{"id":6322,"date":"2020-01-07T22:09:18","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T22:09:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-alliance-virtual-office-blog.pantheonsite.io\/?p=6322"},"modified":"2026-04-14T11:33:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T15:33:01","slug":"what-is-a-registered-agent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alliancevirtualoffices.com\/virtual-office-blog\/what-is-a-registered-agent\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Registered Agent?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A registered agent<\/span><\/a> is a third party with the authority to receive service of process notices, and other official documents on behalf of a business.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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You\u2019ve come up with an exciting idea for a company, chosen a business entity, signed up for a virtual office and come up with a handful of great marketing ideas to get your product or service in front of potential customers. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what next?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With so much to think about, corporate compliance can fall to the bottom of the list, but it\u2019s critical. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corporate compliance is the process of making sure your company and employees follow the laws, regulations, standards, and ethical practices that apply to your organization.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to <\/span>The Balance<\/span><\/a>, all businesses that register with a state as a legal entity, i.e. an LLC, a corporation or a partnership, are required to have a registered agent. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, having a registered agent is a corporate compliance responsibility.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWhen you register your business with a state, one of the required bits of information is the name and address of your business’s<\/a> registered agent. This information is important, so don’t leave it out. You can put down your name and address as a registered agent, but it’s much better to hire someone.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\nThe Balance Small Business<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise known as a \u201cresident agent\u201d or a \u201cstatutory agent\u201d, a registered agent is a third party (company or individual) with the authority to receive service of process notices and other official documents such as Secretary of State correspondence, on behalf of a business. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The registered agent must be located in the state in which the business entity was established.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why do I need a registered agent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The state requires you to have an official contact for any business on file. <\/span>
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<\/span>The state will use this official contact for official correspondence, including compliance information and other official documents (including tax-related ones). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your registered agent in turn shares these correspondences with you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this reason, it\u2019s important to designate someone trustworthy and professional.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cYou\u2019re required to designate an in-state Registered Agent when you form your company and in each additional state in which you are doing business. And, maintaining a Registered Agent in the state in which you formed and in each state where your company is conducting business is an ongoing requirement.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\nWolters Kluwer<\/em><\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The registered agent is also responsible for receiving service of process correspondence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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What does \u201cservice of process\u201d mean?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Service of process refers to the delivery of legal documents that provide a business with official notice of a lawsuit. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Documents include summons, complaints, writs (and more) and are typically delivered in person to the Registered Agent (see \u201cother benefits\u201d). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>What happens if I don\u2019t get a registered agent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Businesses that choose not to assign a registered agent can face serious repercussions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your business filing can be denied.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to <\/span>Forbes<\/span><\/a>, a new business\u2019 formation or qualification paperwork to incorporate are likely to be rejected by the state if they don\u2019t provide the name and address of a registered agent. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, operating businesses that don\u2019t maintain a registered agent can face \u201cfines, penalties and possible default judgements in favor of the other party (in the case of a lawsuit),\u201d amongst other ramifications – including dissolvement. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>What are the benefits of a registered agent?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Who should I choose as a registered agent?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It most cases, it\u2019s possible for a business owner to name themselves as the registered agent. However, that isn\u2019t necessarily the best choice. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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It is highly advised you designate a third party as your registered agent. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opting for a third party means that someone is always able to receive legal documents. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This enables you (the business owner) to go on vacation or take some time away from the office without having to worry about registered agent compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned previously, service of process documents are delivered in person.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meaning, all registered agents are required to be open during regular business hours throughout the year; regardless of your business\u2019 operating hours<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After receiving correspondence, the registered agent will notify the business immediately and forward a copy of the document to the business via email, or in some cases, through snail mail. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How can I find a registered agent?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When conducting research into different registered agent services, business owners should consider the following:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n