Updated on February 27, 2024
A Massachusetts registered agent is authorized to be a corporation’s point of contact in legal proceedings. The agent is responsible for receiving and forwarding notices, demands, and service of process. Every corporation authorized to transact business in Massachusetts must continuously maintain a registered agent.[1]
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Registered Agent Search
Step 1 – Visit the Corporations Division’s Business Entity Search page.
Step 2 – While it’s not possible to search specifically for a registered agent, it’s possible to search for either an entity name or the name of an individual who’s associated with the entity, such as a director or treasurer. Sometimes an authorized officer is also a registered agent. To search by individual, select “Individual Name,” enter a first and last name, and click “Search Corporations.”
Step 3 – Review the list of entities the search engine returns. Select an entity by clicking on its name.
Step 4 – Clicking on an entity’s name brings up information about the entity, including the name and address of its registered agent.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
A registered agent can be either an individual or a corporation with a street address in Massachusetts.[2]
The agent may be the secretary or another officer of the corporation being represented, but may not be the corporation itself. A non-profit corporation, either domestic or foreign, may also act as a registered agent.
Can I be a Registered Agent?
Yes, if you have a street address in Massachusetts.
The simplest way to designate a registered agent is to include the agent’s name and address in documents filed to create a new entity. This can be done online or by mail.
Another way to designate an agent is to file a Statement of Appointment with the state’s Corporations Division. The statement must include the corporation’s name, the corporation’s registered office address, the registered agent’s name, and the agent’s written consent to the appointment.[3]
A statement can be filed online or manually. If filing online, log in with a Customer ID Number (CID) and PIN, then click on the name of the appropriate filing. A credit card can be used to pay the associated filing fee.[4]
Paper forms can be delivered or mailed, along with payment for the filing fee, to William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512.
Statement of Appointment of Registered Agent
Download: PDF
Changing a Registered Agent
To change its registered agent, a corporation must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office. The statement must include the name of the corporation, the office address of the corporation, the name of the current registered agent, and the name of the new registered agent.[5][6]
This can be filed online or manually. Paper forms can be mailed, along with payment for the filing fee, to William Francis Galvin Secretary of the Commonwealth, One Ashburton Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02108-1512. The filing fee is $25.
Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office
Download: PDF
Resigning as a Registered Agent
An agent can resign by filing a Statement of Resignation with the state’s Corporations Division. The filing fee is $25. The resignation is effective 30 days after filing. A copy of the certificate must be mailed to the corporation at its registered office address.[7][8]
Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent
Download: PDF