Registered Agent Requirements by State
Every LLC and corporation in the United States must designate a registered agent in its state of formation. But each state has its own terminology, rules, fees, and quirks. Find your state below for specific registered agent requirements, change-of-agent procedures, and what happens if your agent lapses.
Registered Agent Requirements: What’s Universal, What Varies
Some requirements are the same everywhere. A registered agent must have a physical street address (not a P.O. box) in the state of formation, must be available during normal business hours to accept documents, and must be either an individual resident of the state or a business entity authorized to operate in the state.
What varies is the terminology (registered agent, statutory agent, resident agent, agent for service of process), the change-of-agent fee ($0–$50), whether the change can be filed online, and how the state handles agent resignation. Some states let you change your agent for free as part of the annual report; others require a separate filing with its own fee.
Key Differences Across States
What to watch for when designating or changing your registered agent.
Terminology
Most states use “Registered Agent.” California uses “Agent for Service of Process.” Ohio uses “Statutory Agent.” New York uses both “Registered Agent” and “Agent for Service of Process.” Know your state’s term to find the right forms.
Change-of-Agent Fee
Ranges from $0 (included in annual report in some states) to $50. Most states charge $5–$25 for a standalone change. California includes the change in the Statement of Information filing. Wyoming includes it in the annual report.
Agent Consent
Some states require the new agent to sign an acceptance or consent form as part of the change filing. Texas requires agent consent on the original formation documents. Others only require the entity to file the change without the agent’s signature.
Commercial vs. Individual
Some states distinguish between “Commercial Registered Agents” (companies offering agent services to the public) and individual agents. Nevada and Virginia have separate Commercial Registered Agent filings with additional requirements and fees.
Registered Agent Rules in Popular Formation States
Detailed requirements for the eight most popular states for business formation.
🏛️ Delaware
Term used: Registered Agent
Must be in: Kent, New Castle, or Sussex County
Change fee: $50 (standalone filing)
Online change: Yes, through ICIS system
Agent consent: Not required on change form
Self-service: Yes, if you have a Delaware address
Note: Most formation services include first year free. Delaware has more registered agent companies than any other state due to its popularity for incorporation.
🌉 California
Term used: Agent for Service of Process
Must be in: California
Change fee: $0 (included in Statement of Information)
Online change: Yes, through bizfileOnline
Agent consent: Agent must sign acceptance
Self-service: Yes, any CA resident or registered corporation
Note: LLCs file SOI biennially ($20); Corps file annually ($25). Change your agent as part of this filing at no additional cost.
🤠 Texas
Term used: Registered Agent
Must be in: Texas
Change fee: $15
Online change: Yes, through SOSDirect
Agent consent: Required — agent must consent on formation and changes
Self-service: Yes, any TX resident; entity cannot be its own agent
Note: Texas requires agent consent to be filed with the certificate of formation. If an agent resigns, the entity has limited time to appoint a replacement.
🌴 Florida
Term used: Registered Agent
Must be in: Florida
Change fee: $25 (standalone) or $0 with annual report
Online change: Yes, through sunbiz.org
Agent consent: Agent must sign acceptance statement
Self-service: Yes, any FL resident or authorized business
Note: Florida’s annual report (due May 1) lets you update your registered agent at no extra cost. Standalone changes outside the annual report cost $25.
🏔️ Wyoming
Term used: Registered Agent
Must be in: Wyoming
Change fee: $0 (included in annual report)
Online change: Yes, through WY SOS website
Agent consent: Not required on change form
Self-service: Yes, any WY resident
Note: Wyoming’s strong privacy laws make professional RA services especially popular. Your agent’s address is the primary public-facing address for your entity in Wyoming.
🗽 New York
Term used: Registered Agent / Agent for Service of Process
Must be in: New York
Change fee: $30 (Certificate of Change)
Online change: Limited — some filings still require mail
Agent consent: Varies by filing type
Self-service: Yes; NY also designates the Secretary of State as agent by default
Note: NY LLCs must designate the Secretary of State as agent for service in the Articles of Organization. A separate “registered agent” can also be named for correspondence.
🏛️ Nevada
Term used: Registered Agent
Must be in: Nevada
Change fee: $60 (standalone filing)
Online change: Yes, through NVSOS Silverflume
Agent consent: Required
Self-service: Yes; separate Commercial Registered Agent filing available
Note: Nevada distinguishes between regular agents and Commercial Registered Agents. CRAs must file separately with the SOS and pay an annual fee. Regular agents have no separate filing requirement.
🌲 Washington
Term used: Registered Agent
Must be in: Washington
Change fee: $10
Online change: Yes, through WA SOS website
Agent consent: Not required on change form
Self-service: Yes, any WA resident or authorized entity
Note: Washington requires a physical address — no virtual offices without a physical presence. The $10 change fee is among the lowest in the country.
Registered Agent Requirements — All 50 States + DC
Click your state for specific registered agent rules, terminology, fees, and change procedures.
Alabama
Change: $10
Details →Alaska
Change: $25
Details →Arizona
Change: $5
Details →Arkansas
Change: $25
Details →California
Change: $0 (with SOI)
Details →Colorado
Change: $10
Details →Connecticut
Change: $25
Details →Delaware
Change: $50
Details →Dist. of Columbia
Change: $25
Details →Florida
Change: $25 / $0 w/AR
Details →Georgia
Change: $20
Details →Hawaii
Change: $10
Details →Idaho
Change: $0
Details →Illinois
Change: $25
Details →Indiana
Change: $30
Details →Iowa
Change: $10
Details →Kansas
Change: $20
Details →Kentucky
Change: $10
Details →Louisiana
Change: $25
Details →Maine
Change: $35
Details →Maryland
Change: $25
Details →Massachusetts
Change: $15
Details →Michigan
Change: $5
Details →Minnesota
Change: $35
Details →Mississippi
Change: $10
Details →Missouri
Change: $10
Details →Montana
Change: $10
Details →Nebraska
Change: $10
Details →Nevada
Change: $60
Details →New Hampshire
Change: $15
Details →New Jersey
Change: $25
Details →New Mexico
Change: $10
Details →New York
Change: $30
Details →North Carolina
Change: $5
Details →North Dakota
Change: $10
Details →Ohio
Change: $25
Details →Oklahoma
Change: $25
Details →Oregon
Change: $10
Details →Pennsylvania
Change: $70
Details →Rhode Island
Change: $20
Details →South Carolina
Change: $10
Details →South Dakota
Change: $10
Details →Tennessee
Change: $20
Details →Texas
Change: $15
Details →Utah
Change: $15
Details →Vermont
Change: $25
Details →Virginia
Change: $25
Details →Washington
Change: $10
Details →West Virginia
Change: $15
Details →Wisconsin
Change: $10
Details →Wyoming
Change: $0 (with AR)
Details →Change-of-agent fees are approximate. Some states allow free changes as part of annual report filings. Always verify with your state’s Secretary of State.
What to Look for in a Registered Agent Service
If you’re using a professional service (recommended for most businesses), here’s how to compare.
Fair Pricing
Industry range: $100–$299/year per state. Beware of introductory “first year free” offers that jump to $299+ on renewal. Look for transparent annual pricing with no hidden fees.
Digital Document Access
Scanned documents uploaded to an online dashboard within 24 hours. Email or SMS notifications on receipt. Downloadable archives. This is the minimum standard — reject any service that only forwards by mail.
Nationwide Coverage
If you operate in multiple states, use one provider across all of them. One dashboard, one bill, one point of contact. Managing separate agents per state is a compliance headache.
Compliance Reminders
The best services alert you before annual report deadlines, franchise tax due dates, and agent renewal dates. This prevents the missed filings that lead to penalties and dissolution.
When to Change Your Registered Agent
You can change your registered agent at any time. Common reasons to switch:
You’ve Been Acting as Your Own Agent
This worked when you started — but now your home address is on every public filing, you’re tired of being available during business hours, and that one time a process server showed up at your front door was enough. Switching to a professional service costs $100–$299/year and solves all three problems.
Your Service Raised Prices
Some services offer a cheap first year ($0–$49) and then jump to $249–$399 on renewal. If your provider hiked prices, shop around — quality services exist at $100–$150/year. Just make sure you file the change with the state before canceling the old service, so there’s no gap in coverage.
You’re Consolidating Providers
If you have five LLCs with three different registered agents, consolidate to one provider. One dashboard, one renewal date, one relationship. The administrative simplicity is worth it, especially as your entity count grows.
Your Agent Isn’t Reliable
If documents are being forwarded late, the dashboard is unusable, or customer support is unresponsive — switch immediately. A missed lawsuit notification can result in a default judgment. Reliability isn’t optional for a registered agent.
Related Guides
Complete your registered agent knowledge and post-formation compliance.
Registered Agent Guide
Complete guide — what a registered agent does, your three options (self, service, attorney), how to choose, and international equivalents.
Read the guide →Form an LLC by State
Designating a registered agent is Step 2 of LLC formation. Find your state’s complete formation guide.
Browse by state →Business Filing Fees by State
Complete cost comparison — formation fees, annual reports, franchise taxes, and registered agent fees for all 50 states.
Compare costs →Annual Reports Guide
Your registered agent receives annual report reminders. Know your deadlines so you never miss a filing.
Read the guide →BOI Filing Guide
BOI reports go directly to FinCEN — not through your registered agent. Separate filing, separate system.
Read the guide →All State Guides
Formation, compliance, taxes, and registered agent rules — all 50 states in one directory.
Browse all states →Registered Agent by State FAQ
Quick answers to state-specific registered agent questions.
Do all states call it a “registered agent”?
No. Most states use “Registered Agent,” but California uses “Agent for Service of Process,” Ohio uses “Statutory Agent,” and a few states use “Resident Agent.” The function is identical — the term just varies. Our state guides use each state’s official terminology so you can find the right forms.
What’s the cheapest state to change a registered agent?
Several states allow free changes — Idaho ($0), Wyoming ($0 with annual report), California ($0 with Statement of Information). Arizona and Michigan charge only $5. Most states are under $25. The most expensive are Pennsylvania ($70) and Nevada ($60). In states with free annual report changes, time the switch to coincide with your filing.
Can I use the same registered agent in multiple states?
You can use the same registered agent company across all states — most national services (Northwest, Incfile, CSC) operate in all 50. However, each state registration is separate, with its own fee. You’ll pay a per-state annual fee ($100–$299 per state), but manage everything from one dashboard.
What happens if my registered agent resigns?
The agent files a resignation with the state, and the state notifies your entity (usually by mail to your last known address). You typically have 30–60 days to appoint a new agent. If you don’t, the state may flag your entity as not in good standing, and legal documents may be served on the Secretary of State instead — meaning you could be sued without knowing it.
Do I need a registered agent if my LLC is inactive?
Yes — as long as your LLC exists in the state’s records (not dissolved), you must maintain a registered agent. An inactive LLC can still be sued, receive tax notices, and be subject to compliance requirements. If you don’t need the LLC anymore, formally dissolve it rather than letting the agent lapse.
Can my LLC be its own registered agent?
In most states, no. The registered agent must be a separate individual or entity — not the LLC itself. A member or manager of the LLC can serve as agent (as an individual, not as the LLC), or the LLC can designate a professional service. Check your specific state’s rules — a few states have exceptions.
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