Registered Agent Requirements by State (All 50 States)

Every LLC and corporation in the United States must designate a registered agent when forming a business entity. A registered agent is responsible for receiving official legal and government documents on behalf of the business, including service of process, tax notices, and compliance reminders.

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While the concept of a registered agent is similar nationwide, each state has specific rules and requirements regarding who can serve as a registered agent, where they must be located, and their availability during business hours.

Below is a state-by-state overview of registered agent requirements, starting in alphabetical order.

Alabama

Every LLC or corporation in Alabama must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Alabama Secretary of State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Alabama (P.O. boxes are not allowed).
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official state correspondence.
An individual Alabama resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Alabama may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be listed in the Certificate of Formation or Incorporation filed with the state.

Alaska

Every LLC or corporation in Alaska must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business, and Professional Licensing.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Alaska where legal and government documents can be delivered. P.O. boxes are not allowed.
The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official state correspondence.
An Alaska resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Alaska may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and physical address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Arizona

Arizona requires every LLC and corporation to appoint a statutory agent (registered agent) when filing formation documents with the Arizona Corporation Commission.
The statutory agent must have a physical street address in Arizona where legal documents can be delivered.
The statutory agent must consent to the appointment, typically by signing the Statutory Agent Acceptance form.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal notices and service of process.
An individual Arizona resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Arizona may serve as the statutory agent.

Arkansas

All LLCs and corporations in Arkansas must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Arkansas, which serves as the registered office. P.O. boxes are not permitted.
The agent must be available during standard business hours to receive legal documents and official state notices.
An Arkansas resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Arkansas may act as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be included in the business formation filing submitted to the state.

California

Every LLC and corporation in California must designate a registered agent for service of process when filing formation documents with the California Secretary of State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in California where legal documents can be delivered during business hours.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official government correspondence.
An individual California resident or a registered corporate agent authorized by the state may serve as the registered agent.
Businesses using a professional registered agent service must choose an agent listed on the California Registered Corporate Agent list.

Colorado

All LLCs and corporations formed in Colorado must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Colorado Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Colorado (the registered office). P.O. boxes cannot be used.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents and government notices.
An individual Colorado resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Colorado may serve as the registered agent.
Colorado allows the business owner to serve as their own registered agent, provided they meet the address and availability requirements.

Connecticut

Every LLC and corporation in Connecticut must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Connecticut Secretary of the State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Connecticut where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and official correspondence.
An individual Connecticut resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Connecticut may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Delaware

All LLCs and corporations in Delaware must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Delaware, known as the registered office.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and official state notices.
The registered agent must be either a Delaware resident individual or a business entity authorized to act as a registered agent in Delaware.
Delaware requires most businesses to use a commercial registered agent with a Delaware address if the business does not have a local presence.

Florida

Every LLC and corporation in Florida must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz).
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Florida where legal documents can be delivered.
The registered agent must formally accept the appointment, typically by signing the formation filing.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and government correspondence.
A Florida resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Florida may serve as the registered agent.

Georgia

All LLCs and corporations in Georgia must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Georgia Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Georgia where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and official state notices.
An individual Georgia resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Georgia may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation documents submitted to the state.

Hawaii

Every LLC and corporation in Hawaii must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Hawaii where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and official government correspondence.
An individual Hawaii resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Hawaii may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation filing with the state.

Idaho

All LLCs and corporations in Idaho must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Idaho Secretary of State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Idaho where legal documents can be delivered. P.O. boxes are not allowed.
The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official state notices.
An Idaho resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Idaho may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Illinois

Every LLC and corporation in Illinois must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Illinois Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Illinois (the registered office).
The agent must be available during standard business hours to receive legal documents and government correspondence.
An Illinois resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Illinois may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be listed in the business formation filing submitted to the state.

Indiana

All LLCs and corporations in Indiana must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Indiana Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Indiana where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and official notices.
An Indiana resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Indiana may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Iowa

Every LLC and corporation in Iowa must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Iowa Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Iowa where legal documents can be delivered.
The registered agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and state correspondence.
An Iowa resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Iowa may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation documents submitted to the state.

Kansas

All LLCs and corporations in Kansas must appoint a resident agent (registered agent) when filing formation documents with the Kansas Secretary of State.
The resident agent must have a physical street address in Kansas where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
An individual Kansas resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Kansas may serve as the resident agent.
The resident agent’s name and address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Kentucky

Every LLC and corporation in Kentucky must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Kentucky Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Kentucky where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and government correspondence.
A Kentucky resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Kentucky may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation filing submitted to the state.

Louisiana

All LLCs and corporations in Louisiana must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Louisiana where legal documents can be delivered.
The registered agent must consent to the appointment, often indicated in the formation documents.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
An individual Louisiana resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Louisiana may serve as the registered agent.

Maine

Every LLC and corporation in Maine must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Maine Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Maine where legal documents can be delivered.
The registered agent must be available during standard business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
A Maine resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Maine may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Maryland

All LLCs and corporations in Maryland must appoint a resident agent (registered agent) when filing formation documents with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
The resident agent must maintain a physical street address in Maryland where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and official notices.
An individual Maryland resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Maryland may serve as the resident agent.
The resident agent’s name and address must be included in the formation documents submitted to the state.

Massachusetts

Every LLC and corporation in Massachusetts must designate a resident agent (registered agent) when filing formation documents with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Massachusetts where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must consent to serve as the registered agent, typically by signing the formation filing.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
An individual Massachusetts resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Massachusetts may serve as the resident agent.

Michigan

All LLCs and corporations in Michigan must appoint a resident agent (registered agent) when filing formation documents with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
The resident agent must maintain a physical street address in Michigan where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during standard business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A Michigan resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Michigan may serve as the resident agent.
The resident agent’s name and address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Minnesota

Every LLC and corporation in Minnesota must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Minnesota where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official state correspondence.
A Minnesota resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Minnesota may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Mississippi

All LLCs and corporations in Mississippi must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Mississippi Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Mississippi where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must consent to the appointment, usually indicated in the formation documents.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
An individual Mississippi resident or a business entity authorized to operate in Mississippi may serve as the registered agent.

Missouri

Every LLC and corporation in Missouri must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Missouri Secretary of State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Missouri where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A Missouri resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Missouri may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Montana

All LLCs and corporations in Montana must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Montana Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Montana where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during standard business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
A Montana resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Montana may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation filing submitted to the state.

Nebraska

Every LLC and corporation in Nebraska must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Nebraska Secretary of State.
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Nebraska where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A Nebraska resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Nebraska may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Nevada

All LLCs and corporations in Nevada must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Nevada Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Nevada where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and official state correspondence.
The registered agent must be either a Nevada resident individual or a commercial registered agent authorized by the state.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

New Hampshire

Every LLC and corporation in New Hampshire must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the New Hampshire Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in New Hampshire where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must consent to serve as the registered agent, typically by signing the formation filing.
The agent must be available during standard business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
A New Hampshire resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in the state may serve as the registered agent.

New Jersey

All LLCs and corporations in New Jersey must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in New Jersey where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process and government correspondence.
A New Jersey resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in New Jersey may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be listed in the formation filing submitted to the state.

New Mexico

Every LLC and corporation in New Mexico must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the New Mexico Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in New Mexico where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and official state notices.
A New Mexico resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in New Mexico may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

New York

All LLCs and corporations in New York must designate a registered agent or the New York Secretary of State as agent for service of process when filing formation documents.
The New York Secretary of State automatically acts as the default agent for service of process for most businesses.
Businesses may also designate an additional registered agent with a physical address in New York.
The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and official notices.
The address for forwarding service of process must be included in the formation filing.

North Carolina

Every LLC and corporation in North Carolina must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the North Carolina Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in North Carolina where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must consent to the appointment and accept responsibility for receiving official documents.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A North Carolina resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in the state may serve as the registered agent.

North Dakota

All LLCs and corporations in North Dakota must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in North Dakota where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and government correspondence.
A North Dakota resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in North Dakota may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Ohio

Every LLC and corporation in Ohio must designate a statutory agent (registered agent) when filing formation documents with the Ohio Secretary of State.
The statutory agent must maintain a physical street address in Ohio where legal documents can be delivered.
The statutory agent must formally accept the appointment, typically by signing the formation filing.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
An Ohio resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Ohio may serve as the statutory agent.

Oklahoma

All LLCs and corporations in Oklahoma must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Oklahoma where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
An Oklahoma resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Oklahoma may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Oregon

Every LLC and corporation in Oregon must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Oregon Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Oregon where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must consent to the appointment before being listed in the formation documents.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
An Oregon resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Oregon may serve as the registered agent.

Pennsylvania

All LLCs and corporations in Pennsylvania must designate a registered office address or a commercial registered office provider (CROP) when filing formation documents with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Businesses may either list their own registered office address in Pennsylvania or hire a commercial registered office provider.
The registered office must have a physical street address in Pennsylvania where legal documents can be delivered.
The designated address must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process.
The registered office or CROP must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

Rhode Island

Every LLC and corporation in Rhode Island must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Rhode Island where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A Rhode Island resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in the state may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation filing.

South Carolina

All LLCs and corporations in South Carolina must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in South Carolina where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during standard business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
A South Carolina resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in the state may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation documents filed with the state.

South Dakota

Every LLC and corporation in South Dakota must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in South Dakota where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A South Dakota resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in South Dakota may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be listed in the formation filing submitted to the state.

Tennessee

All LLCs and corporations in Tennessee must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Tennessee where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official state notices.
A Tennessee resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Tennessee may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Texas

Every LLC and corporation in Texas must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Texas where legal documents can be delivered.
The registered agent must consent to the appointment, typically through a signed consent form.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official government correspondence.
A Texas resident individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Texas may serve as the registered agent.

Utah

All LLCs and corporations in Utah must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Utah where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must consent to the appointment before being listed in the formation documents.
The agent must be available during standard business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A Utah resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Utah may serve as the registered agent.

Vermont

Every LLC and corporation in Vermont must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Vermont Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Vermont where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
A Vermont resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Vermont may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be listed in the formation filing submitted to the state.

Virginia

All LLCs and corporations in Virginia must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Virginia where legal documents can be delivered.
The registered agent must be either a Virginia resident, a member of the Virginia State Bar, or a business entity authorized to operate in Virginia.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
The registered agent’s name and address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Washington

Every LLC and corporation in Washington must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Washington Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Washington where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must consent to serve as the registered agent before being listed in the formation filing.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official correspondence.
A Washington resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Washington may serve as the registered agent.

West Virginia

All LLCs and corporations in West Virginia must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in West Virginia where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A West Virginia resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in the state may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and registered office address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Wisconsin

Every LLC and corporation in Wisconsin must designate a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Wisconsin where legal documents can be delivered.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official state notices.
A Wisconsin resident individual or a business entity authorized to operate in Wisconsin may serve as the registered agent.
The registered agent’s name and address must be included in the formation documents filed with the state.

Wyoming

All LLCs and corporations in Wyoming must appoint a registered agent when filing formation documents with the Wyoming Secretary of State.
The registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Wyoming where legal documents can be delivered.
The registered agent must consent to the appointment before being listed in the formation filing.
The agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and official notices.
A Wyoming resident individual or a commercial registered agent authorized to operate in Wyoming may serve as the registered agent.

Tip – Avoid Being Your Own Registered Agent

While most states allow you to serve as your own registered agent, many business owners choose to hire a professional registered agent service instead. Acting as your own registered agent may seem convenient at first, but it can create several practical challenges as your business grows.

One of the biggest concerns is privacy. The registered agent’s name and address become part of the public record, which means your home or office address could appear in state databases and online searches. Using a professional registered agent service allows you to keep your personal address off public filings.

Another consideration is availability during business hours. A registered agent must be available at the listed address during normal business hours to receive legal documents and government notices. If you travel, work remotely, or are frequently away from the office, you could miss important documents.

Professional registered agent services also help with compliance reminders, document handling, and organization of legal correspondence, which can reduce the risk of missed deadlines or legal notices. For many businesses, hiring a registered agent service provides convenience, privacy, and peace of mind.

 
Information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not intended to offer legal advice specific to your business needs. If you need legal advice, you should consult with an attorney. Rankings and reviews are the personal opinions of the authors and/or editors. For questions, while starting a business, we recommend consulting with an attorney or accountant.