If you've ever filed formation documents for an LLC or corporation, you've seen the registered agent requirement. Most people fill in whatever name is convenient and move on. That's usually fine — until it isn't.
Here's what a registered agent actually does, what happens when you don't have one, and how to choose the right option for your business.
What a Registered Agent Does
A registered agent (sometimes called a "statutory agent" or "agent for service of process") is a person or company designated to receive official legal and government documents on behalf of your business. Specifically:
- Service of process — lawsuits, subpoenas, court summons
- State correspondence — annual report reminders, tax notices, compliance alerts
- Official government mail — IRS correspondence sent to your business address
Every US state requires LLCs and corporations to designate a registered agent. The agent must have a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in the state where your business is formed or registered to do business.
Why You Can't Just Skip It
This isn't optional paperwork you can ignore. If your company doesn't have a valid registered agent:
- Your state can administratively dissolve your company or revoke its good standing
- You may be unable to bring lawsuits in that state while out of good standing
- Service of process might be delivered to your state's Secretary of State instead — meaning a lawsuit could proceed without you ever knowing about it
That last point is the one that actually hurts businesses. Missing a lawsuit deadline because you didn't receive the summons doesn't make the lawsuit go away. Courts don't typically accept "I didn't know" as a defense.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes, in most states — with conditions:
- You must be a resident of the state where the company is formed
- You must have a physical street address in that state (your home address counts)
- You must be available at that address during normal business hours to accept service
The main downside of being your own registered agent: your address becomes part of the public record. If you work from home, your home address will appear in state business filings — which is searchable by anyone.
For a sole founder working from home, this is the most common reason to use a professional service instead.
When to Use a Professional Service
Use a professional registered agent service if:
- You're incorporated in Delaware (or any state where you don't physically operate)
- You want privacy — your home address stays out of public records
- You want compliance reminders so you don't miss annual report deadlines
- You're operating in multiple states (each requires a separate registered agent)
Professional registered agent services typically cost $50–$300/year per state. That's a small price for someone else to handle compliance tracking and make sure you never miss a lawsuit notice.
Popular services include Northwest Registered Agent, Registered Agents Inc., and CT Corporation. Many formation services (including Founder Kit) include a registered agent service or partner with one.
What to Look For in a Service
Not all registered agent services are equal. Before you sign up:
- Physical address, not a mailbox store — some "registered agents" use UPS Store addresses, which some states don't accept
- Instant document scanning — you want legal documents emailed to you immediately, not mailed slowly
- Annual report reminders — the best services track your filing deadlines and alert you
- No long-term contracts — you should be able to switch if needed
Changing Your Registered Agent
If you need to change registered agents — because you moved, your current service increased prices, or you're switching providers — the process is straightforward:
- Choose a new registered agent and confirm they accept the appointment
- File a "Change of Registered Agent" form with your state (usually $10–$50)
- Notify your old registered agent that you're terminating
States don't require a reason for the change. Most process it within a few business days.
The Bottom Line
A registered agent is a legal requirement, not an upsell. The question isn't whether to have one — it's whether to be your own or hire a service. If you're incorporated in a state where you don't live, the answer is always a professional service. If you do live in your formation state and don't mind your address being public, being your own registered agent works fine until you have more at stake.
Founder Kit assigns a registered agent to your entity during formation, so you don't have to make this decision separately from your incorporation paperwork.