What Is a Registered Agent? (Do You Really Need One?)
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents and official mail on behalf of your LLC. Every state requires one, but you have options: be your own (free), or hire a service ($100–$299/year) for privacy and reliability.
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent (sometimes called a "statutory agent" or "agent for service of process") is a person or business designated to receive official government correspondence and legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This includes tax notices, compliance reminders, and lawsuit papers.
Every state requires LLCs to designate a registered agent, and the agent's name and address become part of the public record. The registered agent must have a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in the state where your LLC is registered and must be available during normal business hours.
Think of it like having a reliable point person for your business's important mail. When the state needs to reach your LLC or someone files a lawsuit, the registered agent is the guaranteed contact point.
Why Every LLC Needs a Registered Agent
The registered agent requirement exists so there's always a reliable way to contact your LLC. If the state needs to send compliance reminders, tax notices, or annual report deadlines, the registered agent ensures those documents reach someone responsible.
It also protects due process in legal situations. If your LLC is sued, the registered agent receives the "service of process" — the official notice of the lawsuit. This guarantees you're properly notified and have time to respond. Missing a lawsuit notice because no one was available to receive it could result in a default judgment against your business.
Failing to maintain a registered agent can result in your LLC losing its good standing, being unable to file lawsuits, or even being administratively dissolved by the state.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes, in most states you can serve as your own registered agent — and it's completely free. The requirements are straightforward: you need a physical address in the state (not a P.O. box), and you must be available at that address during standard business hours (typically 9 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday).
This works well for many small business owners, especially if you operate from a fixed location during regular hours. If you run a home-based business and are consistently at your home address during business hours, being your own registered agent is a practical choice.
The key limitation is availability. If you travel frequently, work irregular hours, or don't want your home address on public record, being your own registered agent creates risks. Missing a legal document delivery can have serious consequences.
Pro Tip
If you choose to be your own registered agent, set up a system for tracking important mail. A missed annual report notice can cost you late fees or even your good standing status.
Being Your Own Agent vs. Hiring a Service
Being your own agent (free) makes sense if: you have a fixed business location, you're always available during business hours, you don't mind your address being on public record, and you operate in only one state.
Hiring a registered agent service ($100–$299/year) makes sense if: you work from home and want privacy, you travel or have irregular hours, you operate in multiple states, or you want help tracking compliance deadlines. Most formation services include the first year free.
The privacy factor alone makes a service worthwhile for many people. Your registered agent's address — not your home address — appears on public filings. This keeps your personal address off databases that marketers, solicitors, and scammers regularly scrape.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?
Registered agent services typically cost $100–$299 per year. Many LLC formation services include the first year of registered agent service for free when you file through them, then charge $100–$199/year for renewal.
Here's how the major services compare: Northwest Registered Agent charges $125/year and is consistently rated for excellent customer service. ZenBusiness includes it free for the first year, then $199/year. Bizee includes it free year one, then $119/year. LegalZoom charges $249/year.
The price difference between services is modest in the context of annual business costs. Focus more on reliability, document scanning speed, and compliance tracking features than on saving $50/year.
Pro Tip
When comparing formation services, always check the registered agent renewal price — not just the first-year promotional rate. The renewal cost is what you'll pay every year going forward.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service
Look for three key features: document scanning and digital delivery (you should receive scanned copies of all documents within 24 hours), compliance alerts (automatic reminders for annual reports and other deadlines), and nationwide coverage (important if you plan to expand to other states).
Check reviews and the company's track record. A registered agent service that's been operating for 5+ years with consistently positive reviews is safer than a brand-new company offering rock-bottom prices. This is a role where reliability matters more than cost savings.
Also verify that the service provides a physical address in your state of formation. Some discount services use virtual office arrangements that may not meet state requirements.
Not sure where to start? Our Registered Agent Finder matches you with the best service based on 3 quick questions about your priorities.
How to Change Your Registered Agent
Changing your registered agent is straightforward. File a "Change of Registered Agent" form (or equivalent) with your state's Secretary of State office. Most states charge a small filing fee ($5–$25) for this change.
The process typically takes 1–2 weeks. Your new registered agent is effective once the state processes the filing. During the transition, make sure both the old and new agents are aware so no documents fall through the cracks.
Common reasons for switching include finding a better price, upgrading to a service with better features, moving your business to a new location, or transitioning from being your own agent to using a professional service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a P.O. box as my registered agent address?
No. Every state requires the registered agent to have a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in the state of registration. Someone must be physically available at that address during business hours to accept document delivery.
What happens if my registered agent misses a document?
If a legal document (like a lawsuit notice) can't be delivered to your registered agent, the court may allow alternative service methods. In the worst case, you could face a default judgment if you don't respond to a lawsuit you never received.
Do I need a registered agent in every state where I do business?
Yes. If your LLC is registered (either domestically or as a foreign LLC) in multiple states, you need a registered agent with a physical address in each state. This is where nationwide agent services become valuable.
Can a family member be my registered agent?
Yes, any adult who has a physical address in the state and is available during business hours can serve as your registered agent. However, they take on the responsibility of ensuring documents are promptly forwarded to you.