What is LLC registered agent
Sara Parker
Updated June 13,2024
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Table of Contents
1. What Is a Registered Agent? 2. What Does a Registered Agent Do? 3. Legal Requirements for LLC Registered Agents 4. Who Can Be Your LLC’s Registered Agent? 5. Benefits and Risks of Being Your Own Registered Agent 6. Why Use a Professional Registered Agent Service? 7. What If My LLC Doesn’t Have a Registered Agent? 8. Keeping Your Registered Agent Information Up-to-Date 9. How to Choose a Registered AgentHome >> What is LLC registered agent
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What Is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is a person or company designated to receive and manage legal documents and state notices on behalf of your LLC. They might also be known as a Statutory Agent, Resident Agent, or Agent for Service of Process, depending on the state.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A Registered Agent acts as a bridge between your LLC and the legal world. Their role includes receiving important legal documents, known as Service of Process, and forwarding them to the LLC owners. This ensures there’s a reliable point of contact for legal notices.
Legal Requirements for LLC Registered Agents
LLC Registered Agents must maintain a physical address, keep regular business hours, accept legal documents, and promptly forward them to the LLC. These requirements ensure there's a reliable point of contact for legal and state communications.
Who Can Be Your LLC’s Registered Agent?
You have three options for choosing a Registered Agent: be your own agent, appoint a friend or family member, or hire a professional Registered Agent Service. Each option has its benefits and considerations based on your situation.
Benefits and Risks of Being Your Own Registered Agent
Being your own Registered Agent can save money but may expose your personal address to public records and require you to be available during business hours. Consider these factors when deciding if you want to take on this role yourself.
Why Use a Professional Registered Agent Service?
Professional Registered Agent Services offer benefits such as privacy, convenience, and expertise. They handle legal documents on your behalf and provide added features like scanning and forwarding documents. They are especially useful if you don’t have a physical address in the state or need to maintain privacy.
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What If My LLC Doesn’t Have a Registered Agent?
Failing to maintain a Registered Agent can result in fines, penalties, and legal issues. Your LLC could lose its good standing or face default judgments if sued. Ensuring you have a Registered Agent is crucial for legal compliance.
Keeping Your Registered Agent Information Up-to-Date
It’s important to keep your Registered Agent information current to avoid legal and administrative issues. Update your details with the state promptly if there are any changes to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operation.
How to Choose a Registered Agent
Your choice of Registered Agent depends on whether you have a physical address in the state where your LLC is formed. If not, consider hiring a professional service or appointing someone you trust with an address in the state.
Comparison of Registered Agent Rules by State
| State | Registered Agent Requirement | Link to State Rules | Registration Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Must maintain a physical address in Alabama and be available during business hours. | Alabama Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Alabama |
| Alaska | Must have a physical address in Alaska and be available during business hours. | Alaska Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Alaska |
| Arizona | Must be a resident or a company authorized to do business in Arizona with a physical address in the state. | Arizona Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Arizona |
| Arkansas | Must have a physical address in Arkansas and be available during business hours. | Arkansas Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Arkansas |
| California | Must have a physical address in California and be available during business hours. | California Registered Agent Rules | llcclass California |
| Colorado | Must have a physical address in Colorado and be available during business hours. | Colorado Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Colorado |
| Connecticut | Must have a physical address in Connecticut and be available during business hours. | Connecticut Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Connecticut |
| Delaware | Must have a physical address in Delaware and be available during business hours. | Delaware Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Delaware |
| Florida | Must have a physical address in Florida and be available during business hours. | Florida Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Florida |
| Georgia | Must have a physical address in Georgia and be available during business hours. | Georgia Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Georgia |
| Hawaii | Must have a physical address in Hawaii and be available during business hours. | Hawaii Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Hawaii |
| Idaho | Must have a physical address in Idaho and be available during business hours. | Idaho Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Idaho |
| Illinois | Must have a physical address in Illinois and be available during business hours. | Illinois Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Illinois |
| Indiana | Must have a physical address in Indiana and be available during business hours. | Indiana Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Indiana |
| Iowa | Must have a physical address in Iowa and be available during business hours. | Iowa Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Iowa |
| Kansas | Must have a physical address in Kansas and be available during business hours. | Kansas Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Kansas |
| Kentucky | Must have a physical address in Kentucky and be available during business hours. | Kentucky Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Kentucky |
| Louisiana | Must have a physical address in Louisiana and be available during business hours. | Louisiana Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Louisiana |
| Maine | Must have a physical address in Maine and be available during business hours. | Maine Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Maine |
| Maryland | Must have a physical address in Maryland and be available during business hours. | Maryland Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Must have a physical address in Massachusetts and be available during business hours. | Massachusetts Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Massachusetts |
| Michigan | Must have a physical address in Michigan and be available during business hours. | Michigan Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Michigan |
| Minnesota | Must have a physical address in Minnesota and be available during business hours. | Minnesota Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Minnesota |
| Mississippi | Must have a physical address in Mississippi and be available during business hours. | Mississippi Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Mississippi |
| Missouri | Must have a physical address in Missouri and be available during business hours. | Missouri Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Missouri |
| Montana | Must have a physical address in Montana and be available during business hours. | Montana Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Montana |
| Nebraska | Must have a physical address in Nebraska and be available during business hours. | Nebraska Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Nebraska |
| Nevada | Must have a physical address in Nevada and be available during business hours. | Nevada Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Nevada |
| New Hampshire | Must have a physical address in New Hampshire and be available during business hours. | New Hampshire Registered Agent Rules | llcclass New Hampshire |
| New Jersey | Must have a physical address in New Jersey and be available during business hours. | New Jersey Registered Agent Rules | llcclass New Jersey |
| New Mexico | Must have a physical address in New Mexico and be available during business hours. | New Mexico Registered Agent Rules | llcclass New Mexico |
| New York | Must have a physical address in New York and be available during business hours. | New York Registered Agent Rules | llcclass New York |
| North Carolina | Must have a physical address in North Carolina and be available during business hours. | North Carolina Registered Agent Rules | llcclass North Carolina |
| North Dakota | Must have a physical address in North Dakota and be available during business hours. | North Dakota Registered Agent Rules | llcclass North Dakota |
| Ohio | Must have a physical address in Ohio and be available during business hours. | Ohio Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Ohio |
| Oklahoma | Must have a physical address in Oklahoma and be available during business hours. | Oklahoma Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Oklahoma |
| Oregon | Must have a physical address in Oregon and be available during business hours. | Oregon Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Must have a physical address in Pennsylvania and be available during business hours. | Pennsylvania Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Pennsylvania |
| Rhode Island | Must have a physical address in Rhode Island and be available during business hours. | Rhode Island Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Rhode Island |
| South Carolina | Must have a physical address in South Carolina and be available during business hours. | South Carolina Registered Agent Rules | llcclass South Carolina |
| South Dakota | Must have a physical address in South Dakota and be available during business hours. | South Dakota Registered Agent Rules | llcclass South Dakota |
| Tennessee | Must have a physical address in Tennessee and be available during business hours. | Tennessee Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Texas |
| Texas | Must have a physical address in Texas and be available during business hours. | Texas Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Utah |
| Utah | Must have a physical address in Utah and be available during business hours. | Utah Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Utah |
| Vermont | Must have a physical address in Vermont and be available during business hours. | Vermont Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Vermont |
| Virginia | Must have a physical address in Virginia and be available during business hours. | Virginia Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Virginia |
| Washington | Must have a physical address in Washington and be available during business hours. | Washington Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Washington |
| West Virginia | Must have a physical address in West Virginia and be available during business hours. | West Virginia Registered Agent Rules | llcclass West Virginia |
| Wisconsin | Must have a physical address in Wisconsin and be available during business hours. | Wisconsin Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Wisconsin |
| Wyoming | Must have a physical address in Wyoming and be available during business hours. | Wyoming Registered Agent Rules | llcclass Wyoming |
