How much does a registered agent cost?
How much does a registered agent cost?
$100 – $300 average cost per state, per year
Average registered agent cost
A registered agent costs $100 to $300 per year, depending on the level of service, business location, and provider reputation. ZenBusiness registered agent costs start at $199 per year, while LegalZoom registered agent costs begin at $249 per state per year. Registered agent fees vary when bundled with other services.
| Service provider | Average cost per year* |
|---|---|
| LegalZoom | From $249 per state |
| ZenBusiness | From $199 per state |
| MyCompanyWorks | From $119 per state |
| Northwest | $100 – $125 per state |
| Bizee | $0 first year $119 subsequent years |
| Harbor Compliance | $89 – $99 per state |
*Basic service plan cost
What is a registered agent?
A registered agent is an individual or company that serves as the official contact for a business, receiving important legal documents and government notices. Required in every state where a business operates, they must have a physical address for in-person document delivery and be available during business hours.
Registered agent fees
A registered agent service charges $100 to $300 per year to act as a registered agent for your business. Their primary responsibilities include:
Providing a physical address in your state of business registration
Receiving and handling service of process (legal notices, subpoenas, lawsuits)
Accepting and forwarding government correspondence and tax notices
Maintaining availability during regular business hours
Assisting with state compliance and annual report filings
Keeping records of important documents and communications
Protecting privacy by keeping the business owner's personal address off public records
Serving as a consistent point of contact for multi-state businesses
Registered agent cost factors
Several factors can influence the cost of a registered agent service:
Service level: Basic services cost less than premium packages with additional features such as compliance calendars, document storage, or annual report filing assistance.
State-specific requirements: Multi-state operations require agents in each state, and different state fees and regulations can affect overall costs.
Volume discounts: Some services offer reduced rates for multi-year or multi-state contracts.
Technology features: Advanced online portals or mobile apps may increase service costs.
Processing speed: Expedited or same-day services often come with additional fees.
Contract flexibility: Some providers charge fees for canceling or changing your agent.
Company size: Larger businesses may face higher fees due to increased document volume
Some providers offer an LLC formation package that includes the costs to form an LLC, the first year of registered agent services, and additional compliance and legal support for the new business at a reduced cost.
Registered agent pros and cons
While you can act as your own registered agent, there are advantages to hiring a service to take on those responsibilities. The following table details the main pros and cons to consider when hiring a registered agent service:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Registered agent FAQs
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes, every state requires businesses to designate a registered agent to receive legal documents and official correspondence. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during business hours. Though the owner or an employee of the company can often act as the registered agent, many businesses hire a professional service for this role instead.
Can I act as my own registered agent?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in most states if you meet certain requirements. You must be a resident of the state, have a physical address (no P.O. boxes), and be available during business hours to receive legal documents.
However, acting as your own registered agent can compromise your privacy. It may also lead to missing important notices.
What happens if I don't have a registered agent?
If you don't have a registered agent, your business may face serious consequences, including missing important legal notices, which could lead to default judgments against you. You may also incur fines for non-compliance and risk losing your business's good standing. Your personal address could also become a public record.
Can I change my registered agent?
Yes, you can change your registered agent by selecting a new one and filing the necessary paperwork with your state's business division. This usually involves submitting a "Certificate of Change" or similar document and paying a nominal filing fee. Many registered agent services can assist with this process, ensuring you remain compliant with state requirements.
Choosing a registered agent service
When choosing a registered agent service, consider the following:
Reliability: Choose a reputable company with a record of dependable service. Look for agents that have been in business for several years.
Availability: Ensure the registered agent has a physical address in your state of business and is available during normal business hours.
Additional services: Ask about costs for extras like compliance monitoring, document storage, or business formation services.
Technology: Look for providers with user-friendly online portals for managing documents and communications.
Customer service: Choose a company with responsive customer support in case you have questions or issues.
Multi-state capabilities: If you do business in multiple states, consider an agent that can serve you across state lines.
Cancellation policy: Understand the process and any fees for canceling or changing your registered agent.
Questions to ask a registered agent
Ask a registered agent provider these questions to assess their experience and fit for your business needs:
How long have you been in business as a registered agent?
Are you licensed and authorized to act as a registered agent in my state?
Do you have a physical office in my state of business registration?
Can you provide references from other businesses you've served as a registered agent?
What are your hours of availability?
What is your process if you receive legal documents for my company?
What's your policy for notifying me about received documents?
How quickly do you forward documents to me?
Do you provide compliance reminders for annual reports and other state filings?
Do you offer additional services like document scanning or mail forwarding?
Can you serve as my registered agent in multiple states if needed?
Do you provide an online portal for managing my account and accessing documents?
What are your fees? Are there any hidden costs or fees for additional services?
What privacy and security measures do you have in place to protect my business information?
What's your cancellation policy if I decide to change registered agents?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.