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Registered Agent Service, Included With Your LLC
Every US LLC must name a registered agent with a physical address in its state. The agent receives legal papers and state notices for your company. With LLCPronto, a registered agent and a US mailing address are included for the first year in every package.
A registered agent is a person or company with a street address in your LLC’s state who accepts lawsuits and official state mail for the LLC. Every state requires one, a PO box is not allowed, and you can only be your own agent if you have an address in that state. LLCPronto includes a registered agent for the first year with every LLC package.
Reviewed by Arslan Ameer, founder of LLCPronto.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
- Accepts service of process. If someone sues your LLC, the papers go to your registered agent.
- Receives state mail, such as annual report reminders and notices from the Secretary of State.
- Forwards everything to you quickly, usually by email, so you can act on time.
- Keeps a public address on state records that is not your home.
Is a Registered Agent Required?
Yes, in all 50 states. You name the agent when you file your LLC, and you must keep one at all times. If your agent stops serving and you do not replace it, the state can mark your LLC as not in good standing and later dissolve it.
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
| Your situation | Can you be your own agent? |
|---|---|
| You live in the LLC’s state and are home during business hours | Yes, but your home address becomes public |
| You live in a different US state | No; you need an agent in the LLC’s state |
| You live outside the US | No; you need a registered agent service |
Most founders who live abroad use a registered agent service. That is why every LLCPronto package includes one, in the same state as your LLC.
Registered Agent vs Business Address vs Mailing Address
| What it is for | Can banks and Stripe use it? | |
|---|---|---|
| Registered agent address | Lawsuits and official state mail | Usually not accepted as your business address |
| US mailing address | Receiving letters and packages for the LLC | Sometimes, depending on the provider |
| Business address | Where the business operates | Yes; this is what most providers ask for |
Keep these separate in your mind. Using the registered agent address as your business address on a bank or Stripe application is one of the common reasons for delays. See our bank account guide for details.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?
Commercial registered agent services usually charge from about $50 to $300 a year, depending on the state and the company. With LLCPronto, the first year is included in your package price for every state, and we tell you the renewal price before it is due.
How to Change Your Registered Agent
- Choose the new agent and make sure they agree to serve.
- File the state’s change of registered agent form. Fees vary; Wyoming charges $5.
- Update your records and tell your bank if they have the old address.
What Is Included With LLCPronto
- A registered agent with a street address in your LLC’s state, for the first year
- Scanning and forwarding of legal and state mail to you by email
- Reminders before your state’s annual report deadline
- A US mailing address for one year, separate from the agent address
Registered Agent Renewal Cost
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Registered agent, first year | Included in every LLC package |
| Renewal or switching to LLCPronto | $20 service fee plus the state fee |
The state fee depends on your LLC’s state. We tell you the full amount before you pay.
Documents You Need to Change Your Agent
- The LLC’s name, state and file number
- The name of your current registered agent
- Passport of the owner
- The signed change form for your state. We prepare it
Registered Agent FAQs
Is a registered agent required for an LLC?
Yes. Every US state requires an LLC to name a registered agent with a physical street address in that state when it is formed, and to keep one for as long as the LLC exists.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Only if you have a street address in the LLC’s state and are available there during business hours. Founders who live outside the US, or in another state, need a registered agent service.
Can a registered agent use a PO box?
No. States require a physical street address where legal papers can be handed over in person.
What happens if my LLC has no registered agent?
The state can mark the LLC as not in good standing and later dissolve it. You could also miss a lawsuit, which can lead to a court decision against your LLC without you knowing.
Can I use my registered agent address for my bank or Stripe?
Usually not. Many banks, Stripe and Amazon want a business address, not a registered agent address. A registered agent is for legal mail; a business or mailing address is separate.
How do I change my registered agent?
You file a change of registered agent form with the state. Fees vary by state; Wyoming, for example, charges $5. The new agent must agree to serve.
Does the registered agent need to be a lawyer?
No. It can be a person or a company with an address in the state. It must simply be available to accept documents.
Related Services
- LLC formation in all 50 states
- US LLC for non-residents
- EIN for non-residents
- Business bank account help
Registered Agent Included
Every package includes a registered agent for the first year. Already have an LLC? Switch to us for a $20 service fee plus the state fee.
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