Registered Agent for a US LLC: Do You Need One and How to Choose

Every US LLC must have a registered agent. If you live outside the US, you cannot act as your own, so this is one of the first things to arrange. This guide explains what a registered agent does, what to look for and what it costs to keep one. It is part of the guide to registering an LLC in the USA online.

What a registered agent is

A registered agent is a person or company with a street address in the state where your LLC is formed. The state and the courts send legal papers, tax notices and official mail to that address. The agent forwards them to you.

Do you need one?

Yes. Every state requires an LLC to name a registered agent in its formation filing. The rules are strict about the address and availability:

• It must be a physical address in the state, not a PO box.
• Someone must be available to receive papers during business hours.
• You can act as your own agent only if you live in the state and are there during the day.

For an owner abroad, that means hiring one. Our registered agent service covers the first year in our formation packages.

What to look for

• An address in your state. The agent must operate in the state where you form.
• Fast forwarding. A missed lawsuit notice can lead to a default judgment, so the agent should send documents on quickly, by scan or email.
• A clear renewal price. First-year offers are common and the renewal can be higher. Ask what year two costs.
• Easy to change. You can switch agents later by filing a form with the state.

What happens if you have no agent

A lapse can put the LLC out of good standing, and the state can dissolve it after enough time. Papers served on the lapsed company may also go unseen. Keep the agent current, and keep your contact details up to date with them.

Registered agent vs mailing address

They are different. The registered agent receives legal and state mail. A mailing or virtual address receives your business mail, such as bank letters. One provider can offer both, but they are separate services.

Cost to keep

The registered agent is a yearly cost, and it sits alongside the state's annual report or tax. The yearly total is what to compare between states, using our LLC filing fees by state table, and see the annual report service for the state side.

Next steps

1. Choose your state and confirm the agent covers it.
2. Name the agent in the formation filing.
3. After approval, get your EIN and open a bank account.
4. Check how long each step takes in how long it takes to register an LLC in the USA.

Not in the US? See open a US LLC from any country or LLC registration in the USA from India. Questions? Talk to us. This is general information, not legal advice.