Do I Need a Registered Agent to Expand My Business into Another State?

When your corporation transacts business in another state, it can be confusing as to whether the corporation must register in that state and pick a registered agent. Follow these guidelines to see if you need a registered agent in the other state.

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do i need a registered agent to expand my business into another state

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Updated on: October 26, 2023
Read time: 3 min

If you decide to do business in another state, your business must register with that state. Additionally, if the company expands into other states, the corporation must have a registered agent in each state where it is doing business.

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Registered agent for service of process

While every state has different business laws, each state requires a company doing business in its state to have a registered agent for the service of lawsuits and subpoenas.

It's often difficult to find an agent to appoint in each state if the corporation is doing business in multiple states. If that's the case, it's a good idea to have a company that's available in all states be your registered agent.

Different registered agent solutions are available, but having an online company with the authority to act anywhere in the United States can be very helpful. This allows your company to have a registered agent in place in every state where the company does business.

Expanding your business into another state

Only some transactions in other states mean that your company is doing business in those states. Nevertheless, your company must keep track of what business the company is doing in other states.

A company registered and doing business in the same state is known as a domestic corporation. In contrast, a company doing business outside the state where it's registered is known as a foreign corporation (in this usage, foreign does not refer to another country).

Many types of company actions constitute doing business in another state. Some of these actions include, but are not limited to:

  • Having a physical office in another state
  • Conducting sales in another state
  • Administering services in another state, even without a physical office in that state
  • Being incorporated in Delaware but having a physical office in Illinois, making the company qualify as doing business and qualifying as a foreign corporation in Illinois
  • Having a strong connection to another state, other than making advertising or telephone sales
  • Having a substantial portion of the corporation's income come from another state
  • Often meeting clients in another state

These situations usually mean that the company is doing business in another state, although it depends on the foreign state's definition of doing business. Suppose your company is doing business in another state. In that case, you need to file forms with the secretary of state or another government official to permit your company to do business in that state. When you're ready to file the required paperwork and pay the fee, establish a registered agent for that state.

Failure to appoint a registered agent in another state

Suppose you fail to appoint a registered agent in the additional state where your company is doing business. In that case, the company usually incurs fines, fees, and ongoing penalties, and the company cannot litigate in court. If you can't find a person who lives in the state to act as your registered agent, consider hiring a reputable company to act as your registered agent as soon as possible.

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.

68 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
125 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
163 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
170 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
228 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
229 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
252 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
269 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
546 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
880 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
909 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
1322 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 on23,825+ reviewson

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