What is a Registered Agent?

But other than receiving mail – things like tax forms, legal notices, and official government mail – what does a registered agent do to keep your business organized? Well, they can remind you to file important forms with the state or renew your business licenses, keeping everything running smoothly.

Other names for Registered Agents

Registered agents are known by several different names, depending where you live:

From commercial agent to statutory agent, specific titles can vary  – some states, like California, may even have multiple ones. No matter what they’re called, all of these names refer to the same role.
 

Is a Registered Agent required for my business?

Yes, all states require businesses like LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), corporations, and other types of business entities to designate a registered agent in the incorporation process by law, even if you’re a small business owner acting as your own registered agent. Designating a registered agent ensures that your business can always be contacted for important legal or government matters.

Without a registered agent, your business could face fines, lose its good standing, and, in some cases, get shut down by state authorities, meaning it can't operate legally anymore. This is why it’s really important to have a registered agent who is reliable and can do the job well.
 

What are the requirements to be a Registered Agent?

There are a few requirements to be a registered agent:

• They must have a physical address in the state where your business is registered. The registered agent’s address is public record, and it is where legal documents and notices will be sent. It can be a personal or business address, but it cannot be a P.O. Box.
• The registered agent must be available during regular business hours (usually 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday) to receive any legal documents and notices. 
• In many states, if you’re choosing a person to be your registered agent, they must be at least 18 years old and live in the state where your business is registered.

If you need a registered agent that can count on as an official point of contact for your business, our registered agent services are the right match for you. We have experienced professionals in all 50 states that have been providing this service for years!
 

How to change a Registered Agent

Sometimes, you might need to change your registered agent. Maybe your current agent moved to a different state, or maybe you found someone else who’s better for the job. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to make the switch:

1. Find a new registered agent who meets all the requirements we talked about earlier. Our registered agent services can help you with this.

2. Update your business’s records with the state. This usually involves filling out a form and paying a small filing fee. Once the form is processed, your new agent will be listed with the state.

3. Notify your current agent that you’re making a change so that they won’t expect to keep receiving your business’s legal documents.

4. Keep a copy of the updated form and any related legal documents in your business records. This will help you stay organized and prove that you made the change if there’s ever any confusion.

Changing your registered agent is usually straightforward, but it’s important to do it right to avoid any problems with the state.
 

Final thoughts: what is a Registered Agent?

Now that you know what a registered agent is and what they do, you are ready for the next step. Learn more about our registered agent services.