File.Business can answer instantly

Calling the California Department of State means hold time during business hours. Most reasons people call have a faster alternative:

"What is my entity's status?"

Search the California business records to see status, registered agent, last annual report, and document number.

Run a California business search →
"When is my annual report due?"

California annual reports are due Anniversary month (biennial) for LLCs and Anniversary month (annual) for Corporations. See exact rules + fees.

See AR rules →
"How do I change my registered agent?"

File a Statement of Change. California fee: $25. New agent must accept the appointment.

Change RA →
"My entity was dissolved. Can I reinstate?"

Yes, file a Reinstatement with back-fees. File.Business handles the whole process.

Reinstate →
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the phone number for the California Secretary of State?
The primary phone for the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division is 916-657-5448. Office hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm PT. For specific departments like franchise tax, expedited filings, or other agencies, see the directory above.
What are the California Secretary of State office hours?
Office hours are Mon-Fri 8am-5pm PT. Phone support is available during these hours. Online filings can be submitted 24 hours a day through the California Secretary of State (BizFile).
What is the California Secretary of State mailing address?
Mailing address: P.O. Box 944260, Sacramento, CA 94244. Physical office is at 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.
How do I speak to a person at the California Secretary of State?
Call 916-657-5448 during business hours (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm PT). Wait times vary. For most common questions (status checks, deadlines, fees) the online California Secretary of State (BizFile) system has the answer faster.
Does the California Secretary of State offer expedited service?
Yes. $15 (24-hour), $750 (4-hour preclearance). File.Business handles expedited filings for the same state fee plus our service charge.
Can I email the California Secretary of State?
The California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division primarily uses phone and online services for support. Email contact varies by department. Most common questions are addressed through the online filing system or by phone.
Can I visit the California Secretary of State office in person?
Yes, the physical office is at 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. In-person counter service is available during business hours. Most founders use the online filing system because it is faster and produces the same result.

Ready to handle this the easy way?

Five minutes per filing. State fee passed through at cost. Audit trail and deadline tracking included.

Skip the phone call File with us instead

Disclosure. File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division or any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division. Information on this page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax, or accounting advice. Fees and deadlines verified against the California Secretary of State, Business Programs Division as of June 2026 and may change. For entity-specific guidance, consult a licensed California attorney or CPA.

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File.Business is a private business filing and compliance service. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any Secretary of State office. You may file directly with the appropriate state agency. SOC 2 Type II audited. 220,000+ businesses formed since 2017.