What Is a Registered Agent? (Everything You Need to Know)

If you are forming an LLC, every state requires you to designate a registered agent. It is one of the first decisions you will make — and one that affects your privacy, compliance, and peace of mind for as long as your LLC exists. Here is what you need to know.

What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent (also called a "statutory agent" or "agent for service of process" in some states) is a person or company designated to receive official legal and government documents on behalf of your LLC. These documents include:

• Service of process — if your LLC is sued, the lawsuit papers are served on your registered agent
• State correspondence — annual report reminders, tax notices, compliance deadlines
• Official government notices — from the Secretary of State, tax agencies, and other regulatory bodies

Requirements for a Registered Agent

In every state, a registered agent must:

• Have a physical street address in the state where the LLC is formed (PO boxes do not count)
• Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process
• Be either an individual resident of the state or a company authorized to do business in the state

Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?

Yes — if you have a qualifying address in the state and are available during business hours. Many single-member LLC owners serve as their own registered agent. However, there are drawbacks:

• Your home address becomes public record. It is listed on formation documents and state databases, searchable by anyone.
• You must be available. If you travel, work from different locations, or are simply not home when a process server arrives, your LLC may not receive important legal documents.
• Embarrassment risk. If you are sued, the process server comes to your listed address. If that is your home or office, they show up during work hours in front of family or colleagues.

Why Use a Commercial Registered Agent

• Privacy. The agent's address appears on public records instead of yours.
• Reliability. Commercial agents are always available during business hours to accept service.
• Mail forwarding. Good agents scan and forward all documents electronically.
• Compliance alerts. Many agents provide reminders for annual report deadlines and other compliance dates.
• Multi-state coverage. If you operate in multiple states, a national registered agent service provides coverage everywhere.

How to Choose a Registered Agent

1. Price. Expect to pay $50–$300/year. Anything over $150/year is overpriced for standard service.
2. Reliability. Check reviews — the most important thing is that they actually receive and forward your documents promptly.
3. Digital access. A good agent provides an online dashboard where you can view scanned documents.
4. Privacy protection. Do they use their own address on your formation documents? This is the primary privacy benefit.
5. No hidden fees. Watch out for agents who charge per document received or charge extra for mail forwarding.

Our Recommendation

For most LLC owners, a commercial registered agent is worth the modest annual cost. The privacy benefit alone — keeping your home address off public databases — justifies the $50–$125/year investment.

Sedes includes registered agent service with every LLC formation. First year included, renewals at $49/year — less than half the industry average.