How to Get a Registered Agent for a Company

A registered agent is a person or entity designated by a business to accept legal papers and other important documents on its behalf. The most important aspect of a registered agent is that someone is always there during business hours to sign for important documents such as those pertaining to a lawsuit. The registered agent for a business is also where state and local governments send annual documents such as renewal of business charter forms, tax notices and report forms.

Instructions

1. Decide whether you care more about location, price or both. In most cases a list of individuals and entities that serve as registered agents is maintained by the state's secretary of state.

2. The easiest way to find a registered agent is to use an online search tool. You can search for a registered agent by state. You will find all registered agents that provide a service in your state or in the state where your business is located or where you plan on establishing your business. You will also be able to compare prices.

3. Use the business incorporation service that handled your business formation application. If you used an online incorporation service such as LegalFilings or LegalZoom, many of these services can also act as registered agents for an extra fee.

4. You may also use your attorney as a registered agent. This could be a more expensive option.

References

• Find a Registered Agent in all 50 States and District of Columbia
• More on Registered Agents

Resources

• Free Registered Agent Service for the First Year