Find the Best Registered Agent for Your State
Compare pricing, features, and reviews of the top registered agent services. Every LLC and corporation needs one. Make sure you choose the right one.
Northwest Registered Agent
Best OverallPrivacy-focused with address protection | Est. 1998
12,000+ reviews
InCorp
Best ValueTrusted by 250,000+ businesses | Est. 1998
8,000+ reviews
Swyft Filings
Budget PickFast, budget-friendly option | Est. 2015
5,000+ reviews
CSC Global
Best for EnterpriseEnterprise-grade compliance platform | Est. 1899
3,500+ reviews
LegalZoom
Most PopularMost recognized legal brand | Est. 2001
15,000+ reviews
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent (sometimes called a statutory agent, resident agent, or agent for service of process) is a person or business entity designated to receive important legal and government documents on behalf of your company. These documents include service of process (lawsuits), tax notices, annual report reminders, and official state correspondence.
Every state in the U.S. requires LLCs, corporations, and other formal business entities to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in the state where the business is registered. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept documents.
Why Use a Professional Registered Agent Service?
- Privacy protection: Your home address stays off public records. The agent's address appears instead.
- Never miss a deadline: Professional services scan and forward documents immediately, so you get notified right away.
- Multi-state coverage: If your business operates in multiple states, one service can handle all of them.
- Compliance monitoring: Many services include reminders for annual reports and other filings.
- Reliability: Someone is always available during business hours, unlike relying on yourself or a friend.
How to Choose a Registered Agent
When selecting a registered agent service, consider these factors:
- Price: Annual fees range from $125 to $300+. Watch for hidden fees or auto-renewals at higher rates.
- Reputation: Look for services with strong customer reviews and a track record of reliability.
- Features: Some include compliance alerts, mail forwarding, and online dashboards.
- State coverage: If you plan to expand to other states, choose a provider with nationwide availability.
- Privacy: Some services are better than others at protecting your personal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent (also called a statutory agent or agent for service of process) is a person or company designated to receive legal documents, tax notices, and official government correspondence on behalf of your business. Every LLC and corporation is required to have one in each state where they are registered.
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes. Every state requires LLCs and corporations to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state of formation. Sole proprietors and general partnerships typically do not need one unless required by local law.
Can I be my own registered agent?
In most states, yes. However, you must be available at your registered address during normal business hours to accept documents. Using a professional service means you never miss important legal or tax notices, and your home address stays off public records.
What happens if I do not have a registered agent?
If your business does not maintain a registered agent, you may lose good standing status, face administrative dissolution, miss critical legal deadlines, and become unable to file lawsuits in the state.
Can I change my registered agent?
Yes. You can change your registered agent at any time by filing a form with your state (usually a "Statement of Change of Registered Agent"). Most registered agent services will handle this paperwork for you.
How much does a registered agent cost?
Professional registered agent services typically cost between $100 and $300 per year. Budget options start around $125/year while enterprise solutions with compliance platforms can run $299/year or more.
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