What Is a Corporate Registered Agent?

A corporate registered agent acts as a domicile for a corporation running business in more than one state. It is essential to have a registered agent that can be available during regular business hours. An agent's duties include receiving any paperwork--legal documents, state correspondence--and forwarding them to the business.

Function

A corporate registered agent is a company's connection with a particular state. It gives the corporation a tie to that state to which state correspondence, paperwork and legal documents can be sent.

Filing

When filing for incorporation, it is imperative to list your registered agent in each state you intend to do business in.

Regulation

Registered agents are not regulated by the government. The only thing needed is a street address in the state you wish to represent the company in question.

Availability

Each state's website has a listing, and if not, the Secretary of State's office should be able to provide that information.

Considerations

You can act as your own registered agent as long as you have an active address in the state you are doing business.