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    WA · Registered agent

    WA Registered Agent

    Every Washington state LLC and corporation must designate a WA registered agent with a physical Washington street address under RCW 23.95.410. ClearFormation provides Washington state registered agent service with every formation plan.

    WA registered agent

    $149/yr

    Billed annually · no state filing fee required

    • Physical Washington street address
    • Same-day scan of legal & state mail
    • Email alerts + online document portal
    Get a WA registered agent

    What your registered agent does in Washington

    Your registered agent is the official in-state contact for lawsuits and Washington Secretary of State mail. Here is what they handle:

    1. 1

      Accepts lawsuits in Washington

      • Lawsuits are delivered in person to the agent's WA address on file with the Washington Secretary of State.
      • They do not go to your home.
    2. 2

      Receives Washington Secretary of State mail

      • Annual report reminders and tax notices go to the agent's office.
      • We forward everything to you digitally the same day.
    3. 3

      Stays available year-round

      • Washington requires someone at the address during business hours all year.
      • A commercial service covers travel, moves, and remote work.

    Starting a Company?

    Form your Washington LLC or corporation first, and we'll set up your registered agent at the same time.

    Start Your Company

    Who needs a registered agent in Washington?

    A registered agent is the in-state contact that accepts lawsuits and Washington Secretary of State mail for your company. You need one if you have:

    • An LLC or corporation formed in Washington
    • An out-of-state entity foreign-qualified to do business in Washington
    • 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 Washington Secretary of State.

    Can I be my own agent in Washington?

    Yes — if you have a physical Washington 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 WA 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 Washington

    Appoint ClearFormation on a new formation filing, or switch an existing WA entity. We provide a physical street address, accept legal and state mail, and upload documents to your dashboard the same day.

    1. 1

      Appoint ClearFormation as your WA agent

      • New companies: include us on your Articles of Organization or Incorporation.
      • Existing entities: we prepare the change-of-agent filing with the Washington Secretary of State, including written consent.
    2. 2

      Legal and state mail arrives at our office

      Process servers and Washington Secretary of State correspondence are accepted in person during business hours at our staffed Washington address.

    3. 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. 4

      Coverage stays active year-round

      • Your agent must stay on file for the life of the entity.
      • ClearFormation keeps the WA appointment active when you move or travel.

    Forming new? Agent service is included when you form an LLC in Washington or incorporate in Washington.

    How to change your agent in Washington

    Already have a Washington entity? File a change-of-agent form with the Washington Secretary of State. The new appointee must consent in writing. The state charges a small filing fee.

    1. 1

      Pick your new in-state agent

      • Confirm they have a physical WA street address and accept the role.
      • ClearFormation provides this in Washington.
    2. 2

      Gather entity details for the filing

      You need your entity name, Washington Secretary of State file number, current agent, and the new agent's name and WA address.

    3. 3

      File the change-of-agent form

      • Submit the form to the Washington Secretary of State with the state fee.
      • We prepare and file it, including written consent from the new agent.
    4. 4

      Notify your prior agent

      Cancel any outside service so you are not double-billed.

    Change your WA registered agent

    We prepare the change-of-agent filing with the Washington Secretary of State

    Change your WA agent

    Washington agent FAQs

    Also for Washington founders: Form an LLC in Washington · Form a corporation in Washington

    Ready to get a WA registered agent?

    Stay compliant in Washington without listing your home on public records.

    Get a WA registered agentStarting a company?

    Questions?