MD · Registered agent
Maryland Registered Agent
Every company in Maryland must maintain a registered agent (Maryland calls this a resident agent) with a physical Maryland street address. ClearFormation provides that service with every formation plan.
MD registered agent
Billed annually · no state filing fee required
- Physical Maryland street address
- Same-day scan of legal & state mail
- Email alerts + online document portal
What your registered agent does in Maryland
Your registered agent is the official in-state contact for lawsuits and Maryland SDAT mail. Here is what they handle:
- 1
Accepts lawsuits in Maryland
- Lawsuits are delivered in person to the agent's MD address on file with the Maryland SDAT.
- They do not go to your home.
- 2
Receives Maryland SDAT mail
- Annual report reminders and tax notices go to the agent's office.
- We forward everything to you digitally the same day.
- 3
Stays available year-round
- Maryland requires someone at the address during business hours all year.
- A commercial service covers travel, moves, and remote work.
Starting a Company?
Form your Maryland LLC or corporation first, and we'll set up your registered agent at the same time.
Who needs a registered agent in Maryland?
A registered agent is the in-state contact that accepts lawsuits and Maryland SDAT mail for your company. You need one if you have:
- An LLC or corporation formed in Maryland
- An out-of-state entity foreign-qualified to do business in Maryland
- Licensed practices (PLLC or PC) — doctors, lawyers, CPAs, and similar professions
List the agent when you file. If your current agent is missing or invalid, file a change-of-agent with the Maryland SDAT.
Can I be my own agent in Maryland?
Yes — if you have a physical Maryland street address and are there during business hours. Most founders still use a commercial service:
- Agent line. The registered agent street address on the SOS record is the service's address, not your home listed as agent. Other form fields may still ask for addresses that become public.
- No missed mail. If you are not there when a process server arrives, you can lose by default.
- You can move or travel. A commercial MD office stays the same when you relocate.
PO boxes and most virtual offices do not qualify. Someone must accept legal papers in person during business hours.
How to get a registered agent in Maryland
Appoint ClearFormation on a new formation filing, or switch an existing MD entity. We provide a physical street address, accept legal and state mail, and upload documents to your dashboard the same day.
- 1
Appoint ClearFormation as your MD agent
- New companies: include us on your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
- Existing entities: we prepare the change-of-agent filing with the Maryland SDAT, including written consent.
- 2
Legal and state mail arrives at our office
Process servers and Maryland SDAT correspondence are accepted in person during business hours at our staffed Maryland address.
- 3
We scan and alert you the same day
You get an email when service of process or official state mail arrives — with a PDF in your ClearFormation account.
- 4
Coverage stays active year-round
- Your agent must stay on file for the life of the entity.
- ClearFormation keeps the MD appointment active when you move or travel.
Forming new? Agent service is included when you form an LLC in Maryland or incorporate in Maryland.
How to change your agent in Maryland
Already have a Maryland entity? File a change-of-agent form with the Maryland SDAT. The new appointee must consent in writing. The state charges a small filing fee.
- 1
Pick your new in-state agent
- Confirm they have a physical MD street address and accept the role.
- ClearFormation provides this in Maryland.
- 2
Gather entity details for the filing
You need your entity name, Maryland SDAT file number, current agent, and the new agent's name and MD address.
- 3
File the change-of-agent form
- Submit the form to the Maryland SDAT with the state fee.
- We prepare and file it, including written consent from the new agent.
- 4
Notify your prior agent
Cancel any outside service so you are not double-billed.
Change your MD registered agent
We prepare the change-of-agent filing with
the Maryland SDAT
Maryland agent FAQs
Also for Maryland founders: Form an LLC in Maryland · Form a corporation in Maryland
Ready to get a MD registered agent?
Stay compliant in Maryland without listing your home on public records.
Questions?
