Key Takeaways
- Every U.S. state requires a registered agent for LLCs, even if you’re the only owner.
- Being your own registered agent saves money but exposes your address and risks missed notices.
- Most registered agent services cost $100–$400 per year, depending on features and support.
- The right service depends on your priorities—cost, privacy, compliance support, or legal tools.
Choosing the right registered agent service is crucial for your business’s compliance and legal standing. A registered agent handles official documents and legal notices on your behalf, ensuring you don’t miss important information.
Let’s explore some of the best available registered agent services so you can make an informed decision.
Here’s what’s in store:
- What is a Registered Agent for an LLC?
- What is the Best Registered Agent Service for Your Business?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion: Is a Registered Agent Service Worth it?
Now, let’s get to it!
What is a Registered Agent for an LLC?
A registered agent for an LLC or othee business is a person or service responsible for receiving legal and tax documents on behalf of your business. This includes things like service of process (lawsuits), official government mail, and compliance notices. Every state requires you to have a registered agent when you form an LLC, even if you’re a single-member LLC.
The agent must have a physical address in the state where your LLC is registered and be available during regular business hours. You can be your own registered agent, but that comes with some downsides like public exposure of your address and the risk of missing something important when you’re out of the office.
The main responsibilities of a registered agent include:
- Accepting legal documents (like lawsuits)
- Receiving tax notices and compliance reminders
- Forwarding important documents to your business
- Keeping your business in good standing with the state
Most registered agent services cost between $100 and $300 per year, depending on the provider and what’s included.
You might also like: Sole Proprietorship VS LLC: How to Choose Your Entity Wisely
Do You Need a Registered Agent for Your LLC?
If you’re asking, ‘Do I need a registered agent for my LLC?’ — yes, you do. States from Oregon to Missouri, Illinois, and New Jersey require it. In fact, every U.S. state does.
⚠️ However, that does not mean that you need to pay for a registered agent service…
…If you’re comfortable filing the paperwork to register your business and staying up-to-date with annual reports, you can be your own registered agent.
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What is the Best Registered Agent Service for Your Business?
If you’re still thinking that you want a registered agent service, for either privacy or convenience, here are the top services I would recommend. Be sure to check with the brand websites for the most up-to-date pricing and possible promotions.
1. LegalZoom
I use LegalZoom myself, which is why I put it at the top of the list. LegalZoom charges $299/year for their plan that includes registered agent service, one of the higher-priced options on this list.
What you get in return is:
- A trusted name with national brand recognition
- Alerts for important filing deadlines
- Compliance tracking so your business stays in good standing
- Online access to legal documents and secure document storage
- Access to other legal and business services under one roof
If you’re already using LegalZoom for things like forming your LLC, filing a DBA, trademark registration, or EIN filing, it makes sense to bundle everything with one provider. But the higher price tag may not be ideal if you’re just looking for a standalone registered agent.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or just want basic registered agent services without the extras, this may not be your best fit.
Recommended: LegalZoom Review for Business Owners: A No-Fluff Breakdown
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is a popular choice, especially for privacy-focused business owners. They charge $125/year for registered agent service—no gimmicks, no upsells.
What you get:
- A flat, transparent pricing structure
- Free use of their business address to help protect your privacy
- Personalized customer service (every customer gets a dedicated rep)
- Same-day scanning and document forwarding
- Real offices in all 50 states, not just mail drops
They also include registered agent service for free with business formation. This makes them a great fit for anyone setting up a new LLC or changing agents for better support.
But, if you want the lowest possible upfront cost (like a free first year), other providers might offer a better deal short-term.
Recommended: A Complete Northwest Registered Agent Review & Analysis
3. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness charges $199/year for registered agent service, though they often include the first year free with LLC formation. They focus on small business simplicity and user-friendly design.
What you get:
- Registered agent service in all 50 states
- Compliance alerts and filing deadline reminders
- Secure online document storage
- Access to business formation and maintenance services
ZenBusiness is also a Public Benefit Corporation, which means they support mission-driven goals alongside their business operations.
Keep in mind, if you’re only looking for a registered agent and don’t need formation help or bundled extras, you may find better pricing elsewhere.
Recommended: Comprehensive ZenBusiness Review: Is it Legit for LLCs?
4. Bizee (Previously Incfile)
Bizee includes one full year of registered agent service for free when you form your LLC with them. After the first year, the cost is $119/year.
What you get:
- Free first year with LLC formation
- Automatic alerts for legal documents and deadlines
- Access to an intuitive online dashboard
- Support for compliance and business maintenance filings
This is one of the most affordable ways to test out a registered agent service without a big upfront cost.
Now, if you don’t plan to form your LLC through Bizee or you’re already established and just looking to switch agents, others may offer better long-term value.
Recommended: Is Bizee Legit? Agent Services, Entrepreneur Grants & More
5. Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer charges $149.99/year for registered agent service if purchased separately, but you get a discount if you’re a monthly member ($39.99/month).
What you get:
- Registered agent service in all 50 states
- Access to legal documents and e-signatures
- On-call legal advice from licensed attorneys
- Compliance tracking and notifications
Rocket Lawyer is a strong choice if you expect to need contracts, NDAs, or ongoing legal help alongside your registered agent service.
But…If you’re only looking for a registered agent and not the legal extras, you’ll likely find cheaper alternatives with fewer bundled features.
Recommended: The Complete Rocket Lawyer Review for Business Owners
6. Swyft Filings
Swyft Filings charges $199/year for their registered agent service, and they make the signup process quick and easy. They’re known for fast turnarounds and solid customer support.
What you get:
- Fast business formation and agent setup
- Simple dashboard for compliance reminders
- Real-time alerts and document delivery
- Access to LLC formation services and upgrades
Swyft Filings is a good fit for new entrepreneurs who want speed and efficiency without giving up support.
If you’re price-sensitive and want long-term savings, other services like Bizee or Northwest may offer better annual value.
Recommended: Are All the Positive Swyft Filings Reviews Real? Read This
7. CT Corporation
CT Corporation is one of the oldest and most established registered agent providers in the U.S. It’s part of Wolters Kluwer, a global compliance and legal services company.
CT Corporation charges $374/year for standalone registered agent services—This includes:
- A registered agent address in your state
- A team to handle legal notifications and service of process
- Access to a compliance portal with 24/7 document tracking
- Business name availability check
Other services like incorporation or foreign qualification are available as bundled packages for $884 or more, plus state fees.
CT is trusted by law firms and large enterprises. If your business deals with complex compliance, operates in multiple states, or needs white-glove service, CT is a top-tier option.
Note that small business owners or solopreneurs may find it too expensive or too enterprise-focused for their needs. And, with CT, there’s no free first year or basic-tier pricing.
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8. CSC Global (Corporation Service Company)
CSC is another premium registered agent provider that serves large corporations, financial institutions, and law firms. Like CT, they maintain physical offices in all 50 states.
Their registered agent service typically starts around $381/year, though rates may vary by location and service level.
What you get:
- High-end service for complex business structures
- Compliance calendar, automated alerts, and secure document delivery
- Tools to manage multiple entities, UCC filings, and trademarks
- Dedicated customer support with a corporate-level feel
- Integration with internal legal and tax systems for enterprise use
CSC is designed for serious compliance at scale. If you’re running a multi-state business or need in-depth recordkeeping tools, CSC delivers.
Some people think it’s overbuilt (and overpriced) for most small businesses and startups. And, as with CT, there’s no free trial or budget-friendly entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be my own registered agent for my LLC?
You can be your own registered agent if you have a physical address in the state, are available during business hours. In this case, your address becomes public. It saves money, but you may risk missing legal documents and losing privacy.
Do I have to have an EIN for my LLC?
No, an EIN isn’t required for all LLCs, but you’ll need one if you hire employees or want to open a business bank account. Most registered agent services offer EIN filing as an add-on. I usually recommend filing yourself with the IRS, since it takes less than 10 minutes and is free during business hours.
Can UPS be a registered agent?
No. UPS’s boxes and virtual addresses don’t meet the legal requirement for a physical registered agent address. You need a real street address where someone can receive documents.
How to become a registered agent for LLCs?
To become a registered agent, you must be 18 or older, have a physical address in the state where the business is registered, be available during business hours.
Is a registered agent service worth it?
In many cases, yes. The cost tends to be low compared to the risk of missing legal notices or getting penalties. A registered service can keep your address private and take care of compliance tracking.
Conclusion: Is a Registered Agent Service Worth it?
For many business owners, a registered agent service is worth the cost. While you can act as your own registered agent, doing so comes with added responsibilities and may have potential drawbacks like lack of privacy and the risk of missing important legal notices.
Professional services can help ensure compliance, provide timely document handling, and keep your personal address off public records. For around $100 to $300 per year, many small businesses see this as a practical investment.
If your goal is to stay organized, avoid penalties, and focus on growing your business, using a registered agent service might make sense. The best choice depends on your budget and how much support you want.
Do you want to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!
Rocket Lawyer can also help you apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). You’ll need this for a business bank account, tax filing, and to hire employees. This service is seemingly only available with a Rocket Legal+ membership, and may be included at no cost. But, some reviewers have reported that Rocket Lawyer charges $59.99 if you need an EIN application as a standalone service.
