What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent, sometimes called a statutory agent or resident agent, is a person or company that a business entity names to receive legal papers and official government notices on its behalf. States require LLCs and corporations to have one with a physical address in the state.

What the agent does

The agent's job is to accept service of process, which means lawsuits and legal notices, and forward them to the business. The agent also commonly receives mail from the state, such as annual report reminders. Because deadlines in legal papers are short, a good agent forwards documents quickly and reliably.

Who can be one

Rules vary by state. In many states, an individual who lives in the state, or a company authorized to act as an agent there, can serve. Owners sometimes act as their own agent if they have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours. Many owners hire a commercial agent for a yearly fee, especially if they live outside the state or want to keep a home address off public records.

What an agent is not

A registered agent is not a legal adviser, a mailing address for all your business post or the place where you operate. The agent's address becomes part of the public record, and it is where official papers go.

An example

A student in another country forms a US LLC and hires a commercial registered agent in the state of formation. Legal notices go to the agent, who scans and sends them on.

Related terms

See limited liability company, operating agreement and EIN. For more, read our page on registered agents and operating agreements.