A Complete Guide to What a Registered Agent Does

Your LLC can't function without a registered agent. Find out what a registered agent does and how to find one for your LLC.

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a complete guide to what a registered agent does

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Updated on: October 26, 2023
Read time: 4 min

A registered agent is a person or company designated to accept legal notices, such as mail from the Internal Revenue Service or a summons in a lawsuit for your LLC. You must fill this essential role to ensure your LLC operates smoothly.

A Complete Guide to What a Registered Agent Does

Find out more about what a registered agent does and how to find one for your LLC.

Why a registered agent is important

A registered agent is required to open an LLC, C Corp or any other business entity. You can't file business formation papers without one. If you don't have a registered agent who accepts documents and gives them to you, you will miss essential notices your business needs.

Without a current registered agent, your business faces the following problems:

  • Fines from the state
  • Not being permitted to file a lawsuit
  • Being blocked from expanding your business into other states
  • Denial of financing
  • Dissolution of your business

The registered agent can perform a lot of other activities on your behalf in addition to accepting notice and service.

“The essential duty of a registered agent is to accept service of process on behalf of your business. They are also the primary point of contact for your business with the state. Dependent on whether you hire a professional registered agent, your agent may also provide compliance monitoring such as for annual reports," explains Cynthia Flynn, Esq. of Hackler Flynn & Associates APC in Pasadena, Calif.

Who can be a registered agent?

Any person over 18 years old or business can be a registered agent, but there are some specific requirements they have to meet:

  • They must be present in the state your business is registered in
  • They must have a physical address, not just a post office box
  • They must be available in person during business hours at that address

You can name a single person or you can hire a registered agent company to fill this role for you.

Can you be your own registered agent?

You don't necessarily have to hire someone to be your registered agent. Flynn explains, "An LLC can decide to be their own registered agent by appointing a member, owner or manager."

There are some caveats to doing this yourself, though. If the designated person is not physically located at the office and legal service is attempted, in some states, "substituted service" is allowed. This means the notice will be considered delivered by sending it to the state's Secretary of State or by posting or publishing the notice. You may never receive the notice and a default judgment could be entered against your business.

Another drawback, according to Flynn, is that "If your designated registered agent is a person located at your business, then legal papers may be served in front of your clients and employees, which can be embarrassing." Imagine being served with notice that you're being sued right in the middle of closing a big deal. Another concern to be aware of is that the name and address of the registered agent is a public record, so you'll get more junk mail.

How to find a registered agent company

If you are not actually in the state where your business is registered, aren't comfortable naming someone in your company, or don't want to manage this in-house, you can hire a registered agency company. This is a business that takes on the registered agent role for a fee. Start by searching for a registered agent in your business' state or checking to see if your state's business department has a list of them. Moore says, "Beyond searching online and asking for recommendations from others, it's important to find an agent that suits your company's circumstances and longer-term ambitions."

If you conduct business in multiple states, you will need a registered agent service that provides nationwide services like Legal Inc

Consider the following factors when choosing one:

  • If your business will do business in several states, look for a company that services all the states you will work in
  • Make sure the agency is reputable and has been in business for several years
  • Confirm they have a physical address and are open during business hours

A registered agent is an important part of your business. Choose one wisely and carefully so that you can focus on doing business.

What happens if you have more than one business or have a business in more than one state needing registered agent?

Did you know Legalinc is a fully owned Legalzoom subsidiary that provides Registered Agent representation for Law Firms, Tax Firms, and in-house legal teams at multi-state / multi-company organizations? 


Need Corporate Registered Agent representation? Talk to a specialist today. GET STARTED NOW 

 

 

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

71 days ago
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Aditya was incredibly helpful and…

Aditya was incredibly helpful and professional throughout our conversation. He guided me through the payment process for the Registered Agent Service and explained everything clearly and thoroughly. He made sure all my concerns were addressed and was very patient the entire time. He also had a very nice and calming voice, which made the whole experience even better. Honestly, with the way he handled the call—with confidence, clarity, and excellent customer service—I believe Aditya has what it takes to be a manager. He’d be a great asset in a leadership role. Thank you again, Aditya!

Myrjean Aquino
128 days ago
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Legal Zoom always saves the day

Legal Zoom always saves the day. As me registered agent for 14 years they have been a lifesaver.

Genevieve Pavitt
166 days ago
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Keen was very supportive and helpful to…

Keen was very supportive and helpful to help me sign in for a registered agent

Marta Salerno
173 days ago
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Legal Zoom made it very simple and easy…

Legal Zoom made it very simple and easy to set up my LLC and having them as my registered agent it keeps my company on time for Legal document filings and they notify me if something is coming up that needs my attention to keep on track.

Townline Bus LLC
231 days ago
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Rene was super helpful in making legal Zoom, my company's registered agent

Rene was super helpful in getting Legalzoom setup as registered agent for all my companies, and help me get everything organized so that I know when to file my statements of information. Excellent customer service!

Scott Clift
232 days ago
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My registered agent Oliver was the best!…

My registered agent Oliver was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful.

Robert Mckay
255 days ago
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Highly Satisfied with service!

Yes, I am highly satisfied with the customer service provided by Alex. And I am highly satisfied by Legal Zooms services filling my Annual Report + Registered Agent with compliance essentials. I've been a client of Legal Zoom for many years.

Wilma Connell
272 days ago
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Very professional and knowledgeable

I initially called concerning my registered agent account with my company. Jonar was the agent that assisted me with the my concerns and nailed it with his professionalism and knowledge provided he answered all my questions and we released the line with me being fully confident in making LegalZoom my choice to do business.

Quinten Lee
549 days ago
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Legal Zoom Service Legal Zoom is the…

Legal Zoom is the registered agent for our company. They are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable! We never have to worry about compliance or our end of year report. In addition, the new BOI report was included with our annual report!

Connie Cochrane
883 days ago
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I have been a client of LZ since 2007

I have been a client of LZ since 2007. They have been a very good registered agent. I very much appreciate talking with a "real human" Their team has always been friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and professional. Thanks, JB

Jeffrey Bartlett
912 days ago
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The representative was friendly and helpful…

The representative was friendly and clear with information to become my business 'Registered Agent'. The process was also quick and easy.

Daleen
1325 days ago
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Very helpful for first-time entrepreneurs

Legal zoom has been my Registered Agent for over a year. They've been very helpful to me as a first-time, new business owner. Without them, I'd have had a very hard time understanding my obligations to the state as a business owner. They've kept me well-informed and ensured I don't miss important filing deadlines. And their customer service is super helpful if you ever need to talk to someone.

Ashley A
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,946+ reviewson

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