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Registered agent

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Registered agent service with a dependable in-state address

Every US LLC and corporation must name a registered agent with a physical address in its state of formation. Firmlane provides this service, and the first year is included on eligible formation orders. The renewal price is shown before you buy, and renewal only happens with your consent.

  • First year included on eligible formation orders
  • Physical in-state address, staffed during business hours
  • Renewal price disclosed upfront, auto-renew only with your consent
  • Cancel per the registered agent terms
Start your company Read the agent terms

The role

What a registered agent actually does

A registered agent is the person or company your state lists as the official contact point for your business. If someone sues your company, the court papers (called service of process) are delivered to the agent. The state and other agencies also send official notices there, such as annual report reminders and tax notices.

The agent's address is called the registered office. It has to be a physical street address in the state, and someone must be available there during normal business hours to accept documents. Delaware, for example, requires registered agents to maintain a street address and office in Delaware that is open during normal business hours.

A registered agent does not run your business, sign contracts or become an owner. It is a narrow role, but a legally important one: it is how the outside world reliably reaches your company.

  • Accepts service of process, such as lawsuits and subpoenas
  • Receives official mail from the Secretary of State and other agencies
  • Keeps a physical address in your formation state on the public record
  • Passes along what it receives so you can respond in time

Why it is required

Why every state asks for one

State laws require LLCs and corporations to keep a registered agent for as long as they exist. The reasons are practical, and they matter even more when you live outside the state or outside the US.

  • Reliable legal notice

    Courts and process servers need a known place to deliver legal papers. A registered office gives them a dependable address that is open during business hours, so a lawsuit can't be dodged by simply not answering the door.

  • Founders who live elsewhere

    Many founders don't live in the state where they formed, or in the US at all. The agent provides the in-state presence the law requires, so you can run the company from anywhere.

  • Your home address stays off this record

    The registered office appears on the public record. Using an agent's address means you don't have to list your own home for this purpose. Other filings in some states may still show names or other addresses.

  • Fewer missed deadlines

    State notices about annual reports, taxes and status changes often go to the registered agent. Having them received and passed on promptly helps you keep the company in good standing.

Your options

Acting as your own agent vs using a service

In most states you can serve as your own registered agent if you meet the requirements. Here is how the two approaches usually compare.

  • Address

    Acting as your own agent
    You need a physical street address in the formation state
    Using a registered agent service
    The service provides a physical in-state address

  • Availability

    Acting as your own agent
    You, or someone you appoint, must be there during business hours
    Using a registered agent service
    The service accepts documents during business hours

  • Privacy

    Acting as your own agent
    Your own address goes on the public record as the registered office
    Using a registered agent service
    The service's address appears as the registered office

  • Living abroad or out of state

    Acting as your own agent
    Generally not workable without someone and somewhere in the state
    Using a registered agent service
    Works wherever you live

  • Cost

    Acting as your own agent
    No agent fee, but your time and address are committed
    Using a registered agent service
    Annual service fee; first year included on eligible Firmlane formation orders

Some states also allow another business entity registered in the state to act as agent. Rules differ by state.

Scope

What the service covers

Included

  • A physical registered office address in your formation state
  • Acceptance of service of process during business hours
  • Receipt of official state mail sent to your company at the registered office
  • Forwarding of documents received for your company, as described in the registered agent terms

Not included

  • Everyday business mail and packages. A separate business address service is planned
  • Legal advice or representation if your company is sued
  • Filing annual reports or paying state taxes for you (see compliance support)
  • A mailing address for banks, customers or the IRS

How it works

Registered agent service with Firmlane

  1. 01

    Choose Firmlane as your agent

    When you form a company through Firmlane, you can name Firmlane as your registered agent. On eligible formation orders, the first year is included.

    At formation

  2. 02

    Your agent goes on the public record

    The registered agent's name and registered office address are listed in the formation documents filed with your state.

    Formation filing

  3. 03

    Documents are received for you

    Service of process and official state mail are accepted at the registered office during business hours and passed on to you as described in the registered agent terms.

    Ongoing

  4. 04

    Renewal only with your consent

    After the first year, the service continues at the renewal price shown in the catalog and disclosed before purchase. It renews automatically only if you agreed to auto-renew, and you can cancel under the registered agent terms.

    Each year

How registered agent charges work

This is how registered agent charges are structured over the life of your company, so you know what to expect before you commit.

Registered agent, year by year

  • First year

    Applies when Firmlane forms your company and you choose Firmlane as agent.

    Included on eligible formation orders

  • Renewal, year two onward

    The live price is listed in the pricing cards above.

    Catalog price, shown before purchase

  • Automatic renewal

    You choose whether to turn on auto-renew. Without it, the service doesn't renew on its own.

    Only with your consent

  • Cancellation

    Per the registered agent terms

  • Changing agents later

    Set by your state, paid by you and shown separately from Firmlane fees.

    State filing fee may apply

State filing fees are always shown separately from Firmlane fees.

See state fees

Know the rules

Keeping, changing and ending a registered agent

What happens if you don't maintain one

Your company has to keep a registered agent for as long as it exists, not just at formation. If the agent resigns or the address lapses, the consequences build up:

  • Missed lawsuits. If legal papers can't be delivered, you may not learn about a lawsuit in time to respond, which can lead to a default judgment against your company.
  • Loss of good standing. Many states treat a company without a registered agent as out of compliance, which can block certificates of good standing and some filings.
  • Forfeiture or dissolution. Delaware, for example, lists a corporation as forfeited, and an LLC as cancelled, when its agent resigns and no new agent is appointed within 30 days. Texas warns that an entity may be terminated or its registration revoked for failing to maintain a registered office and agent.

Exact rules and timelines vary by state, so treat these as examples rather than a full list.

Changing your registered agent

You can change agents at any time. In most states this means filing a statement or certificate of change with the Secretary of State, naming the new agent and registered office. A state filing fee may apply. Texas, for example, charges $15 for its statement of change of registered office or agent, and requires that the new agent has consented to serve. Delaware uses a certificate of change of registered agent.

If you are moving to Firmlane for an existing company, contact us and we will confirm whether we can serve as agent in your state before anything is filed or charged.

Ending the service

You can cancel Firmlane's registered agent service under the registered agent terms. If your company will keep operating, appoint a new agent and file the change first, so there is never a gap. If you are closing the company, keep the agent in place until your dissolution or cancellation is filed, so you can still receive official notices. See dissolution for the full process.

General information only

This page explains how registered agents generally work in the US. It is not legal or tax advice, and state rules change. For advice about your company's situation, consult a licensed attorney or tax professional. Firmlane is not a law firm and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Official sources

Last reviewed

State examples are illustrative. Requirements, fees and timelines vary by state and can change.

Related services

Form your company with an agent already in place

Choose Firmlane as your registered agent when you form. The first year is included on eligible formation orders, and the renewal price is shown before you buy.

Start your company Ask a question

$0 Firmlane service fee on eligible formations. You pay the state filing fee, shown before you pay.