What Is a Registered Agent?
A clear guide to what they do, why you need one, and how to choose the right setup for your LLC.
What even is a Registered Agent?
Every LLC is legally required to list a Registered Agent when filing. But most first-time founders don’t know what that actually means.
Here’s the short version:
- Government notices
- Tax documents
- Lawsuits or official correspondence
They need to be available during normal business hours at a physical address in your state.
Your Registered Agent is how the state—and the court system—contacts your business.
- If someone sues your LLC and your agent isn’t reachable, you could:
- Miss a court notice
- Get hit with late penalties
- Fall out of compliance with your state
- States can even dissolve your LLC if your agent can’t be reached.
This is why you can’t just skip it.
Yes. In most states, you can be your own Registered Agent if:
- You’re over 18
- You live in the state where your LLC is formed
- You’re available during normal business hours
- You’re comfortable listing your address publicly
Here’s when it makes sense to use a professional service instead of doing it yourself:
- You work from home and don’t want your address public
- You’re not always at one location during business hours
- You formed your LLC in a different state than where you live
- You want a little more privacy or formality
Services typically cost $100–$150/year and come with reminders for compliance and renewals.
- Northwest Registered Agent
- Incfile
- ZenBusiness
But if you’re filing on a budget and meet the requirements, being your own agent is perfectly fine.
Most LLC formation forms (online or paper) have a required section for:
- Registered Agent Name
- Registered Agent Address
- Consent to serve as agent (some states)
Need help choosing?
Start With Genie gives you clear, modern guidance on whether to list yourself or use a service.