What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal notices, tax documents, and state correspondence on behalf of an LLC or corporation. Every state requires an LLC or corporation to name one at formation, with a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in the state of registration.
A registered agent (sometimes called a statutory or resident agent) is the official point of contact between a formal business entity — an LLC or corporation — and the state. Every state requires one at formation, and the agent's job is to reliably receive service of process (lawsuit notices), state compliance mail, and tax correspondence during normal business hours.
What a registered agent does
- Receives service of process: If your business is sued, the registered agent is who gets legally served — this is the core reason states require one.
- Receives state correspondence: Annual report reminders, franchise tax notices, and other official state mail go to the registered agent's address.
- Maintains a public address of record: The registered agent's address becomes part of the public record, which is one reason many owners hire a commercial registered agent instead of using their home address.
Can you be your own registered agent?
Yes, in most states, as long as you have a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in the state where the business is registered and can be available during standard business hours to receive documents. Many owners instead hire a commercial registered agent service — typically $50–$150/year — for privacy (keeping a home address off the public record) and to avoid missing a time-sensitive legal notice while away from the office.
Key facts on registered agents
- Every state requires an LLC or corporation to designate a registered agent with a physical in-state address at the time of formation. — U.S. Small Business Administration
Key takeaways
- A registered agent receives legal and state notices on behalf of an LLC or corporation.
- Every state requires one, with a physical in-state street address — no P.O. boxes.
- You can act as your own registered agent if you meet the address and availability requirements.
- A commercial registered agent service adds privacy and reliability, typically for $50–$150/year.
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