A registered agent is the official point of contact that receives legal and government mail for your company. Every US LLC and corporation is required by state law to have one — it's not optional, and it's the single most common thing new founders misunderstand.
What a registered agent is
When you form an LLC or corporation, the state needs a reliable way to reach your business with official documents — court papers, tax notices, annual-report reminders. The registered agent is the person or company you designate to receive those documents at a physical address during normal business hours. They then pass them to you promptly.
The most important document a registered agent handles is service of process — the legal notice that your company is being sued. Miss it, and a court can enter a default judgment against you without you ever knowing.
Why every US company needs one
- It's legally required. All 50 states and D.C. require a registered agent with a physical in-state address (a PO box doesn't qualify).
- It keeps you in good standing. The agent receives the reminders that keep your annual reports and fees on track.
- It protects your privacy. If you act as your own agent, your home address can go on the public record. A commercial agent's address shields yours.
- It gives you flexibility. You can run your business from anywhere without needing to be physically present at the registered address during business hours.
If you live outside the US, you cannot be your own registered agent — you need a commercial service with a physical address in your state of formation. This is the one part of forming a US company a non-resident cannot do alone. See our non-resident guide.
Can you be your own registered agent?
If you're a US resident forming in your home state, often yes — but weigh the trade-offs. You must be available at a physical address during business hours, that address becomes public, and if you move or travel you risk missing a critical notice. Many founders start as their own agent and switch to a service once the privacy and reliability matter.
How to choose a registered agent service
- Coverage in the state(s) you form in — and all states if you may expand.
- Transparent renewal pricing — the annual renewal is what matters, not just year one.
- Fast document handling — same-day scanning and alerts.
- Privacy — whether they let you use their address on public filings.
We compare the leading services head-to-head in our best registered agent guide.
Frequently asked questions
What does a registered agent actually do?
A registered agent receives official legal documents (like lawsuit notices, called service of process) and state correspondence on behalf of your company, then forwards them to you. Every US state requires one.
Can I be my own registered agent?
In most states a resident owner can act as their own agent, but you must have a physical address in the state and be available during business hours, and that address becomes public record. Non-residents generally cannot be their own agent.
How much does a registered agent cost?
Commercial registered agent services typically charge an annual fee in the range of roughly $100–$200 per year, billed on renewal. Prices vary by provider and state.
What happens if I don't have a registered agent?
Your company can fall out of good standing, miss a lawsuit notice (risking a default judgment), and face administrative dissolution by the state.