When you form an LLC, whether by filing it yourself or through an LLC formation service, you’ll discover that designating a registered agent is a requirement in all states. This is an important role, and while you can designate yourself, it’s a good idea to use a registered agent service instead.
Whether you need a simple registered agent service that provides you with a business address or if you want an agent to handle more complex tasks, read on to discover some of the best registered agent services to help you achieve your objectives.
NW Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall registered agent service due to excellent customer service.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is an excellent registered agent service with superb accuracy and fast filing speeds.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority's LLC Registered Agent services are completely free and come with exceptional customer support.
Incfile
Incfile's LLC registered agent services are affordable and highly efficient whether you own a small or large company.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent for tracking regulatory requirements for business owners.
What is the Best Registered Agent Service?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent Service ($125/year)
Starting a business the right way has to begin with a registered agent and if you’re looking for a reliable registered agent service to create and run your business, Northwest registered agent is a great option to consider.
The national registered agent service has offices in every state which gives them the ability to better protect your privacy through the use of the company’s business address on all your public documents regardless of the state in which you are operating.
All clients get a dedicated Corporate Guide who is fully invested in your success. This business expert will guide you through the process of starting and maintaining your business and provide you with advice whenever you need help.
You get privacy by default thanks to features such as the business address, free mail forwarding, and data security included in each plan. Furthermore, Northwest Registered Agent offers great phone support so you’re assured of getting answers any time you need them.
Key Features:
- Lifetime Guidance and Support: Northwest Registered Agent offers lifetime support from local Corporate Guides.
- Free Mail Forwarding: When you sign up for the registered agent service, you also get free mail forwarding and scanning.
- Secure Online Account: Get a secure digital account for easy access to all your important business documents and forms.
Pricing:
Sign up for the registered agent service on the platform for $125 for each state where you want service. You’ll receive features, including docs scanned locally, business address use, mail scanning/forwarding, annual report reminders, and a company management system.
2. ZenBusiness
Best for Fast Filing Speeds and 100% Accuracy Guarantee ($99/year)
ZenBusiness offers a basic, reliable registered agent service at a low price. The company does quick and accurate filings guaranteed.
The service works in a very simple way. First, select your filing package and services. The platform’s experts will file all the necessary paperwork with the state. The state will then confirm your business, after which your documents will be delivered to your all-in-one dashboard from which you can run your entire business.
These include documents such as your business formation certificate and EIN (employer identification number) if you purchased that extra service.
ZenBusiness also offers ongoing compliance services to help you maintain good standing together with website accounting services to help you manage and grow your business.
All in all, this company provides you with all the services you need to work smarter. And the best part? You can get started for free just by signing up on the platform.
Key Features:
- Fast Filing Speeds: ZenBusiness offers fast and simple business formation, as well as expert support to get filed accurately.
- Worry-Free Compliance: Get ease of mind with worry-free services from this well-established registered agent service.
- Ideal for All Businesses: ZenBusiness supports small businesses at every stage, from idea development to making the business official, and every stage in between.
Pricing:
ZenBusiness offers affordable pricing. The service lets you get started for free by signing up on the website with no credit card required. Premium plans start from $49/year and you get a convenient and easy to use dashboard for all your business documents.
3. Inc Authority
Best Free Registered Agent Services and Customer Support (Free).
You don’t often come across LLC registered agent services that are free, but that’s exactly what Inc Authority is offering. If you choose them to create an LLC, you’ll be able to get a year of their registered agent services at no cost to you.
Your LLC registered agent will accept all kinds of official and legal documents and annual reports on your behalf, taking some pressure off of your busy schedule. This guarantees that you’ll never miss a time-sensitive action or be late with your signature if documents require it.
You can also get a professional business address where your registered agent will deal with all the paperwork and the headache that comes with it. Overall, Inc Authority’s LLC registered agent services are excellent if you’re just starting out and you want to save some money for your business’s other needs.
Key Features:
- Free LLC registered agent services: You’ll get one year of registered agent services for free; each year after the cost is $200/year. You can cancel the renewal at any time.
- Professional business address: Get a professional business address assigned to your LLC registered agent to strengthen your credibility and make your clients more confident.
- Change your business location without changing the address: If your business grows too large and you need to expand by moving to a larger office space, you won’t have to change your business address at all.
Pricing:
Inc Authority’s LLC registered agent services are completely free for the first year, after which it costs $200/year. You can choose to cancel the services before the second term begins at no cost.
4. Incfile
Best Value-for-Money Registered Agent Services ($0 for the first year, $119/year after).
Incfile has plenty of services, but the one they’re most well-known for are their LLC registered agent services. With Incfile, you’ll get the first year of registered agent services for free. This is, for all intents and purposes, a very generous 1-year trial (you can cancel the renewal at any time).
With Incfile’s LLC registered agent service, you’ll get automatic mail forwarding, an intuitive and simple dashboard with all the essentials, tailored SMS and email notifications, professional handling of all kinds of documents, and more.
So, if you’re looking to reduce your workload by hiring a professional and experienced registered agent without spending too much of your budget from the get-go, Incfile is your best bet.
Key Features:
- Automatic Mail Forwarding: Receive all documentation, legal correspondence, and other information in the dashboard and your email.
- Simple and Easy-to-Use Dashboard: Incfile’s registered agent dashboard is a modern, simple, yet easy-to-use interface where all the essentials are in one place. Store, access, and fetch data that the registered agent has received on your behalf at any time.
- Professional Handling of Your Documents: Incfile’s experienced registered agents will take care of your legal, IRS, and state documents with maximum care and efficiency.
Pricing:
Incfile’s registered agent services are free for the first year, after which you’ll have to pay $119 annually. You can cancel the renewal at any time.
5. Harbor Compliance
Best for Business Owners Who Need Help Tracking Regulatory Requirements ($99/year)
Harbor Compliance offers a registered agent service that gives you immediate online access to a registered agent’s address. You get same-day electronic delivery of your documents for an affordable annual fee per state with no additional charges.
The platform has nationwide compliance and you can consolidate registered agent service through its advanced compliance software. You’ll get exceptional security, reliability, and efficiency for multistate organizations.
This is a great option to consider for anyone who wants to consolidate their registered agent service so they can enjoy the full benefits of the company’s service in every state where you are registered.
Key Features:
- Same-Day Document Access: The company has local offices in every state that are open during business hours to receive time-sensitive legal documents.
- Immediate Access to Address: When you order this registered agent service, you get immediate online access to your business address.
- Annual Report Notifications: The platform’s software tracks your annual reports and sends reminders so you can file on time and stay compliant.
Pricing:
Harbor Compliance charges an annual rate of $89 to $99 per state. You only pay once per year for ongoing access to the platform’s local office and online software. There are no additional fees for receiving documents or any other additional charges.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best for Free, High-Quality Legal Help and Advice (Free 7-day Trial, then $149/year)
If you want to consolidate your legal needs with one company, then Rocket Lawyer is a great option to consider. A quick search of the company’s thousands of online reviews and customer feedback shows that the majority of its customers are extremely happy with the service.
The registered agent has provided high-quality legal services to thousands of businesses. You can also get help and advice for entrepreneurs and business owners for an affordable annual fee.
Rocket Lawyer promises a 100% satisfaction guarantee when you sign up for their registered agent services. You can be sure of getting reliable service, and while the non-member price point of $149.99/year may seem a bit steep, you get a 25% discount with the premium subscription.
Once you sign up for the premium legal services membership, you only have to pay $39.99/month for the registered agent service. You also get free formation service from this highly experienced company.
Key Features:
- Strong Customer Feedback: Rocket Lawyer has thousands of positive customer reviews online.
- High Customer Volume: The company has served over 20 million customers since it opened its doors in 2008.
- Valuable Features: You get legal services subscription, which is a unique feature as far as these types of services go.
Pricing:
You can try Rocket Lawyer free for 7 days by signing up on the website. After that, you can upgrade to the premium membership for $39.99/month to get legal services you can trust, including registered agent service, at a price you can afford.
7. MyCompanyWorks
Best for Solid Pricing and Great Customer Reviews ($99/year)
MyCompanyWorks is a platform that provides tools to start and manage your company in one convenient place.
Since 2001, the business services company has helped form tens of thousands of businesses and offers a wide range of services, including registered agent services, in all 50 states and DC.
As soon as you sign up, the entity will receive all your official documentation on behalf of your business. This includes annual report notices, tax notices, service of process, and any other important documents.
Key Features:
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If after receiving your completed order, you are not satisfied with our business filing services for any reason, you can request a refund.
- Complete LLC Formation Packages: The Basic Package includes searching your name choices for availability and the preparation and filing of the paperwork with the state of your choice.
- Startup Wizard Technology: The Startup Wizard is an online interactive startup checklist personalized to your state and company type (Corporation, LLC, etc.) to guide you step-by-step through properly organizing your company after it has been formed.
Pricing:
Pricing for MyCompanyWorks starts at $99/year and you can get huge discounts by signing up for a multi-year subscription.
8. BusinessAnywhere
Best for Customer Support and Hands-Off Formation ($149/year)
It’s hard to argue with BusinessAnywhere’s claim of being the future of business formation. The
company provides location-independent entrepreneurs with virtual office services, including
company formation, registered agent service, online notary, and virtual mailbox services in all 50
US states. This is an unprecedented level of flexibility and simplicity that allows nomads, expats,
and independent entrepreneurs to manage the entire back end of their business from one
convenient place.
The platform is modern, intuitive, and easy to use. With a single log-on, you’ll have full access
to all of your company’s administration which means you’ll be able to take care of business from
anywhere, and on any device. Just a tap on your screen and your documents are notarized, your
mail read, and all your business paperwork is in check.
Key Features:
- Ease of Use: This single, intuitive platform is all that’s required to handle all the essential services for remote business owners.
- Wide Range of Business Tools: Business Anywhere provides you with company formation, registered agent service, virtual mailbox, and online notary services – all on one platform.
- Affordable Pricing: Compared to other similar service providers, BusinessAnywhere offers immense value for money thanks to its affordable plans.
Pricing:
BusinessAnywhere offers many services that are priced as follows.
Registered Agent Services: $149/year: Get your virtual office account in a hassle-free process with less paperwork.
Business registration Services: $199 – $499:: Help you file your company articles, scan and e-deliver legal mail, and the first year of registered agent service.
Virtual Mailbox Services: $20 – $65/month billed annually: Unlimited forwarding and acceptance of mail and packages, Unlimited scans and mail scanning into your dashboard, up to 20 mail recipients.
Online Notary Services: $37/document: Notarize your documents remotely
See my full BusinessAnywhere review here
9. Swyft Filings
Best for Seamless Services in All 50 States ($149/year)
Swyft Filings is trusted by thousands of businesses in all 50 states. You will be able to start your business with confidence thanks to the affordable, fast, and simple services offered by this company, one of which is the registered agent service.
The registered agent handles all the paperwork so you can focus on doing what you love, aka growing your business.
You’ll never again have to struggle with a filing deadline. Remain compliant, maintain your privacy, and all for a low price of just $149 per year.
As soon as you sign up, Swyft Filings will start receiving any formal correspondence between your business and government agencies to give you peace of mind regardless of the state where you’re operating.
Key Features:
- Seamless Services: Fill out the quick questionnaire on the website, and you’re all signed up and ready to go.
- Compliance Assurance: The platform’s automated technology is backed by a knowledgeable team of professionals and sends timely reminders so you always stay compliant.
- Online Dashboard: The registered agent provides access to an online, secure account where you can view official documents as soon as they are uploaded.
Pricing:
Swyft Filings charges a flat fee, and there are no other/hidden costs. Standard processing is free, First class shipping and electronic delivery are also offered at no charge.
10. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent Service With A 100% Satisfaction Guarantee ($299/year)
LegalZoom is considered by many to be the best option for helping to start and grow small businesses. The service has helped millions of entrepreneurs and business owners turn their ideas into profitable businesses over the years.
You can sign up for the registered agent service in any state so you can have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re fully compliant regardless of where you operate from.
This company has a strong foothold in the industry, which isn’t surprising when you consider the impressive features it offers, including a compliance calendar, business data protection, and unlimited cloud storage.
Although you’ll find other lower-priced options on this list, LegalZoom may still be your top choice because the company has more brand recognition and experience. Whether you are ready to form or if you’re still deciding, this service has got your back.
Key Features:
- Robust Customer Support: LegalZoom’s customer support has the industry’s longest availability hours (10 AM to 8 PM ET weekdays, 10 AM to 7 PM ET weekends).
- Well-Established Company: This service has been around since 2001 and has helped over 3.6 million clients start and grow their businesses.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: LegalZoom offers one of the best guarantees in the industry and if you’re not fully satisfied with the service, you can request an instant refund.
Pricing:
Pricing for LegalZoom’s registered agent services starts from $79 + filing fees. You’ll get all the help you need to start an LLC so you can protect yourself from your business liabilities and save on taxes.
The platform offers 100% satisfaction guarantee and if you’re not fully satisfied with the service, you can request a full refund within 60 days.
11. CorpNet
Best for Honest and Upfront Pricing ($149/year)
CorpNet can serve as your company’s registered agent in all 50 states. The company’s services are fast, affordable, and guaranteed.
As soon as you sign up, you’ll not only have access to registered agent services, but you’ll also have access to a real human who can help you along your entrepreneurship journey.
CorpNet is among the best and most trusted services that offer robust filing expertise and guidance.
If you want to keep your business address information confidential, then designating CorpNet to serve as your registered agent is a great way to get that extra added layer of privacy.
Key Features:
- Experienced: Founded by lawyers and entrepreneurs, CorpNet core team has helped form over 100,000 LLCs and corporations since 1997.
- Honest, Upfront Pricing: What sets CorpNet apart from the competition is its pricing, which is displayed clearly, upfront, and with itemized details.
- Satisfaction Guaranteed: If you are not satisfied with the platform’s service for whatever reason, CorpNet will refund your service fees upon your request.
Pricing:
CorpNet offers a wide range of services, including business formations and filings, as well as state tax registrations, and compliance services in 50 states. 24-hour rush filing services are also available upon request, and the prices outlined above don’t include state fees or shipping and handling fees.
12. InCorp
Best for Preventing Corporate Identity Theft ($129/year)
InCorp offers a range of business services, among them registered agent service. This is a great company to consider for many reasons.
Created in 1998, the BBB-rated A+ agency now handles over 250K clients around the country. The platform offers discounts on multi-state and multi-year registered agent services and promises to beat any competitor’s price for a statutory agent or registered agent.
For a single affordable annual price, you’ll receive legal notifications and maintain a physical business location for full compliance while protecting your privacy and security.
Key Features:
- Prevent Corporate Identity Theft: InCorp has EntityWatch, an innovative and proprietary technology that ties the platform’s information system into the state database to provide up-to-date information and advise you of changes.
- Consolidate Expenses: Multistate companies receive a consolidated bill for all their business entities in each state hosted.
- Fast Service and Support: Expedited over-the-counter business document filing services are available on the platform. You’ll receive real-time notification of service of process and get sent service of process within 24-hours of receipt through email, fax, or Express Mail.
Pricing:
The registered agent service starts at $129/year, and you get savings for multi-year subscriptions. To get started, choose a location for state registered agent. Additional US territories include Puerto Rico Registered Agent for $259/year, and US Virgin Islands Registered Agent $389/year.
13. SunDoc Filings
Best for Skilled Customer Service and Same-Day Processing ($159/year)
SunDoc Filings has acted as Registered Agent for thousands of entities since it opened its doors in 1999. The company’s skilled customer service team is always on hand and ready to help.
With over 1,000 5-star reviews on Truspilot, it’s clear to see that this company is committed to providing great service. You can be confident in working with them to stay compliant and protect your privacy.
To get started, simply choose a state and click “Get Started”. For an annual fee, you’ll get immediate forwarding of service of process and you’ll be notified via email or phone, depending on your preference, and forward the service of process using FedEx Second Day Service.
The company takes on the role of receiving correspondence on your behalf so you can have peace of mind, and will discreetly receive your business documents directly from agencies like the California Franchise Tax Board, the California Secretary of State, the Internal Revenue Service, and various other government agencies.
Key Features:
- Same Day Processing: Most companies mail in your requests delaying results, but with SunDoc filing, if documents are received by 2 p.m. PST, they will be processed the same day.
- Scanned Document Copies: All your documents will be scanned before forwarding them, providing you with a back-up copy and the opportunity for you to immediately notify your attorney.
- Skilled Customer Service: The platform’s skilled customer service staff is always ready to help whenever you need answers or guidance.
Pricing:
SunDoc Filings offers multiple state/entity discounts. You also get reduced fees if you choose the SunDoc Complete filing package at the time of formation.
14. CSC Global
Best for Fortune 500 Companies that Require a Wide Range of Business Solutions ($381/year)
For over 120 years, CSC company has offered reliable service without compromise. If you require any legal business assistance, such as compliance, tax, legal, and digital brand solutions, you’ll find what you need here.
The company’s representation services will handle everything for you. In fact, only CSC offers a full suite of solutions to satisfy your representation needs.
Having been in operation since 1899, the platform has provided companies with the support, intelligence, and service they need to thrive in a complex and ever-changing regulatory environment.
The platform’s experts will use that hard-won expertise to make sure that you meet all your compliance obligations on time and in a cost-effective way, thereby diminishing your risks of loss of good standing or penalties.
Key Features:
- Efficient Technology Solutions: CSCNavigator is the company’s unified legal and compliance portfolio management system that powers all corporate compliance solutions.
- Dependable Registered Agent Service: CSC Globsal is your company’s first defense against legal action and gives you absolute control over your litigation and service of process management activities.
- Highest Level of Data Security: The company maintains all applications and data on CSC networks, servers, and data storage systems located within ISO 27001-certified hosting facilities.
Pricing:
CSC can serve as a registered agent in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and key international jurisdictions. You can find out about registered agent services in your state and beyond by filling out the form on the website’s contact page.
Additional Options:
- Jumpstart Filings ($129/year): Jumpstart Filings offers you the bare minimum in terms of service, providing you with little more than a business address.
- MyCorporation ($120/year): Strong track record, Competitive pricing, Good customer feedback.
- Harvard Business Services ($50/year): Excellent provider of registered agent service in the state of Delaware.
- BizFilings ($164/year): Extended customer support hours and 6 months of registered agent service included with formation packages.
- Legalinc ($129/year): independent director service for large real estate transactions, and specialty representation services.
- Nationwide Incorporators (Call for Quote): Attorney-powered online legal service. All documents are drafted or reviewed by a business lawyer.
- Incorporate.com ($235/year): Many years of experience. Compliance dashboard included with registered agent service.
- CT ($319/year): #1 largest registered agent service provider. Worldwide business services provider with solid customer support.
- National Registered Agents, Inc. ($405/year): Tons of experience, high client volume, and great customer support.
What are Registered Agent Services?
A registered agent is an individual or business entity that helps keep your business compliant by receiving tax and legal documents on behalf of your company.
All states require LLCs, corporations, and partnerships to have a registered agent or registered office.
Registered agents are also known as resident agents, agents for service of process, or statutory agents.
Registered agent services act as your business’s primary point of contact with the state by being available during business hours to accept and send legal documents.
It’s possible to serve as your own registered agent, but they are many benefits to hiring a registered agent for the role.
For instance:
- Peace of Mind: When using a registered agent, you can focus your attention, time, and energy on growing your business while they take care of your important documents.
- Compliance: With the help of a registered agent service, your business will be able to stay on top of state requirements.
- Flexibility: When using a registered agent, you can choose your own business hours rather than being forced to make yourself available every weekday.
- Privacy: Instead of listing your personal or office address, the public record will show your registered agent services address.
Types of Registered Agent Services
Registered Agent Services can be classified by the types of solutions they offer. For instance, some companies only offer the basics, such as a business address, and that’s all.
Other companies also offer a wide range of services to help you with many different aspects of your business.
Some registered agent service providers offer more than just assistance when starting LLCs and corporations.
Rocket Lawyer and Legal Zoom, for example, offer their client base the option to consult attorneys and create wills, powers of attorney docs, and other personal legal forms.
What Features to Look For in a Registered Agent Service
When choosing the best registered agent service, there are a few important factors to keep in mind, including the following:
- Accessibility and Transparency: Make sure the information on the registered agent’s website is easy for users to navigate and understand.
- Pricing: Choose a company that offers affordable pricing for essential registered agent services. Also, check to see that there are no hidden fees.
- Multi-State Support: You need a registered agent in every state where your business is registered. A service that operates in all 50 states makes things easier if you have a multi-state presence.
- Secure Client Portal: When your documents are stored on a secure portal, you always have access to them and they won’t be lost in a flurry of emails or paper. Fortunately, all the services we evaluated here offer a client portal.
- Same-Day Document Delivery: Any legal notices you receive will likely have deadlines, and using a service with same-day delivery ensures that you have more time to respond.
- Additional Features: Another important factor to consider are the additional features offered by the service. For instance, do you need help with the structure of your new company? If so, you may be better served by choosing a platform that offers this service as part of a comprehensive package so you can get everything done in one place.
- User Reviews: Check if any previous customers rated and reviewed the registered agent service positively, and whether or not the service is receptive to negative reviews.
- Customer Support: See if the service’s staff is knowledgeable and responsive to customers.
Summary And Top Picks
We’ve come to the end of this review article on the best registered agent service.
I hope by now you have a clear idea of which company will serve you best, and you know how to choose the right service depending on the features you require.
As a quick recap, here are five of my top picks:
NW Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall registered agent service due to excellent customer service.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is an excellent registered agent service with superb accuracy and fast filing speeds.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority's LLC Registered Agent services are completely free and come with exceptional customer support.
Incfile
Incfile's LLC registered agent services are affordable and highly efficient whether you own a small or large company.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent for tracking regulatory requirements for business owners.