Updated on April 26, 2024
A registered agent service is a person or business entity designated to receive legal notices, accept personal service, and facilitate the renewal of a business entity with the State government.
By State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Top Registered Agents (10)
| Company | Pricing ($) | Document Scanning? | Fee for Renewals? | Mobile App? |
*1. ZenBusiness 4.7 out of 5 – 13,363 reviews | *$99 | Yes | No (except State fee) | iOS, Android |
2. IncAuthority 4.9 out of 5 – 28,031 reviews | $119/year | Yes | No | |
| 3. Swyft Filings 4.8 out of 5 – 6,428 reviews | $119/year | Yes | No | |
| 4. IncFile 4.7 out of 5 – 15,579 reviews | $119/year | Yes | No | |
| 5. LegalZoom 4.7 out of 5 – 3,068 reviews | $249/year | Yes | Yes | iOS |
| 6. RocketLawyer 4.7 out of 5 – 3,068 reviews | $249.99/year | Yes | Yes | iOS, Android |
| 7. BetterLegal 4.5 out of 5 – 314 reviews | $90/year | Yes | Yes | No |
8. HarborCompliance 4.2 out of 5 – 16 reviews | $99/year | Yes | Yes | No |
9. NorthwestRegisteredAgent 3.5 out of 5 – 62 reviews | $125/year | Yes | Yes | No |
10. Incorp 2.2 out of 5 – 16 reviews | $129/year | Yes | Yes | No |
Requirements
A registered agent is required for any entity licensed to do business within a State which includes LLCs, corporations, and partnerships. A registered agent is commonly required to be the following:
- Registered to transact business – Must be able to transact business within the State, which means a business operating as a registered agent must be incorporated. If an individual is appointed, they must be over 18 years of age and a resident of the State (i.e., hold a valid driver’s license).
- Physical Address to Accept Delivery – A physical location that is open during “normal” business hours to accept personal delivery of notices. Also known as accepting service of process (SOP).
- Official Appointment – Must be recorded with the government for a registered agent to act on behalf of a business entity. This is commonly mentioned on the incorporation documents or by filing an official change of registered agent with the State.
- Written Consent – There must be separate written consent by a business entity when appointing a registered agent to act on their behalf. This is commonly signed by the entity’s organizer or majority owner.
Primary Responsibilities
- Accepting and Forwarding Mail – Commonly by scanning and e-mailing documents received.
- Maintaining a Physical Location – Be available for the personal delivery of notices.
- Sending Reminders – Send notifications when renewals or other government-related communication is required.
- Government Communication – All notices, reports, and conveying of information to the State government.
- Document Storage – To store and manage documents sent and received by the government and related to the business (such as an operating agreement).
Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Can I use my business address (principal office address)?
How to Change a Registered Agent