How to Find the Agent for a Service of Process

State records can help in identifying a company's registered agent.

Businesses that incorporate are recognized as legal entities, distinct from the individual people who form the business. The corporation is entitled to carry an Inc. (incorporated), LLC (limited liability corporation), or similar indication of its status. The firm is also required to identify someone as the company's "registered agent," who can be served with legal papers if action, such as a lawsuit, is taken against the company. You can find the registered agent for a firm in the records of the state government where the company is incorporated.

Instructions

1. Visit the website of the Corporation Division, or similarly-named organization, of the state government where the company is headquartered. The Corporation Division is generally within the Secretary of State's office. See Resources for links.

2. Search for the company by entering its name into the text box of the online search tools provided by the Corporation Division.

   Most states have one search tool for all business entities. A few states offer separate search tools for different types of organizations. For example, a state might have one search for incorporated businesses (Inc.) and another search for limited liability corporations (LLC). Use the appropriate search box for the company whose representative you're seeking.

3. Click the link for the company name to access records that identify the name and address of the registered agent for the firm. This is the agent for a service of process.

4. Contact the Corporation Division directly if a company's information is not available online and ask the clerk to identify the registered agent for the firm.

References

• Coordinated Legal Technologies: Secretaries of State