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      LLP Renewal Application Guide

      This guide will walk you through the process of renewing your LLP certification through the State Bar’s new automated system.

      Welcome & Overview

       

      What This Guide Covers 

      This guide will walk you through the process of renewing your LLP certification through the State Bar’s new automated system. 

       

      Who Should Use This Guide 

      • Firm administrators 
      • Partners managing Agency Billing 
      • Authorized representatives 

      Time Required 

      Approximately 15–30 minutes to complete 

       

      What’s New 

      • First Year: You must enter all firm information 
      • Subsequent Years: Only updates and changes are required 
      • System Access: Available through Agency Billing portal 

      Before You Begin 

       

      Required Information 

      ☐ State Bar of California State Bar issued registration number

      ☐ Primary and Secondary contacts and addresses

      ☐ Partner & Non-Partner details list 

      ☐ Business relationship details (if applicable) 

      ☐ Out-of-state office locations (if applicable) 

       

      Required Documents 

      ☐ Updated Excel template (download from online renewal application) 

      ☐ Secretary of State Certification

       

      System Requirements 

      • Internet connection 
      • Current web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) 
      • Desktop or laptop computer since the application is not compatible for mobile devices
      • Agency Billing account access 

       

      Getting Started

       

      1. Log in to your Agency Billing account at https://billing.calbar.ca.gov/ab


      2. Navigate to the “Limited Liability Partnerships” Tile. Select “Go to Limited Liabilities Partnerships.”

      3. Review the options on the landing page and select. Choose Annual Renewal to do one of the following:

      • Associate your Agency Firm Account with registered Limited Liability Partnership
      • Submit an annual renewal

      4. The annual renewal application can be saved and accessed later by selecting the Limited Liability Partnership List.

      Step-by-Step Instructions to Submit a Limited Liability Partnership Annual Renewal Application 

       

      Instructions Section

       

      1. Read through the application instructions. 
      2. Click "Continue."
      3. Note that at any point throughout this process, you may click "Return to Limited Liability Partnership List" to return to main menu.

      Contact Information

       

      The Primary or Secondary Contact must include an individual who is identified as either the authorized partner or the designated contact. Do not enter a phone number or extension in the contact name field.

       

      Primary Contact Information

      1. Enter the primary contact information.

      2. Notices regarding new applications and renewals will be sent to this individual.

       

      Primary Address

      Enter the address of your headquarters.

       

      Secondary Contact Information (Optional)

      If desired, enter a secondary contact, which may be a firm administrator or authorized partner.

      Common Errors

      • Contact name must contain only letters and be at least 2 characters long.

      Dissolution

       

      Answer the question regarding dissolution

      1. If selecting yes, you will be rerouted to a closure application.
      2. If selecting no, you will continue filling out a renewal application.

       

      Partners & Authorized Contacts

       

      Upload your firm's partners and authorized contacts

      In this step, you will upload your firm's partners and authorized contacts. You may do this manually or upload an Excel spreadsheet.

       

      NOTE: List each partner only once, even if they fit multiple categories. Choose the option that best reflects their primary role. For example, if a California-licensed partner oversees CTAPP, report them under "Partner Responsible for Overseeing Client Trust Accounts". When a partner also serves as a Finance or Administrative Manager, report them later in the Managers section.

       

       

      Partner Type

      When reporting a partner, select the appropriate Partner Type from the following options: California Attorney, Non-California Attorney, Non-California Law Corporation Partner, California Law Corporation Partner. Be sure to choose the designation that accurately reflects each individual's legal status and affiliation.

       

      Bar/Licensee Number

      Enter the attorney's bar or licensee number. This is a required field when reporting a California licensed attorney.

       

      Name

      When entering the Bar/Licensee Number for a California-licensed attorney, their name will automatically populate in the Name field—no further edits are needed. Please note that this auto-population feature does not apply to attorneys licensed outside of California. 

       

      Business Relationships

      If your Limited Liability Partnership reports partners affiliated through business relationships—such as with other Law Corporations or Limited Liability Companies—be sure to complete the Business Relationships section of this application. This ensures that all professional connections are properly documented. 

       

      Authorized Contact Type

      For Authorized Contact Type, select the role that best describes each individual’s responsibilities. Available options include Partner, Authorized Partner, Managing Partner, Partner Responsible for Overseeing Client Trust Accounts, Account Administrative Manager, or Finance Manager. Accurate role assignment helps clarify accountability and supports effective oversight. 

       

      Multi Jurisdiction

      When selecting "Yes" for Multi-Jurisdiction, indicate only one jurisdiction—either a U.S. state or a foreign country. 

       

      Manual Entries vs. Excel Spreadsheet Entries  

      You have the option to enter data manually or upload an Excel file.  

       

      Manual Entries

      If your firm prefers to add partners manually, click "Add LLP Partners Manually" and complete the required fields using the drop-down menus. 

       

      Excel Spreadsheet Entries
        • You may choose to upload an Excel spreadsheet of partners.
        • First, click “Download sample data grid.” Open this file in Excel.
        • Fill out all fields accordingly. Note that you must utilize the Excel template and format provided.
        • The system does not accept modified versions of the Excel template. Please ensure the original format is used without alterations.
        • After filling out all the fields, click save. Upload your completed spreadsheet using our “Upload Excel File” button.
        • Confirm the data in the uploaded Excel file matches the data displayed in the grid.
        • NOTE: Please use font size 11 or greater when uploading an Excel spreadsheet.

      Common Errors

      1. The system automatically overwrites existing entries whenever a new Excel file is uploaded. To maintain consistency and minimize errors, it is recommended to avoid switching between manual and upload data entry methods.
      2. You must upload at least one partner to the grid.

      Business Relationships

       

      Disclose any business relationships that your firm has with other Law Corporations or Limited Liability Corporation.

      1. The application will prompt you to enter the related partnership type, registration number, and name. You will also need to indicate whether the legal entity is located outside the United States, in which case it will be reported as a foreign entity.
      2. The registration number identifies a certified Law Corporation registered with the State Bar of California. You must report business relationships with such Law Corporations. This does not apply to partnerships with Limited Liability Companies.
      3. You may disclose using either the manual or Excel spreadsheet option. The system automatically overwrites existing entries whenever a new Excel file is uploaded. To maintain consistency and minimize errors, it is recommended to avoid switching between manual and upload data entry methods.
      4. If you do not have any business relationships, click "Continue."

        Manual Entries

        If your firm prefers to add partners manually, click "Add Business Relationships Manually" and complete the required fields using the drop-down menus. 

         



        Excel Spreadsheet Entries

        • You may choose to upload an Excel spreadsheet of business relationships.
        • First, click “Download sample data grid.” Open this file in Excel.
        • Fill out all fields accordingly. Note that you must utilize the Excel template and format provided.
        • The system does not accept modified versions of the Excel template. Please ensure the original format is used without alterations .
        • After filling out all the fields, click save. Upload your completed spreadsheet using our “Upload Excel File” button.
        • Confirm the data in the uploaded Excel file matches the data displayed in the grid.
        • NOTE: Please use font size 11 or greater when uploading an Excel spreadsheet.

        Non-Partners

         

        Disclose any individuals at your firm who are not designated as partners.
        1. You may disclose using either the manual or excel option.
        2. The application will ask for non-partner type, relationship type, bar number (if applicable), name, email, phone, if they multi jurisdiction (if applicable), their country, and their state.

        Manual Entries

        If your firm prefers to add Non-Partners manually, click "Add Non-Partners Manually" and complete the required fields using the drop-down menus. 

         

        Excel Spreadsheet Entries

        • You may choose to upload an Excel spreadsheet of non-partners. 
        • First, click “Download sample data grid.” Open this file in Excel. 
        • Fill out all fields accordingly. Note that you must utilize the Excel template and format provided.  
        • The system does not accept modified versions of the Excel template. Please ensure the original format is used without alterations . 
        • After filling out all the fields, click save. Upload your completed spreadsheet using our “Upload Excel File” button. 
        • Confirm the data in the uploaded Excel file matches the data displayed in the grid. 
        • NOTE: Please use font size 11 or greater when uploading an Excel spreadsheet.

        Managers

         

        Upload your firm's Administrative Manager or Finance Manager.
        1. You may upload a spreadsheet or input manually.
        2. You will be asked for the individual's manager type, relationship type, name, and email.
        3. Note that you must enter one Finance Manager or one Administrative Manager.

        The firm is required to report either an Administrative Manager or a Finance Manager. Both roles may be reported if applicable.




        Manual Entries

        If your firm prefers to add LLP partners manually, click "Add Managers Manually" and complete the required fields using the drop-down menus. 

         

        Excel Spreadsheet Entries

        • You may choose to upload an Excel spreadsheet of managers. 
        • First, click “Download sample data grid.” Open this file in Excel. 
        • Fill out all fields accordingly. Note that you must utilize the Excel template and format provided.  
        • The system does not accept modified versions of the Excel template. Please ensure the original format is used without alterations . 
        • After filling out all the fields, click save. Upload your completed spreadsheet using our “Upload Excel File” button. 
        • Confirm the data in the uploaded Excel file matches the data displayed in the grid.
        • NOTE: Please use font size 11 or greater when uploading an Excel spreadsheet.

        Name Change

         

        Report any changes to the name or designated ending of your Limited Liability Partnership.
          1. If you have changed your name, select “yes” and input your new name.
          2. If you have not changed your name, select “no.”
          3. Verify your EXACT Ending Designation using the drop-down menu. 

        Common Errors

        1. Name change selected but the name is not changed
          1. You selected "Yes" to a name change, but the name has not been changed.

        Secretary of State Certification

         

        Upload your Secretary of State Certification document

        • Note that you will only have to submit this document during the first renewal year of this online automated system.
        • Once submitted, the State Bar must validate this document. This process takes time, and you will not be able to completely submit your application before we do so. We will notify your primary contact via email once our verification is complete.
        • While waiting for our verification, however, you may continue to payment.
        • If you need to upload a different document, click "Delete" which will remove the current uploaded document. Then, you may re-upload the current document.

        Fees and Payments

         

        You will pay your LLP's renewal fee here. To continue, click "Pay."

        On our payment screen, you are given the choice of paying through credit card or ACH.

        Note: Paying through credit card & debit card will incur a 2.5% service fee.

        Input your credit card information and billing address. Click "Next" when complete.

        After you have completed payment, you will be redirected to this screen. If needed, click "Print" to print a receipt of your transaction. Click "I'm done" to return to the application.

        The grid will reflect your payment and service charge (if applicable).

        On this screen, you will have another chance to download a receipt. To download a payment receipt, select “Payment Receipt.” A sample receipt appears below. 

        Application Submission

         

        You will be prompted to submit your application.

        1. You are encouraged to view a copy of your Renewal Application PDF document before submitting.
        2. You must review and agree with the declaration.
        3. You must enter Authorized Partner's Title, name and email. Select "Submit" to complete your application.

         

        Click "Submit" to submit your application. DocuSign requests will then be sent to the authorized contact.

         

        The application will not be considered complete until the DocuSign document has been signed by the authorized contact.

        Common Errors

        1. Note: To submit you application, the State Bar must validate your Secretary of State Certification Document. The State Bar will notify the listed Primary Contact when it has finished validating the document and the application is ready to be submitted. 

        2. Payments are due.

          • You must pay before you submit your application.

        3. You must agree to the Application Declaration terms!

          • You must agree to the application declaration terms to submit.

        Confirm Authorized Contact Received and Completed the DocuSign (via DocuSign)

         

        After you submit your LLP Renewal Application, the document will be sent to partners for signature via DocuSign. 

         

        To view the mandatory signee and monitor the status of signature completion, follow these steps: 

        1.  Navigate back to the LLP List

        2. On the right side of the LLP grid, click the “Signature Status” button to review mandatory signees and their completion statuses. 


        On the DocuSign Form Signer pop-up window, you have the option to click “Update Signer” to change the email address of mandatory signees. By clicking “View,” you can view a list of all mandatory signees and their signature statuses. 

        Troubleshooting

         

        Common Problems & Solutions

        Problem: The “Save & Continue” button is not working.
        Solution: Ensure all required fields are completed before saving.

         

        Problem: The Excel template fails to upload.
        Solution: Verify you’re using the system-provided template, not a modified version.

         

        Problem: It’s unclear which contact information to use.
        Solution:

          • Primary Contact is an Authorized or Managing Partner.
          • Secondary Contact is a Managing Partner or Firm Administrator.

        Problem: There are multiple office locations. Which address should I use?

        Solution:

          • The Primary Address is the California headquarters.
          • The Secondary Address is the primary headquarters outside California, or any out-of-state office if the California headquarters is already entered.

         

        This guide is designed to help you successfully complete your LLP application. For the most current information, always refer to the online system and official State Bar communications.