Wisconsin Registered Agent
LLCs are required to appoint a Wisconsin registered agent to receive important legal notifications and documents (e.g., service of process, etc.).
You can be your own registered agent, but many small businesses choose to use a registered agent service instead. This is because registered agent services will:
- Protect your privacy and reduce risk
- Increase day-to-day flexibility
- Ensure your business’s legal documents are stored securely
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 Wisconsin
A Wisconsin registered agent acts as your business’s primary point of contact. This is for the Secretary of State and any entity that may wish to serve you with a lawsuit (i.e., deliver service of process).
In Wisconsin, you must appoint a registered agent. This can be a registered agent service, yourself, or another individual, so long as:
- They’re 18 years old or older
- They have a physical street address in Wisconsin
- They’re always available in person during normal business hours at the specified location
Wisconsin Registered Agent Services
- Flexibility: Hiring a Wisconsin registered agent service will ensure that you do not have to worry about being physically present at your address during regular business hours.
- Privacy: Your agent’s name and address will become publicly available. This means that farming this out to a third party will protect your private information.
- Compliance and Online Storage: Most third-party services scan and upload all received documents online in PDF form. This ensures that you will not lose an important document that you will later need.
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. Being your own agent is not only legal, but it is also a great choice for the very small business owners that might struggle to pay the $10 monthly fee of hiring a registered agent service.
Having said that, we recommend avoiding this route unless absolutely necessary, as there are undoubtedly certain disadvantages that are associated with being your own agent.
These include the fact that it’s a relatively time-inefficient approach, as well as the fact that it doesn’t allow you to be as flexible when it comes to how you can operate on a day-to-day basis.
If you are forming a new LLC, it makes sense to hire a formation service that includes one-year free registered agent. These tend to charge as little as $29 for formation (plus state fees).
If you are forming a limited liability company (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 Wisconsin guide.
Best Wisconsin Registered Agent Service
If you're in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin registered agent services below.
Top 5 Wisconsin Registered Agent Services
| 1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Northwest
4.7/5 |
BEST REGISTERED AGENT SERVICE
|
VISIT SITE |
|
LegalZoom
4.5/5 |
TRUSTED AND WELL-KNOWN COMPANY
|
VISIT SITE |
|
ZenBusiness
4.3/5 |
|
VISIT SITE |
|
Incfile
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 Wisconsin. 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 professional registered agent service when they form an LLC. This is because it can offer a number of benefits, including:
- Legal compliance: A commercial registered agent 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: If you act as your own agent, your name and address will become public record on the Wisconsin Business Search. Using a third-party registered agent’s address 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 an employee accidentally losing an important document.
A national 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 Wisconsin
For your LLC in Wisconsin, you’ll be required to elect your registered agent when you complete your Articles of Organization. This is the formation document that you’ll need to file with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions in order to officially form your LLC.
Electing a Registered Agent Online
You can form your LLC online at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website ($130 filing fee required). The online form will ask you to provide some essential information about your LLC, including the name and address of your registered agent.
Electing a Registered Agent by Mail
To form your LLC by mail, download the Articles of Organization form ($170 filing fee), fill out the required fields, and submit a physical copy with the Department of Financial Institutions. Your registered agent’s name and address will be requested near the top of the form.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Wisconsin
To change your Wisconsin registered agent, you’ll need to fill out Form 13: Statement of Change form and file it with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions alongside the $10 filing fee.
A $25 expedited filing option is also available.
This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
Mail:
State of WI-Dept. of Financial Institutions
Box 93348
Milwaukee, WI 53293-0348
In Person:
State of WI-Dept. of Financial Institutions
Division of Corporate & Consumer Services
201 W. Washington Ave, Suite 300
Madison, WI 53703
For more information read our how to change registered agents in Wisconsin guide.
Wisconsin Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my own registered agent in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can.
In fact, anyone can be a Wisconsin registered agent so long as they are at least 18 years old, are available during regular business hours, and have a physical address in Wisconsin.
Having said that, this is usually not recommended due to the fact that it’s not the most time-efficient approach.
Does Wisconsin require a registered agent?
This will depend on the business entity in question.
For example, sole proprietorships and general partnerships are not required to appoint a registered agent, whereas Wisconsin registered agents are needed for both LLCs and corporations.
For more information, we recommend having a look at our What is a Registered Agent article.
What is a registered agent in Wisconsin?
A registered agent — also known as an agent for service of process or statutory agent — is an individual or third-party service that acts as a business’s primary point of contact.
This is in relation to both government bodies (e.g., Secretary of State, etc.), as well as private businesses (e.g., service of process, etc.).
Do I need a registered agent for my LLC in Wisconsin?
Yes, you do. All LLCs in Wisconsin are legally required to appoint a registered agent in order to be formed.
This needs to be done before you file your Articles of Organization with the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
How do I find a registered agent for an LLC in Wisconsin?
You can find a registered agent service through our comprehensive review of the five best registered agent services in 2023.
If you do not want to use a third-party service, then you will simply need to provide the details of the person that you wish to appoint as your agent when filling out your Articles of Organization.