Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a person or business that receives and sends legal documents on your LLC’s behalf. Anyone can be a registered agent as long as the assigned person or entity:
- has a physical address in the state where the business is conducted
- is physically available during regular business hours (8 am- 5 pm) at the given address
- is 18 years or older
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent offers free registered agent services with LLC or corporation formation ($29 plus state fees).
Registered Agent Options
Choosing a registered agent for your business can seem complicated because there are several options. We recommend starting by learning what a registered agent is.
Once you have a good understanding, you can begin to look at all of the different options available to your business.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
It is possible to be your own registered agent. You could also choose to elect a member of your LLC, or even a friend you trust, as long as the person meets these requirements:
- is 18 years or older
- has a physical address in the state where the business is conducted
- is available during normal business hours
Another option would be to hire a professional registered agent service. It doesn’t cost much.
Using a service helps you avoid fees or further legal trouble caused by missing or misplacing an important document or notice. This can actually save you more time and money in the long run.
We’ve studied and reviewed the most popular professional services. Take a look at our Best Registered Agent Services review to learn more.
Should I Use A Registered Agent Service?
Yes, a registered agent service has its benefits. We have covered all of the major advantages of using an affordable, national registered agent service provider.
Compliance With the Law
Registered agents help businesses stay up-to-date on state requirements by sending regular reminders for filings. As a result, you won’t have to deal with legal fees and penalties--or worse, lose your business altogether. If you use a professional service, they can:
- Help you find state-specific accountants and legal professionals. Most businesses need accounting or legal assistance at some point during their formation.
- Keep copies of your corporate documents. In case of theft, natural disaster, or other unexpected losses, you will have a backup of all your important business papers.
Peace of Mind
A third-party service gives you peace of mind so you can focus your time, energy, and attention on running your business. Here’s what a professional service can do to ease your stress:
- Make growing your business the number one priority. Important LLC documents will be automatically received and stored for safekeeping.
- Help maintain your work-life balance. Business and personal mail are kept separate, preventing your work from overtaking your home life.
- Offer personal guidance. You have additional support if your business runs into a problem or if any questions arise.
Flexibility
If you choose to act as your own registered agent, you will need to be available to receive official notices during standard business hours at the address you provide. A professional service gives you the flexibility to focus on your business instead of keeping track of deadlines and being available during business hours.
With a registered agent service, you can:
- Maintain flexible business hours. An agent must be available from 8-5 every weekday. By hiring a service, you can choose your own hours.
- Form limited liability companies in other states. An agent must have a legal residence in the state where the business is formed. Hiring a national registered agent service will let you form an LLC in any of the 50 states.
- Form an LLC in multiple states. If you set up your business entity to have a physical presence in multiple states, you will need to have an appointed an agent for each state.
Privacy
We all value our privacy. Your registered agent service’s address will be listed on the public record— not your personal or office address. This is especially important to consider if your business operates out of your home. A service will maintain your privacy by:
- Preventing a business owner from being served with a lawsuit in person. You don’t want to get served in front of your family, employees, or, worse, your customers.
- Having their address public instead of yours. As a result, you’re less likely to receive unsolicited mail.
What is the Best Registered Agent Service?
In addition to having an office in the state of your LLC, we encourage you to find a national registered agent service with the following features:
- Compliance management: reminders for filing annual reports and other important deadlines for business entities
- Document management: local scanning of all official documents so you can access them from your online account
- Availability: a reliable customer service team who can answer any questions you may have while always being available during normal business hours
- Thorough coverage: the ability to provide registered agent services in all 50 states
Northwest
Northwest offers high-quality services. There are no hidden fees or gimmicks. Plus, not only will they be your business entity’s registered agent, they'll include a full year of registered agent services for free.
Northwest's online document management system and regular compliance alerts make working with them completely worry-free. They'll scan and upload all your essential legal documents and mail you physical copies as needed.
Northwest really stands apart for its excellent customer service. The representatives are known for being highly knowledgeable about business formation and business maintenance.
LLC Formation + One Year Free Registered Agent Service
$29 + State Fees
(Registered Agent: $125 after the first year)
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Bizee (Formerly Incfile)
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Bizee has been helping entrepreneurs since 2004. As professional registered agents, they have established a reputation for providing high-quality services for a lower cost than competitors such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer.
If you form an LLC with Bizee, they offer a free year of services. As part of the service, Bizee will scan all documents to your online account and physically mail you important legal documents.
Bizee's expanded menu of extra options is particularly suited for entrepreneurs who desire additional features like banking offers, business contract templates, business website offers, and other physical items such as a corporate seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
A company’s registered agent is a person or business who receives and sends legal documents on your LLC’s behalf. In some states, it's called a statutory agent, resident agent, or an agent for service of process.
You need a registered agent in most states when you form a limited liability company (LLC). To learn more about your state’s requirements, visit our state-specific guides.
Hiring a registered agent can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, but hiring this service will save you time and money, allowing small business owners the freedom to conduct business without having to accept service of process or manage legal papers.
Changing your agent can cost from $0 to $50 per state depending on the number of states you’re registered in to do business with your LLC.
A statutory agent is another name for a registered agent, an agent of process, or a resident agent. Different states use different titles for designated registered agents.
Service of process means receiving legal documents, such as a summons. A summons is an order to appear before a judge due to a pending lawsuit.
Most states require LLC owners to provide their LLC’s registered agent’s name and address when forming your LLC. In some states, you will be asked whether you are electing a commercial or non-commercial registered agent. Some states refer to the professional registered agent as commercial agents and individual agents as non-commercial.