Registered Agent: What They Are & Why You Need One

A registered agent (also known as a statutory agent or agent for service of process) is an individual or company designated to receive legal and official documents on behalf of your LLC.

Documents a registered agent may receive include:

• Service of process: Lawsuits and legal notices
• State correspondence: Annual report reminders, tax notices
• Compliance documents: Government filings and requests
• Official mail: State communications

A registered agent ensures you don't miss important legal deadlines or fail to respond to lawsuits.

• Must have a physical street address in the state of formation (no PO Boxes).
• Must be available during normal business hours to accept documents in person.
• Must be at least 18 years old (if an individual).
• Must be authorized to do business in the state (if a company).

Yes, most states allow you to be your own registered agent, provided you meet these conditions:

• You have a physical address in the state of formation.
• You are available during business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM).
• You are comfortable with your address being part of the public record.

Reasons to be your own registered agent:

• Save money (no annual service fees)
• Direct control over document handling
• Simplicity if you work from a fixed location

Reasons NOT to be your own registered agent:

• Privacy: Your home address becomes public record.
• Availability: You must be present during business hours.
• Process servers: Legal documents can be served at inconvenient times.
• Travel: You can't be regularly away from your address.

• Every LLC must designate a registered agent to receive legal documents and official communications.
• A registered agent must have a physical address and be available during business hours.
• You can be your own registered agent, but consider privacy, availability, and convenience issues.
• MakeLLC offers registered agent services on behalf of your LLC, allowing you to focus on your business.