Georgia Registered Agent
LLCs in Georgia are required to appoint a Georgia registered agent in order to receive important legal documents (e.g., service of process.).
This can be yourself, another partner, a business attorney, or a professional registered agent service.
Many business owners choose to hire a service because it's very affordable, reduces risk, protects your privacy, and allows for more flexibility during day-to-day operations.
We’ll help you make the best choice for your business.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent offers free registered agent services with LLC formation ($29 plus state fees).
Choosing a Registered Agent in Georgia
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A Georgia registered agent will serve as your business’s primary point of contact for the state, as well as for anyone who might serve a lawsuit against your business (i.e., deliver service of process).
This is a legal requirement and can be a registered agent service, a partner, a business attorney, or yourself, so long as they:
- Are at least 18 years old or older
- Are always available during regular business hours at their registered office address
- Have a physical address in Georgia
Registered Agent Services
There are several benefits to using a third-party service, including:
- Convenience: Using a third-party service will allow you to be absent from your physical street address during normal business hours. It also means that you will not need to worry about personally missing an important legal document or notice.
- Privacy: Since your business’s registered agent’s name will become public record, using a service instead of your own name will provide additional privacy.
- Affordability: Hiring a third-party service can be significantly more affordable than using a business attorney. It can also save you time which you can then invest into other areas of your business.
Let’s Find the Best Registered Agent Service for Your Business
We’ve tested and reviewed the most popular registered agent services.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
In Georgia, you can be your own registered agent and save the $10 per month most reliable registered agent services charge. Even so, a service might not be affordable for smaller businesses that are just starting out.
It is important to keep in mind the drawbacks of being your own registered agent:
- If you're not available to accept service of process at your designated address when it's delivered, you could face fines.
- It may be challenging to follow all government formalities and paperwork commitments.
- You may be subject to penalties due to errors or delays in completing your required paperwork.
With these downsides and the low cost of using a service in mind, it’s clear why many Georgia businesses opt to hire a registered agent service.
If you plan to form an LLC and submit the needed paperwork yourself, look over our How to Start an LLC in Georgia guide.
Best Georgia Registered Agent Service
If you're in Georgia 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 Georgia 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 |
|
LegalZoom
4.5/5 |
TRUSTED AND WELL-KNOWN COMPANY
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VISIT SITE |
|
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 Georgia. Compare quotes and read online reviews to find the best fit for your needs.
Benefits of Using a Registered Agent Service
Many small businesses elect to use a registered agent service when they form an LLC. This can offer a plethora of benefits, such as:
- Legal compliance: A third-party service will ensure that you do not 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: This is the case in comparison to you acting as your own registered agent, as all Georgia registered agents’ names become public record on the Georgia Business Search.
- 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 an employee accidentally losing an important document.
A third-party 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 Georgia
In Georgia, you will be required to elect your registered agent when you complete your LLC’s Articles of Organization.
This is the main document that you will need to fill in and submit it the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division in order to officially form your LLC.
Electing a Registered Agent Online
You can form your LLC online via the Georgia Secretary of State website; a $100 filing fee will need to be paid, and you will need to include your registered agent’s address, full name, and contact information.
Electing a Registered Agent by Mail or In Person
To form your LLC by mail or in person, you will need to download Form CD 030, complete it, and then submit it to the Georgia Secretary of State for approval.
As you can see below, you will be asked to provide your agent’s information under section 4:
How Do I Change My Registered Agent In Georgia?
You can do this by filling out an Amended Annual Registration form and submitting it to the Georgia Corporations Division along with a $20 filing fee — or $30 for paper filings — which can be paid by check (paper filing) or credit card (online).
Georgia has different forms for different business types:
- LLC - Form CD 920
- Corporation - Form CD 900
- Limited Partnership (LP) or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) - Form CD 910
Mail or In Person:
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
For more information read our how to change registered agents in Georgia guide.
FAQ
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Georgia as long as you are over 18 years old, are a resident of Georgia, and have a business address in the state.
Many businesses employ a service to avoid unnecessary inconveniences and legal consequences if important documents go unnoticed.
Yes. Getting a registered agent — also known as a statutory agent — for your LLC is a legal requirement in Georgia.
This is because a registered agent acts as your business’s representative with the state and will be responsible for receiving important legal documents and notifications.
See our What is a Registered Agent article for more information.
In Georgia, you will assign your LLC’s registered agent while you are filling out its Articles of Organization; this is the official document that you will submit with the SOS in order to officially form your LLC.
If you want to change registered agents, you will need to file Form CD 920.
Yes, you can, although this isn’t recommended.
Acting as your own registered agent will mean that your name and contact information will become publicly available. You will also be entirely responsible for ensuring that you do not miss any important legal notification (e.g., service of process, etc.) on behalf of your business.
See our Is a Registered Agent Considered an Owner article for more information.
Yes, it does. Every business owner is required to appoint a suitable registered agent, also called a statutory agent, or resident agent, in order to form an LLC in Georgia. This is done before filing your Articles of Organization.
For more information, we recommend reading our Georgia Registered Agent review.