Top Registered Agent Services

Last updated on 05 May 2025

LLC Formation Services

Top Registered Agent Services

Find a Registered Agent in Under 10 Minutes

Compare the best registered agent services to protect your privacy, maintain compliance, and stay on top of important deadlines.

LLC Services Comparison

TOP RATED

4.8

Best for Personalized Support

Visit Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent

✓ $125/year
✓ Protects your personal information
✓ Offers a dedicated account representative
✓ Quick access to important documents
✓ Known for excellent customer service and fast processing times

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Reliable

★★★★★ (4.7)

ZenBusiness

✓ Free for the first year with LLC formation; $99/year after
✓ Low-cost plans with valuable added services
✓ Free registered agent service when you form an LLC
✓ Secure online access to documents
✓ Additional business tools to ensure compliance

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Affordable

★★★★ (4.3)

LegalZoom

✓ Well-known and established in legal services
✓ Access to a wide range of business and legal tools
✓ Secure online storage for all your business documents
✓ 24/7 access to customer service

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★★★★★ (4.6)

Swyft Filings

✓ Fast setup process
✓ Keeps you informed of important filing dates
✓ Offers ongoing customer service for free
✓ Provides access to your business documents

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★★★★★ (4.6)

Rocket Lawyer

✓ Free trial for business and legal document templates
✓ Access to licensed attorneys for legal questions
✓ Store and manage your legal documents securely
✓ Trusted name in legal services

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FAQs Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Agent?

A Registered Agent is an individual or service appointed to receive service of process, government notices, and legal documents for your business. This helps keep you in compliance with state laws.

Is a Registered Agent Mandatory by Law?

Yes, every LLC and corporation must have a registered agent in every state in which they are registered. This is a legal requirement to ensure your business can receive important state notices and legal documents.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent but only if you have a physical address in the state where you are registering your business. Plus, you should be available at normal business hours for receiving documents.

May I Change My Registered Agent?

Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time. That would usually be in the form of a state filing and an additional small fee. Always notify your old and new agents to avoid problems.

What if I don't have a Registered Agent?

Without a registered agent, your business is likely to lose some legal communications or miss out on important deadline dates, causing you to miss fines, legal prosecution, or an injunction of business registration.

Do Registered Agent Services Provide Additional Services?

Many registered agent services also offer business formation, compliance monitoring, LLC filing, and document storage. Some even assist with getting business licenses or submitting required reports such as the Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR).

How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost?

The registered agent services are usually in the range of $100 to $300 annually, depending on the provider and the services that you would require. Some providers give discounts if you buy their services as part of a business formation package.

Registered Agent Services

Registered Agent Services: A Guide

Starting a business involves multiple legal requirements, and one key step is appointing a registered agent. This trusted third party plays an essential role in keeping your business compliant with state regulations. They receive important legal documents on your behalf. Without proper representation, you may miss critical deadlines, legal notices, or even face penalties.

Why Do You Need a Registered Agent?

By law, all LLCs and corporations must appoint a registered agent in all 50 states. This is often the first section of your formation documents. A registered agent must have a physical address in the state where your business is registered, where they can receive important documents during normal business hours.

A PO Box is not acceptable for this purpose; only a physical street address is allowed. This is referred to as your "registered office," where all official state correspondence and renewal notices are sent.

Who Can Be Your Registered Agent?

You have several options for appointing a registered agent:

Self-appointed: You can act as your own registered agent.
Family or Friends: You can appoint someone you trust, like a family member or friend.
Professional Registered Agent Service: You can hire a professional service to take care of the responsibilities for you.

Advantages of Using a Professional Registered Agent Service

Using a professional service offers several benefits:

Freedom to Work Anywhere: Your business can be registered in any state, and you don't need to be physically present.
Focus on Business: Professional agents handle your legal documents, letting you focus on growing your business.
Privacy Protection:Your personal address won’t be listed publicly, protecting your privacy.
Multi-State Compliance::If your business operates in several states, they can manage filings for all your locations.

Domestic LLC vs. Foreign LLC

A Domestic LLC is formed in the state where you reside and operate. If your business operates in multiple states, you may need to form a Foreign LLC in each of those states. Foreign LLCs can involve additional fees and the need for a separate registered agent in each state.

Additional Services You May Require for Your LLC

Many states require a registered agent to handle your business’s legal documents. Professional services ensure timely delivery and proper handling of these documents. Depending on your industry, your business may also require specific business licenses and permits.

Businesses will need to submit a Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) to FinCEN, which can be handled by LLC formation services.

Same-Day LLC Filing

Many business formation services offer expedited processing for LLC filings. For example, ZenBusiness offers a Pro Package for $199 plus state fees, which includes same-day LLC filing and other essential services to get your business up and running quickly.