What Is a Registered Agent for an LLC?

Most states require LLCs to maintain a registered agent or equivalent statutory contact. The exact terminology and requirements vary by state.

What does a registered agent receive?

A registered agent may receive:

• • service of process, such as lawsuit papers
• • official notices from the state
• • other documents specified by state law

This is different from a general business mailing address or customer-service contact.

Can you be your own registered agent?

In many states, an owner or another individual can serve if the person satisfies the state's requirements.

Typical considerations include having a physical address in the state and being available to receive documents during required times. Do not assume a P.O. box qualifies.

Check your state's rules before naming yourself.

Why use a registered-agent service?

Some owners use a commercial service because they:

• • do not have an appropriate physical location
• • do not want their home used as the registered office where avoidable
• • travel frequently
• • want someone consistently available to receive service
• • operate entities in multiple states

A service is optional in many circumstances, not automatically required merely because you formed an LLC.

Registered agent vs. organizer

The registered agent receives official documents after formation.

The organizer is the person who files or executes the formation document. They can be different people.

What if the registered agent changes?

States generally have a process for updating the registered agent or registered office. Keep this information current. Missing official notices can create serious problems.

Foreign LLC registration

If an LLC formed in one state registers to do business in another, it may need a registered agent in the additional state as part of that registration. Read What Is a Foreign LLC? for more on when that registration applies and how it works.

Next step

The registered agent is commonly identified in the LLC's formation filing.

Continue with LLC Articles of Organization or return to How to Start an LLC.