Short answer: Yes — if you’re forming an LLC or corporation (or operating one), a registered agent is typically required by law. It’s not optional.
But the more important question isn’t just do you need one, but which kind should you use (you, a friend, your spouse, or a professional), and how to choose wisely. Let’s walk through what a registered agent does, why it matters, and how to decide.
What Is a Registered Agent — In Plain Terms
A registered agent (also called a statutory agent, resident agent, or agent for service of process) is your business’s official point of contact with the state and courts. Their job is to receive important legal and government documents—lawsuits, subpoenas, tax notices, compliance communications—and reliably forward them to you.
Every LLC or corporation must list a registered agent in its formation documents (such as articles of organization or incorporation). If you don’t, your state may reject your filing or eventually dissolve your company.
Why You Can’t Skip Having One
Here are the key reasons you need a registered agent:
Risk / Problem | What It Means for You |
---|---|
Noncompliance & Penalties | Without a valid agent, your state may revoke your good standing or dissolve your entity. |
Missed Deadlines or Notices | You might lose a lawsuit or miss a critical tax or regulatory notice. |
Lack of Legal Coverage Across States | If your business operates in multiple states, you must appoint a registered agent in each state of registration. |
In short: a registered agent is not a “nice-to-have” — it’s a legal necessity and a critical risk-control function.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes — in many states — but it comes with trade-offs.
When it’s allowed:
You can serve as your own registered agent if you:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Maintain a physical street address (no PO boxes) within the state of registration
- Are reliably present during normal business hours to accept documents
But even when allowed, being your own agent carries some hidden risks:
- Your home address becomes public record. If you operate from home, that address will be searchable. Here’s why using your home address as your registered agent is a bad idea.
- You must always be reachable during business hours. If you travel, relocate, or are unavailable, documents may go unreceived.
- You may mix personal and legal exposure. A process server might show up where visitors or neighbors can see.
- Scalability issues. Once you expand into other states, you’ll need additional agents anyway.
So yes, it’s possible to be your own registered agent, but often isn’t the best idea.
When You Should Hire a Professional Registered Agent
For many business owners, hiring a third-party registered agent is the smarter, safer path. Here’s why:
- Reliability & continuity. They guarantee someone is always available during business hours to accept documents.
- Privacy protection. Your personal address stays off public records.
- Scalability. One provider can cover multiple states if you expand.
- Compliance support. Some services provide extra monitoring, document management, reminders, and forwarding.
- Peace of mind. You won’t have to worry that you missed something critical.
The cost is usually modest — often between $50 and $400 per year — relative to the potential cost of noncompliance or litigation.
LLC vs Corporation — Any Difference?
No. The requirement applies generally to both LLCs and corporations. Whether you form a C-corp, S-corp, or LLC, your state will ask for a registered agent during formation.
States may impose slight differences in how registered agent duties are described, but the principle remains the same: there must be someone your business designates to receive legal and state notices.
What to Consider When Choosing an Agent
When selecting a registered agent (even if it’s yourself), look for the following:
- Physical address in the state (not a PO Box)
- Reliability and presence during business hours
- Prompt forwarding of notices
- Track record / reputation
- Extras like compliance reminders, document scanning, and multi-state coverage
If you go with a commercial agent, you often get more than just mail forwarding — you get systems and safety nets.
Bottom Line
- Yes, you need a registered agent for both LLCs and corporations.
- Yes, you can sometimes act as your own registered agent, if your state allows — but this exposes you to risks.
- For most business owners, hiring a professional agent is the safer, smarter option, especially as you grow or operate in multiple states.
Need a Registered Agent You Can Rely On?
If you’re forming a new business or ready to upgrade from DIY coverage, we’re here to help. Universal Registered Agents provides reliable, nationwide registered agent services that keep your business compliant, protect your privacy, and scale with you as you grow. Let us handle the legal notices so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.