Key Takeaways
- You can legally be your own registered agent in any U.S. state.
- It’s free if you use your own name and address (less the cost of filing fees).
- You must have a physical address in the state (no P.O. boxes).
- You must be available during normal business hours.
- Your address will be public, which can affect your privacy.
- Missing legal mail could lead to serious problems.
- It may feel unprofessional to receive court papers at home.
- A commercial service may offer more privacy and flexibility.
When you start an LLC or any business, one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is who will be your registered agent. Lately, we’ve been reviewing business registration and registered agent services, and noticed something about their messaging.
Across the board, most of the services that offer these services say something along the lines of, “most states require that you have a registered agent,” on their websites. This is pretty misleading and almost insinuates that you have to pay for a service to be compliant. That is not exactly the case, so let’s break it down.
Here’s what’s in store:
- What is a Registered Agent?
- What to Consider When You Appoint a Registered Agent
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Should You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Now, let’s dive in!
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a person or company you choose to receive legal and official documents for your business. This includes things like lawsuit notices (also called service of process), tax forms and state correspondence, and annual report reminders or other compliance mail.
Every LLC or corporation must list a registered agent when they form the business. The agent has to be available during normal business hours at a physical street address in the state where your business is registered. You can be your own registered agent, or you can hire a service to do it for you.
Basically, the registered agent is the state’s way of knowing how to reach your business if it ever needs to. And, the registered agent doesn’t have to be the LLC owner.
You can appoint:
- Yourself
- Another member of the LLC
- Another business or trust
- A friend or relative
- A commercial registered agent service
You just need someone who meets your state’s requirements and is reliable.
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So, Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can absolutely be your own registered agent. Every state in the U.S. allows it, as long as you meet the basic requirements. And, you’re not alone; plenty of small business owners choose this route. I do it myself. I register my businesses in my own name, and it works just fine.
It’s a legit option, especially when you’re just getting started and want to keep things simple (and save a few bucks).
To qualify in the U.S., you typically just need to meet a few basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a physical address (not a P.O. box) in the state where your LLC is registered
- Be available during normal business hours to receive legal mail and government notices
So, you can assign yourself, your friend, your lawyer, or a registered agent company. If someone checks those boxes, they’re good to go.
However, just because it’s allowed doesn’t mean it’s always the best option. In some cases, there can be downsides to being your own agent.
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Is it Hard to Be Your Own Registered Agent?
Being your own registered agent is not really difficult. The hardest part is staying available during regular business hours and keeping up with your mail.
As your own registered agent, you’ll need to always have someone present at the listed address, make sure legal papers and state notices don’t get missed or lost, and stay up to date with your state’s compliance deadlines.
If you’re organized and work from one spot, it’s manageable. If you travel, move a lot, or work irregular hours, it might be more trouble than it’s worth.
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What to Consider When You Appoint a Registered Agent
Who you appoint should depend on your setup and your comfort level. If you work from a home office and don’t mind listing your address on public records, it can be a good way to save a little cash. But there are trade-offs. Here’s what to consider.
1. Your Privacy
When you serve as your own registered agent, the address you list becomes part of the public record. That means anyone can look it up; this includes marketers, spammers, and anyone else who might want your business or personal info. If you’re working from home, this can feel like an invasion of privacy.
On the flip side, if you already use a business address or don’t mind being public, this might not bother you at all and it can be less expensive.
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2. Your Availability
You’re generally required to be available at the registered address during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. That’s fine if you work in a fixed location and have a predictable schedule.
But if you travel, work nights, or just don’t want to be tied to one spot all day, it can be a hassle. You risk missing important legal notices or state mail if you step away at the wrong time.
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3. Your Business’ Professionalism
If your business ever faces legal trouble, service of process (meaning legal documents like a lawsuit) gets delivered to your registered agent address. When that address is your home, you could end up receiving court papers in front of family, friends, or clients. That can feel awkward and unprofessional.
On the other hand, if you’re comfortable handling that responsibility and don’t mind the risk, it might not be a dealbreaker.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can my accountant be my registered agent?
Yes, if your accountant agrees to it and has a physical address in your LLC’s state. Just remember, this means their name and address will be on public record, and they’ll need to be available during business hours. Some accountants are okay with that while others might prefer to stay out of it.
Can I be my own registered agent if I don’t have an address?
No. You need a physical street address in the state where your LLC is formed. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to use a registered agent service or to get a physical office or mailbox solution that meets the rules (not a typical UPS store box).
Who can be a registered agent for an LLC?
Anyone who is 18 or older, has a physical address in the state, and is available during business hours can be a registered agent for an LLC or any other business.
Is the registered agent of an LLC the owner?
Not always. In fact, the registered agent and the owner can be totally different people. Many businesses hire third-party services to keep the owner’s name and address private.
What’s Northwest Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a popular commercial registered agent service. They’re known for flat-rate pricing (around $125/year), strong privacy protections, and good customer support. They also offer LLC formation services, so you can register your business and set up your agent all in one place.
Conclusion: Should You Be Your Own Registered Agent?
You can absolutely be your own registered agent. It’s legal, free, and pretty simple if you’re organized. But if you value your privacy, travel a lot, or don’t want legal documents showing up at home, hiring a professional might be a better choice.
If you have a stable address, you might be just fine doing it yourself (at least while your business is small). You can always switch to a commercial agent later if your needs change.
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