Registered agent
Do I need a registered agent? Cost and options
Why every U.S. LLC needs a registered agent, when you can serve as your own, what commercial agents cost, and how that fits into total LLC setup cost.
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Not legal or tax advice. General information only.
Short answer
Yes. Every U.S. state requires an LLC to maintain a registered agent (sometimes called a statutory agent or agent for service of process) with a physical street address in that state. The agent receives official legal and government mail on behalf of the LLC.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Often yes, if you:
- Have a physical street address in the state of formation (not a P.O. box, in most states), and
- Are available during normal business hours to receive service of process
Tradeoffs: your name/address may appear on public records, and missing a lawsuit complaint can be disastrous. Many owners hire a commercial agent for privacy and reliability.
What does a registered agent cost?
| Option | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Serve as your own agent | $0 service fee (still must meet state rules) |
| Commercial registered agent | Commonly about $100–$300 per year per state (private market; not a government fee) |
| Bundled with formation services | Often included for the first year in a package, then renews annually |
Some states also charge a government fee to designate or change an agent (for example Florida’s $25 registered-agent designation fee at formation — see Florida LLC cost).
Formation-service options
Companies such as Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and Bizee sell registered-agent and formation packages. If you purchase through links on this site, we may earn a commission (affiliate disclosure). We do not advertise coupons or cashback. Affiliate tracking URLs are still placeholders (href="#") until programs are approved.
Multi-state operations
If you foreign-qualify in additional states, you generally need a registered agent in each of those states — which multiplies commercial agent fees.
Related state examples
- Delaware LLC cost — agent required; popular with out-of-state founders
- Wyoming LLC cost — agent required; commercial agents common
- New York LLC cost — Secretary of State serves as agent for process; mailing address rules apply