Registered Agent for an LLC

A registered agent for an LLC is the person or company your LLC officially designates to receive legal documents and government notices on its behalf. Every U.S. state requires an LLC to name a registered agent when it forms and to keep one in place for as long as the LLC exists. This page explains what the role involves, the requirements, and how to decide between serving as your own agent and using a service.

What a registered agent for an LLC does

The registered agent is your LLC's official point of contact with the state and the courts. In practice, the agent:

• Accepts service of process — the legal papers delivered if your LLC is sued (summons, complaints, subpoenas).
• Receives official state mail — annual-report reminders, tax notices, and compliance correspondence.
• Forwards those documents to you promptly, so nothing time-sensitive is missed.
• Maintains a reliable presence at a listed in-state address during business hours, so documents can always be delivered.

Registered agent requirements

The specifics vary by state, but the core requirements are consistent across all 50 states:

• The agent must have a physical street address in the state where the LLC is formed — a P.O. box does not qualify.
• The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept documents in person.
• An individual agent must be a resident of the state and at least 18; a company agent must be authorized to do business in that state.
• The agent's name and address are filed with the state and become public record.

If your LLC operates in more than one state (foreign qualification), you need a registered agent in each state where it is registered.

Can you be your own registered agent?

Most states let you act as your own registered agent, or appoint a member, manager, or friend, provided the person meets the requirements above. It's the lowest-cost option, but there are trade-offs:

• Privacy: your street address is published in the state's business records.
• Availability: you must be at that address during business hours — hard if you travel, work from clients' sites, or run the business from home.
• Discretion: being served a lawsuit in front of customers or employees can be awkward.

Rules differ by state. For a state-by-state breakdown, see our registered agent guides.

Using a registered agent service

A commercial registered agent service meets the requirement for you: it provides the in-state address, staffs it during business hours, accepts documents, and forwards them — keeping your own address off the public record and making sure legal notices reach you. It's the common choice for owners who value privacy, operate remotely, or are registered in multiple states.

FilingFox provides registered agent service as part of your LLC formation, so you satisfy the state requirement from day one without listing your personal address.