Registered Agents & Addresses: What's Required and How to Comply
If you're forming a U.S. LLC, a registered agent is required in every state. Here's what that means, what it costs, and how to handle it.
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent (also called a "resident agent" or "statutory agent") is a person or business entity designated to receive official legal and government correspondence on behalf of your LLC or corporation. This includes:
- Service of process (being served with lawsuits)
- Government notices from the Secretary of State
- Tax notifications and compliance letters
- Annual report filing reminders
The registered agent must have a physical street address (not a PO box) in the state of formation and must be available during normal business hours to receive documents.
Who needs a registered agent?
U.S. LLCs — required in every state
Every U.S. LLC must name a registered agent in its state of formation. If you operate as a foreign LLC in additional states, you also need a registered agent in each of those states.
Canadian corporations — different concept
Canadian corporations (Ontario or federal) don't have a "registered agent" in the same way. Instead, they have a registered office address — a physical address in the province of incorporation where legal notices can be delivered. This can be your business address, your lawyer's office, or another authorized address.
Options for U.S. LLC registered agents
Yourself
Free
If you live in the state of formation and have a physical address, you can be your own registered agent. Your name and address become public record.
Best for: Solo founders based in the formation state
A friend or colleague
Free
Anyone with a physical address in the state (18+) can be designated as your registered agent, with their consent.
Best for: If you have a trusted contact in the state
Commercial registered agent service
$50–$300/year
Services like Northwest Registered Agent, Registered Agents Inc., or Stripe Atlas handle registered agent for a yearly fee. Keeps your personal address off public records.
Best for: If you don't live in the formation state, or want privacy
State-specific notes
Delaware requires a registered agent with a Delaware address. Since most founders forming a Delaware LLC don't live in Delaware, a commercial registered agent is nearly universal (~$50–$150/year).
Wyoming has many commercial registered agent services at low cost, partly because it's a popular privacy-friendly state. Expect $50–$150/year.
New York designates the Secretary of State as the registered agent for all LLCs by default. You can optionally designate an additional registered agent for practical day-to-day purposes.
California allows individuals or registered corporate agents to serve. Must be a California resident or a company registered to do business in California.
Can I change my registered agent later?
Yes. You can change your registered agent by filing a simple form with the Secretary of State (typically $10–$50). If your registered agent resigns or becomes unavailable, it's important to replace them quickly — failing to have a valid registered agent can put your LLC in non-good-standing status.
LegalEase guides you through registered agent setup
During the guided LLC formation flow, we explain registered agent options for your specific state.
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