Business Programs
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About Business Programs
The Business Programs Division, the largest division of the Secretary of State's office, supports California Businesses by registering and authenticating business entities and trademarks and enabling secured creditors to protect their financial interests. The Business Programs Division processes millions of business filings and information requests each year.
News & Notices, Customer Alerts and Processing Times
News & Notices
Get the latest information about changes affecting business conducted with the Business Programs Division. Last updated: 09-23-14
Customer Alerts
Get the latest information about confirmed scams against Californians and businesses in the State of California, and what you can do if you have been a victim of a scam. Last updated: 05-27-14
Forms, Samples, and Fees
Processing Times
Get the current processing times for Business Entities and determine which method of submission meets your needs.
California Business Connect Project
The California Business Connect Project (CBC) will increase efficiencies and allow readily available access to Secretary of State Records.
Business Entities
The Secretary of State's office processes filings, maintains records and provides information to the public relating to business entities that include corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability partnerships and other business filings.
Victims of Corporate Fraud Compensation Fund
The Victims of Corporate Fraud Compensation Fund (VCFCF) provides limited restitution to victims of corporate fraud who have otherwise been unable to collect on their judgment for corporate fraud.
Uniform Commercial Code
The Secretary of State's office is the central filing office for certain Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and other lien documents including notices of judgment liens, attachment liens and federal and state tax liens. Filing with our office serves to perfect a security interest in named collateral and establish priority in case of debtor default or bankruptcy.
Trademarks and Service Marks
The Secretary of State's office maintains registration and all updates of California state trademarks and service marks, container brands, laundry marks and the names of farms, ranches, estate or villas.
Special Filings
The Secretary of State administers numerous other filings including immigration consultant and various business bonds, notices of joint powers, successor-in-interest, statement of facts – roster of public agencies, and athlete agents.