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DefinitionA Registered Agent is the official point of contact between a US business entity and the state where it is registered. Every LLC, Corporation, and similar entity must designate a R
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Plain English Guide
What Is A Registered Agent · File.Business

What is a Registered Agent? Every state requires one.

A Registered Agent is the official point of contact between a US business entity and the state where it is registered. Every LLC, Corporation, and similar entity must designate a Registered Agent with a physical address in the state, available during business hours to accept legal notices and state correspondence.

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Formal Definition

A Registered Agent (also called Resident Agent in Michigan and a few other states, Statutory Agent in Arizona and Ohio, or Agent for Service of Process in California) is a person or company designated to accept legal notices and official state correspondence on behalf of a business entity.

In plain English

Here is what that actually means.

The role exists for a simple reason: when a court, state agency, or other party needs to deliver formal documents to a business (a lawsuit, a tax notice, an annual report reminder), they need to know where to deliver them. The Registered Agent address is that delivery point, and it is on the public state record.

The Registered Agent does not run the business, does not have management authority, and does not control money. The role is purely administrative: receive documents during business hours, forward them to the business owner promptly. That is it.

Every state requires every LLC and Corporation to designate a Registered Agent in the state of formation. If you foreign-qualify in additional states (operate in states beyond your home state), you also need a Registered Agent in each of those states. Failing to maintain a Registered Agent can result in state-imposed dissolution.

Key facts

The four things to know.

Required by every state
Mandatory for every LLC and Corporation
Physical address required
Cannot be a PO Box; must be a real street address in the state
Business-hours availability
Must accept Service of Process during normal business hours
Public record
Registered Agent address goes on the public state filings
Who needs this

Common situations.

Every LLC Required in the state of formation.
Every Corporation Same requirement; states do not distinguish between LLC and Corp Registered Agents.
Every foreign-qualified entity Each additional state needs its own Registered Agent.
Nonprofits Nonprofit corporations need a Registered Agent in their formation state.
How it compares

Related concepts side by side.

Registered Agent vs Owner
The Registered Agent receives documents. The owner runs the business. They can be the same person (if owner has a physical state address and is available during business hours), but they serve different functions.
Registered Agent vs Office Address
The Registered Agent address is for legal service. The principal office address is where the business actually operates. They can be different addresses.
Registered Agent vs Statutory Agent
Different names for the same role. Arizona and Ohio call it "Statutory Agent." Michigan calls it "Resident Agent." California calls it "Agent for Service of Process." Same function.
FAQ

Common questions.

Can I be my own Registered Agent?
In most states, yes if you have a physical street address in the state and are available during business hours. Most founders use a service to keep their home address off the public record.
What happens if I am not available when service is attempted?
The process server typically tries multiple times, then may file proof of service by other methods (publication, mailing). Service can still be valid even if you miss it. This is the biggest risk of being your own Registered Agent.
How much does a Registered Agent service cost?
$99 to $250 per state per year is typical. We include Registered Agent service free for the first year with every formation, then $99 per state per year on renewal.
What documents does a Registered Agent receive?
Service of Process (lawsuits), state correspondence (annual report reminders, franchise tax notices), tax notices (sometimes), and other official mail. We scan everything same-day to your Document Vault.
Can I use a PO Box as a Registered Agent address?
No. Every state requires a physical street address. PO Boxes are not acceptable.
Can I change my Registered Agent later?
Yes. A "Change of Registered Agent" form (varies by state) updates the state record. Cost is typically $25 to $100 in state fees plus our service fee. Most founders change when they hire a professional service or switch providers.
Do I need a Registered Agent in every state I operate in?
Yes, in every state where you have foreign-qualified your LLC or Corporation. If you operate from a single home state, just one Registered Agent in that state.
What if my Registered Agent moves or closes?
You must update the state record within the required time (typically 30 days). Failing to maintain a current Registered Agent address can result in administrative dissolution of the entity.
Can I hire any individual as my Registered Agent?
Yes, as long as the person is 18+, has a physical address in the state, and consents to the role. Many founders use a family member, attorney, or accountant. The trade-off is that the individual's name and address go on the public record.
Keep reading

Related guides.

Registered Agent Service→ Registered Agent Guide (Blog)→ Identity Privacy→ Foreign Qualification→

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