What Is a Registered Agent Service for LLCs?
A registered agent service for an LLC provides a listed contact for service of process and state mail. Some states use different terms, including statutory agent, resident agent, or agent for service of process. The address on file tells the state where to send legal papers and official notices.
Services can include service of process, annual report notices, renewal notices, and tax notices. The registered agent address must be a street address in the same state as the LLC, with someone available during business hours. After delivery, the papers are sent to the business contact you choose.
What Is Included in LLC Registered Agent Service
MyCorporation's registered agent service for LLCs covers the registered agent name and address listed on your LLC filing and routes notices to your account contact.
- Registered agent name and street address for your LLC state filing.
- Acceptance of service of process.
- Receipt of state correspondence for your LLC.
- Notice sent to the account contact on file.
- Document delivery through the option tied to your service.
- Support for contact updates and change requests.
- Renewal terms shown during checkout or in your account.
Service of Process for an LLC
Service of process is the formal delivery of lawsuit papers to an LLC. A process server may deliver those papers to the LLC's registered agent at the address listed with the state. The state relies on that address for legal delivery.
Some papers include a response deadline. Keep the delivery date and the full set of documents together, then send them to the business contact listed on your account.
Documents That Can Arrive
- Complaint
- Subpoena
- Wage garnishment notice
- Notice of lien
What Happens After Delivery
- A process server delivers the papers to the registered agent's address.
- Our staff notes what arrived and records the delivery date.
- A notice goes to the account contact on file.
- The papers are sent using the delivery option tied to your service.
Registered Agent Requirements for LLCs
Every LLC must list a registered agent on the state filing. That entry includes the agent's name and a physical location in the same state where the LLC is registered. The state uses this information as the delivery point for legal papers.
A registered agent can be an individual or a company. Someone must be present at the listed location during normal business hours to receive documents. Some states require consent to serve and may also require a signature. If agent details change, a state update form is required.
- Registered agent name listed for the LLC.
- Physical location in the same state.
- A person available during normal business hours.
- Acceptance of legal documents for the LLC.
- Consent to serve, if required by the state.
- Signature, if required on the state form.
- State update filing when agent details change.
Your LLC Address vs. Your Service Address
Your LLC must list a registered agent address on the state form. You can use your own address or a service address. The difference comes down to who is responsible for receiving deliveries.
Business moves and address changes can trigger additional state filings. Listing your own address may require updates when you move. A service address typically stays the same, reducing how often updates are needed.
Some deliveries arrive in person. With your own address, you or your staff accept them. With a service address, the service staff accepts the delivery and forwards it using the option tied to your plan.
| Item | Your Address | Service Address |
|---|---|---|
| Address shown on the LLC record | Your address | Service address |
| Who takes in-person drop-offs | You or your staff | Service staff |
| When you move | You may need a state update | Agent address does not change unless you switch service |
| Work you do | You receive and sort papers | Service receives and forwards through your service option |
Switch Your LLC Registered Agent
If you already have an LLC and want to change registered agents, the state requires an update before the new agent appears on your LLC record. Some states charge a filing fee.
What You Need
- LLC legal name
- State
- Entity ID number, if available
- Current agent details, if available
Register Your LLC in Another State
An LLC forms in one home state. Registering your LLC in another state treats it as a foreign LLC. The filing step required to operate in another state is called a foreign qualification, and some states issue a certificate of authority after approval.
Each state maintains its own business record, and a filing is required in every state you add. MyCorporation works across all 50 states.
- A registered agent is required in each additional state.
- Each state keeps a separate business listing for your LLC.
When a Registered Agent for an LLC Is Required
A registered agent is required when submitting an LLC formation filing. Many states will not accept an LLC filing unless the registered agent section is completed.
Changes can also trigger the requirement. If a registered agent resigns or the agent's name or address changes, the state expects an updated filing. Foreign qualification in another state also requires a registered agent. The requirement applies in every state where the LLC is registered.
MyCorporation provides registered agent services in all 50 states.
Why Choose MyCorporation for LLC Registered Agent Service
Since 1998, MyCorporation has supported business owners with filing services across the United States. The same experience applies whether you add a registered agent during a new LLC filing or switch an existing one.
Registered agent service is available nationwide. Deluxe and Premium packages include registered agent service.
- Serving business owners and entrepreneurs since 1998
- Over one million businesses helped
- Full coverage in all 50 states
- Registered agent service included with Deluxe and Premium packages
"Our goal has always been to make starting and maintaining a business easier for our customers."
Deborah Sweeney, CEO, MyCorporation
