No, a Registered Agent doesn’t have to be a person, but they can be.
They can also be a company (like a Registered Agent Service).
Picking the right Registered Agent is an important part of starting your LLC. We’ll explain your options, so you can make the best decision for your business.
Note: Most states use the term Registered Agent. But some states use the term Agent for Service of Process, Resident Agent or Statutory Agent. These terms all mean the same thing.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Who can be a Registered Agent?
In most states, you have a few options for who can be your Registered Agent.
You could use a person (like you, a friend or a family member).
If your Registered Agent will be a person, they must meet the state’s Registered Agent requirements.
This means they must:
- be at least 18 years old
- be a resident of the state where your LLC is formed
- be available during normal business hours to receive documents
You could also list another business like:
Note: A few states also allow you to use your own LLC as your Registered Agent. However, this is rare, and we’ll cover it below.
We only recommend using a lawyer or a CPA if you’re already paying for one.
In those cases, you may be able to get Registered Agent services for an additional fee. That said, Registered Agent services aren’t their speciality or priority.
If you want to use a business as your Registered Agent, we recommend hiring a professional Registered Agent Service instead.
They’re less expensive than a lawyer or CPA, and they specialize in providing Registered Agent services. Meaning, they have more knowledge and experience when it comes to assisting your LLC.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
What is a Registered Agent Service?
A Registered Agent Service is a company that you pay to receive state notices and legal documents on behalf of your LLC. These companies have offices in every state and are always available during normal business hours.
If you don’t have a friend or family member in the state where you form your LLC, hiring a Registered Agent Service is a great choice.
Our favorite Registered Agent Service is Northwest Registered Agent.
Northwest has been in business for 28 years and they have excellent customer support.
It’s also important to know that a Registered Agent’s name and address are on public record with the Secretary of State.
Northwest is unique in allowing you to use their business address throughout your LLC paperwork so you can keep your address off of public record.
And if you hire Northwest to form your LLC, they’ll give you 1 year of free Registered Agent Service.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Can my LLC be its own Registered Agent?
In most states, your LLC can’t be its own Registered Agent.
The Registered Agent must be a separate person or company.
That said, a few states do allow your LLC to be its own agent:
For more information about these exceptions, please read Can an LLC be its own Registered Agent?
FAQs
Does a Registered Agent have to live in the state?
Yes, a Registered Agent is required to live in the same state where the LLC is formed or registered.
For example: If you form an LLC in Georgia, you must have a Registered Agent located in Georgia.
And if you later register your Georgia LLC as a Foreign LLC in Florida, then you will also need a Registered Agent located in Florida.
For more information, please read Does a Registered Agent have to live in the state?
Can I use a P.O. Box?
No, you can’t use a P.O. Box for your Registered Agent’s address in most states.
It must be a physical address where someone can receive documents in person in case Service of Process arrives for your LLC.
Can my Registered Agent be in another state?
No, your Registered Agent can’t be located in a different state from the one where your LLC is located.
Registered Agents are required to have a physical address in the same state where your LLC is on file with the Secretary of State.
For more information, please read Can my Registered Agent be in another state?
Do I need a Registered Agent in every state?
No, you don’t need a Registered Agent in every state.
You only need a Registered Agent in the states where your LLC is on file with the Secretary of State.
For more information, please read Do I need a Registered Agent in every state?
Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent as long as you meet the state requirements.
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.