What is a resident agent?

What a resident agent does

A resident agent is the person or company your corporation or LLC names to receive legal papers and official notices at a street address in the state. When a lawsuit is filed against your business, the papers are delivered to that agent. That delivery is called service of process, and it starts the clock on your deadline to respond.

The agent also receives the state's own mail: annual report reminders, tax notices and other official letters. A good agent scans each item and gets it to you the same business day.

Who must have one

Almost every state requires a corporation or LLC formed or registered there to name an agent with a street address in the state. A business that operates in several states usually needs one in each. Each state page on this site sets out the local rule, with a link to the official source.

What states call it

The name for the role differs from state to state. Each state page on this site links to that state's official filing office and sources, and this page will list the statutory terms once they are published. Choose your state or territory.

Choosing one

Look for a real street address in the state, staffed during business hours, with same-day scanning and an online record of everything received. Ask what happens if a notice arrives on a Friday afternoon. Compare the price for every state you need, not only the first.

You can act as your own agent in most states, but then your name and home or office address become public and you must be available every business day. Most owners choose not to.

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Common questions

What is a resident agent?

A resident agent is the person or company a corporation or LLC names to receive legal papers and official notices at a street address in the state. Almost every state requires one for every entity formed or registered there.

Can I be my own resident agent?

In most states yes, if you keep a street address in the state and are there during business hours. Most owners prefer not to be served in front of customers, and a lapse can cost your good standing.

How do I switch my resident agent?

Order online and we prepare the change of agent filing for your state. The state filing fee is listed on each state page.