Do you need a registered agent?
4 min read · Updated 2026-08-13
Short answerIf you form a US LLC or corporation, yes — every state requires a registered agent with a physical street address in the state of formation, available during business hours to receive legal and state mail. You can be your own agent if you have such an address in that state. If you don't live there, or you don't want your home address on a public register, you pay a commercial agent, typically a modest annual fee.
What the agent actually does
The registered agent receives service of process — lawsuits — plus state correspondence such as annual report reminders and franchise tax notices, and forwards them to you.
That is the whole job. An agent is not an accountant, not a lawyer and not a manager of your company.
When to use a commercial agent
You don't have a street address in the formation state. A PO box does not satisfy the requirement.
You don't want your home address permanently searchable on a public register.
You travel, or you simply won't reliably be at one address during business hours. Missing a service of process notice can result in a default judgment.
What it costs and what to check
Commercial agents typically charge an annual fee in the low hundreds of dollars. Compare the renewal price rather than the first-year offer.
Check that mail is scanned and forwarded promptly, that you can change agent without a penalty, and whether compliance reminders are included or upsold.
Frequently asked
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