Alabama Registered Agent
If you want to form an LLC, you will need to appoint an Alabama registered agent.
Even though you can be your own registered agent, most small business owners choose to use a third-party service instead.
This is because a registered agent service offers more privacy, affordable pricing, and can allow you to be more flexible when it comes to how you can operate on a day-to-day basis.
We’ll help you make the best choice for your business.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent offers free registered agent services with LLC or corporation formation ($29 plus state fees).
Choosing a Registered Agent in Alabama
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Your Alabama registered agent will serve as your business’s point of contact with the Secretary of State, and will also receive service of process in the event of a pending lawsuit.
Appointing a registered agent in Alabama is a legal requirement for LLC owners. This can be an individual (e.g., yourself, etc.), or a business entity (e.g., registered agent service, etc.).
Keep in mind that all prospective Alabama registered agents need to satisfy the following requirements in order to be appointed:
- They’re at least 18 years old.
- They have a physical address in Alabama.
- They’re always available during regular business hours at their registered office address.
Alabama Registered Agent Services
- Convenience: Hiring a third-party service will allow you to operate with more flexibility as a small business owner. This is because you will not need to be physically present in your address in order to receive service of process.
- Privacy: Since your registered agent’s address and name will become publicly available as soon as your business is registered, you can choose to hire a third-party service in order to protect your personal information.
- Legal compliance: Most third-party service providers offer additional features that will help you stay legally compliant.
Let’s Find the Right Registered Agent for Your Business
We’ve tested and reviewed the most popular registered agent services.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes you can, as long as you are at least 18 years, have a physical address in Alabama, and will always be available at your business address during normal business hours.
Even so, we recommend avoiding this route if you can due to the fact that it’s relatively time-inefficient.
This is because you will be responsible for receiving service of process on behalf of your business, meaning that you will need to be physically present in your business’s address.
If you are forming a new LLC, it makes sense to hire an LLC formation service that includes a free year of registered agent services. These types of services charge as little as $29 per formation (excluding state fees) and can save you a significant amount of time when starting out.
If you are forming an LLC but prefer to file the paperwork yourself and act as your own registered agent, take a look at our How to Start an LLC in Alabama guide.
Best Alabama Registered Agent Service
If you're in Alabama and either looking to form a new LLC or switch your existing registered agent, it's crucial to consider factors like cost, range of services, reputation, and customer support.
Many people seek registered agents offering features like mail forwarding, document scanning, and compliance monitoring.
Northwest Special Offer
If you haven't formed your LLC yet, consider Northwest's LLC formation package for $29 plus state fees, which includes a free first year of registered agent service.
- Premium customer service
- Streamlined ordering
- Robust privacy features
To help you make an informed choice, we've compiled a table comparing the top 5 Alabama registered agent services below.
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Best Registered Agent Services |
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Northwest
4.7/5 |
BEST REGISTERED AGENT SERVICE
|
VISIT SITE |
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LegalZoom
4.5/5 |
TRUSTED AND WELL-KNOWN COMPANY
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VISIT SITE |
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ZenBusiness
4.3/5 |
|
VISIT SITE |
|
Bizee
4.1/5 |
|
VISIT SITE |
|
Rocket Lawyer
3.9/5 |
|
VISIT SITE |
Whether you're starting a new business or considering a change, it's crucial to weigh factors like pricing, services, reputation, and customer support when choosing a registered agent in Alabama. Compare quotes and read online reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
Benefits of Using a Registered Agent Service
Many businesses choose to use a registered agent service when they form an LLC. This is because it can offer a number of benefits, including:
- Legal compliance: A registered agent service will ensure that you don’t miss an important legal document or notification (e.g., service of process, etc.) as a result of not being in your office (or as a result of a human error).
- Improved privacy: If you act as your own agent, your name and address will become public record on the Alabama Business Entity Search. Using a registered agent service will help keep your information private.
- Discretion: When it comes to legal disputes, you will want to avoid receiving lawsuit-related documents in front of your clients and/or some employees.
- Better storage: Your service will generally scan all documents received and upload them online in PDF form. This means that you will always be able to access them online, and won’t have to worry about losing an important document.
A professional registered agent service can also be beneficial if you plan to expand into other states as a foreign LLC. This is because, otherwise, you would need to find an individual or business entity that is a resident — or is allowed to transact business — in each state that you want to register in.
How to Elect a Registered Agent in Alabama
For your LLC in Alabama, you will be required to appoint your registered agent when you complete your LLC’s Certificate of Formation.
This is also known as the Articles of Organization outside of Alabama and is the main LLC formation document that you will need to file with the Alabama Secretary of State in order to register your business.
Electing a Registered Agent Online
You can form your LLC online at the Alabama Secretary of State website ($208 filing fee required). Your registered agent’s name and contact information will be requested in the Certificate of Formation under the registered agent section.
Electing a Registered Agent by Mail
You can form your LLC by mail. Once you download the Certificate of Formation ($200 filing fee required), fill out your registered agent’s information under line 3 on page 2, and submit a physical copy to the Secretary of State.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Alabama
If you want to appoint a new registered agent, you will need to complete a Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form and submit it to the Secretary of State.
This can be done by mail or by email (if paying with a credit card).
Mail:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Email:
miscellaneous.filings@sos.alabama.gov
Consent to Appointment
Your new registered agent will also need to consent to their appointment. This is done on the change form. There is a section that the new registered agent must sign.
For more information read our how to change registered agents in Alabama guide.
Alabama Registered Agent FAQs
Yes, you can, as long as you satisfy all applicable Alabama registered agent requirements (e.g., be over 18 years old, etc.).
Having said that, this isn’t generally recommended because it carries certain risks, and it will also not save you a significant amount of capital.
Have a look at our Alabama Registered Agent article for more information.
You will be legally required to appoint a registered agent in Alabama in order to form an LLC.
Your agent will act as a point of contact between your LLC and various government agencies, and will also be responsible for receiving notice in the event of a pending lawsuit (i.e., service of process, etc.).
You can be your own agent or hire a service provider to act on your behalf.
Appointing an agent can be done when you are filling out your Certificate of Formation, which is the official LLC formation document that you will need to submit with the state in order to form your LLC.
Your appointed registered agent will have a variety of different responsibilities, including receiving important legal correspondence from the Secretary of State.
This includes tax notifications and annual report reminders.
Your agent will also be responsible for receiving service of process in the event of a lawsuit.
A service costs around $10 per month, usually payable annually. This means that you should expect to pay around $120 per year for a third-party service.
Note: Most LLC formation services come with a free one-year registered agent service included.
Have a look at our Best Registered Agent Service in Alabama review for more information.