Question 1

What is a registered agent for an LLC?

Accepted Answer

A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents, service of process, tax notices, and official state correspondence on behalf of your LLC or corporation. Every US state legally requires every LLC and corporation to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state of formation, available during standard business hours.

Question 2

Can you be your own registered agent for your LLC?

Accepted Answer

In most states you can act as your own registered agent if you have a physical street address (not a PO Box) in the state where your LLC is formed and you're available during business hours to accept service of process. Most founders choose a professional registered agent service instead — it keeps your home address off the public record, ensures legal notices are never missed while you're traveling, and avoids the embarrassment of being served lawsuits in front of clients or staff.

Question 3

Who can be a registered agent for an LLC?

Accepted Answer

A registered agent for an LLC must be either (a) an individual who is at least 18, a resident of the state, and has a physical street address there, or (b) a business entity authorized to provide registered agent services in that state. The agent must be reachable at the listed address during normal business hours to accept legal and government documents.

Question 4

How much does a registered agent cost?

Accepted Answer

Most professional registered agent services charge between $100 and $300 per state, per year. ClearFormation's Registered Agent is $150/year per state, billed annually, with online document portal and privacy protection included. There are no hidden fees — state filing fees for a change-of-agent (if you're switching providers) are billed at cost.

Question 5

What happens if my LLC doesn't have a registered agent?

Accepted Answer

If your LLC fails to maintain a registered agent, the state can assess penalties, you can miss critical legal notices (resulting in default judgments against your business), lose good standing, and ultimately face administrative dissolution of your company. Maintaining a compliant registered agent is the simplest, lowest-cost way to keep your LLC in good standing.

Question 6

Can I switch from my current registered agent service?

Accepted Answer

Yes — switching registered agents is straightforward and you can change at any time. We prepare and file the change-of-agent form with the Secretary of State on your behalf, notify your previous provider, and ensure there's no gap in coverage. Most switches take a few business days depending on the state.

Question 7

Do you need a registered agent for an LLC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every US state legally requires every LLC and corporation to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state of formation. You cannot form or maintain an LLC without one — the state will reject your filing if the agent field is blank, and your LLC can be administratively dissolved if you stop maintaining one.

Question 8

How do I appoint a registered agent for my LLC?

Accepted Answer

You appoint a registered agent at formation by listing the agent's name and physical address in the Articles of Organization. To change agents later, file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State (form name and fee vary by state — typically $0–$50). ClearFormation appoints us as your agent at formation, then handles any future change-of-agent filing for free if you stay on plan.

Question 9

What is a resident agent for an LLC?

Accepted Answer

"Resident agent" is just another name for registered agent — Michigan, Maryland, and a handful of other states use this term. Same role: someone with a physical in-state address available during business hours to receive service of process and official state mail.

Question 10

Should I be my own registered agent for an LLC?

Accepted Answer

Usually no. Your home address becomes public record, you have to be physically present during business hours, and if a process server arrives during a client meeting you'll be served in front of them. Using a commercial registered agent is the standard professional choice — it keeps your address private and means you'll never miss a deadline because you were on vacation.

Reliable Registered Agent Service

What Is a Registered Agent?

Why You Need a Registered Agent

It's a Legal Requirement

Protect Your Privacy

Never Miss a Legal Notice

Operate in Multiple States

Starting a Company?

What You Get

Registered Address

Mail Handling

Registered Address

Mail Handling

Registered Agent pricing

Registered Agent

Trusted by business owners

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to get started?