{"id":5217,"date":"2021-09-17T12:52:57","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T17:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-become-a-registered-agent.html"},"modified":"2026-05-26T14:24:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T19:24:00","slug":"how-to-become-a-registered-agent","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/starting-a-business\/how-to-become-a-registered-agent.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Become a Registered Agent"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Become a Registered Agent<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Editorial Note: We earn a commission from affiliate partner links on FindLaw. Commissions do not affect the editorial integrity of our legal content.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n \n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A registered agent is an individual or business entity with a physical address in the state that can receive legal, tax, and government correspondence on behalf of a corporation or limited liability company (LLC).<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

When starting a business, you may incorporate it in one state, operate it in another, and locate it in a different state. So, how can business owners<\/span> or their companies be in all those places at once? With the help of a registered agent.<\/p>\n

Form your LLC with confidence.\u00a0Our trusted partner, LegalZoom, has packages starting at $0 + filing fees.<\/a><\/b><\/i><\/p>\n

What Is a Registered Agent?<\/h2>\n

A registered agent is a person or business located in a state representing a company in good standing<\/span> in that state. For example, if a Delaware<\/span> corporation<\/a> located in New York were doing business in New Jersey, that company would need a registered agent in each state.<\/p>\n

A registered agent is required when you form a corporation or\u00a0limited liability company<\/span> (LLC)<\/a>. When\u00a0filing articles of incorporation<\/a>\u00a0for a corporation or articles of organization<\/span> for an LLC, you include the registered agent\u2019s name and address. In addition, if you register to do business in another state, you need a registered agent to represent you there.<\/p>\n

The agent is your company contact in that state. They provide a physical office address. They also receive mail, lawsuits, and legal and tax information for your company.<\/p>\n

Who Can Be a Registered Agent?<\/h2>\n

A person over 18 or a business located in that state can serve as a registered agent. The person or small business<\/span> must have a physical office address in the state to receive mail. A post office box (P.O. box<\/span>) is not allowed.<\/p>\n

The registered agent must be present during normal <\/span>business hours<\/span> to act as the company representative. You can have an employee serve as your registered agent. Alternatively, you may use your lawyer or accountant as a registered agent.<\/p>\n

If you are forming your own company and reside in that state, you can act as the registered agent. It is convenient. Plus, you don\u2019t have to pay a fee to a registered agent.<\/p>\n

However, being your own registered agent<\/span> may not suit you. For example, you may not be available during regular business hours<\/span>. You also may not be willing to accept lawsuits at your place of business. That would mean the sheriff comes to serve you paperwork at work or at home.<\/p>\n

Commercial Registered Agents<\/h3>\n

A commercial registered agent is a registered agent service<\/span> company representing hundreds, if not thousands, of companies. These professional <\/span>registered agent<\/span> service<\/span> companies receive and forward mail and annual franchise tax reports on your behalf for a fee.<\/p>\n

You can find many registered agent service<\/span> companies online. First, however, consider the\u00a0pros and cons of using a third party as your registered agent<\/a>. Then, see if a third-party registered agent is best for your business.<\/p>\n

What Does a Registered Agent Do<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

The primary function of a registered or statutory agent<\/span> is to represent the corporation or LLC<\/a> and receive tax, legal, and official correspondence. They also accept <\/span>service of process<\/span>, meaning acceptance of lawsuit notifications<\/span>, for your corporation or LLC.<\/p>\n

Your registered agent is public record<\/span>. Anyone can see it on the secretary of state<\/span> website in your state.<\/p>\n

Other services include:<\/p>\n