Best Registered Agent Services
Northwest Registered Agent is the best registered agent due to its overall service, followed by LegalZoom and ZenBusiness. Read on for the full list.
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The 10 largest and best registered agent services are:
- Northwest Registered Agent for best overall
- LegalZoom for identity theft protection
- ZenBusiness for extra business services
- Bizee (formerly Incfile) for automatic mail forwarding
- Rocket Lawyer for low-cost legal advice
- Harbor Compliance for highly-regulated industries
- Swyft Filings for hands-on support
- Inc Authority for best value
- InCorp for multi-year service
- SunDoc Filings for fast document delivery
Being your own registered agent poses its challenges and risks. You may not always be working at an office, or you don't want your address to become part of public information.
That's where the best registered agent services come in. You'll find them reliable in receiving your documents and notify you of such deliveries right away.
While some options focus on dealing with your mail, others offer extra services like LLC formation. The options on this list should be able to help you with your specific needs.
Registered Agent Service - $125/year
- Business address included
- Free mail forwarding
- Lifetime guide service with business experts
- Never sell your data. Ever.
Registered Agent - $249/Year
- Includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents
- Includes a Compliance Calendar (valued at $69) for critical tax and annual report deadlines
- Renews automatically each year. Renewal rate is subject to change.
- Cancel your service plan online or by calling (877) 808-8977
Registered Agent - $199/Year
- Get a registered agent for LLCs and corporations
- Available in 50 states
- Get notifications via mail of important legal notices
- Find important documents scanned and uploaded to your dashboard
10 Best Registered Agent Services
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Registered agent services differ in the extra services they offer, ease of use of their online platforms, and state locations served.
That said, it's hard to go wrong with the best of the best. Read on.
Yes, a registered agent is required when starting an limited liability company in your state. You'll have to list your registered agent in your formation documents before filing them. Otherwise, the state will reject your application.
Northwest Registered Agent: Best Overall
Northwest Registered Agent is an established provider with 20+ years of experience. Its main selling point is that it uses its company address on all public forms, so yours stays private.
Northwest Registered Agent also doesn't sell your data to third parties. It even limits who can access your info within the company.
Pricing:
A registered agent-only service costs $125/year. But if you also need LLC formation services, it will cost you $39 + state fees.[1]
Why we like Northwest Registered Agent:
Aside from the data privacy protection you get, Northwest also has nationwide coverage, with local offices in every state. The company directs your important legal documents to the nearest branch so you can get them as soon as possible.
Your documents are scanned and uploaded on the same day, which is beneficial for time-sensitive documents. They even call you if you don't read their email within 3 days to make sure you don't miss anything important.[3]
Downsides:
While Northwest is great for LLC formation and registered agent services, their range of other services is somewhat limited.
Who is Northwest Registered Agent best for?
Northwest's services are a good option for:
- Home-based or online businesses that might be using the owner's home address as their business address
- Business owners who want support from local experts
Registered Agent Service - $125/year
- Business address included
- Free mail forwarding
- Lifetime guide service with business experts
- Never sell your data. Ever.
LegalZoom: For Identity Theft Protection
LegalZoom offers low-cost legal services to its customers, similar to Rocket Lawyer. You get a good selection of business services like LLC formation and registered agents as well.
LegalZoom will receive, scan, and upload all your legal documents into your account. Thanks to its unlimited cloud storage, you won't lose these important documents and can access them at any time.
Pricing:
LegalZoom's registered agent service costs $249/year.[4]
Why we like LegalZoom:
Besides unlimited storage, LegalZoom helps you prevent identity theft through its Business Data Protection feature.
The company will monitor the data you want protected, like business credit or debit card numbers, personal phone numbers, email addresses, etc.
You'll get notified of any suspicious activity. And if your data is compromised in any way, you'll be compensated for the trouble, thanks to the $1M identity theft insurance coverage.[5]
Downsides:
LegalZoom's main drawback is its price. $249/year is not cheap. You also have to pay for it separately from the LLC packages, unlike with Bizee or Inc Authority.
Who is LegalZoom best for?
LegalZoom is a good choice as your registered agent if:
- Data security is your top priority
- You want to switch registered agent service providers
Registered Agent - $249/Year
- Includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents
- Includes a Compliance Calendar (valued at $69) for critical tax and annual report deadlines
- Renews automatically each year. Renewal rate is subject to change.
- Cancel your service plan online or by calling (877) 808-8977
ZenBusiness: For Extra Business Services
ZenBusiness offers an easy-to-use platform for its registered agent services. You'll also get notified immediately if the company receives important legal mail directed to your business.
ZenBusiness will scan and upload the documents to your dashboard as soon as possible. Just make sure you're content with digital copies—but more on that later.
Pricing:
The registered agent service will cost you $199/year, while a bundle with Worry-Free Compliance will cost you $398/yr.[6]
Why we like ZenBusiness:
Aside from registered agent services, you can also get business formation services and business banking assistance with ZenBusiness.
For example, you can get help with your LLC compliance requirements through the Worry-free Compliance service. This includes filling out and filing your annual report. You can also have 2 annual amendment filings at no extra cost.
Downsides:
ZenBusiness' registered agent service is on the pricier side. It might not be worth it for business owners on a budget.
Not to mention, ZenBusiness only receives and scans legal mail. It doesn't forward physical copies and will destroy the mail 60 days after upload.[7]
Who is ZenBusiness best for?
Choosing ZenBusiness is a good idea if:
- You want a wide selection of extra business services from a single platform
Registered Agent - $199/Year
- Get a registered agent for LLCs and corporations
- Available in 50 states
- Get notifications via mail of important legal notices
- Find important documents scanned and uploaded to your dashboard
Bizee (Formerly Incfile): For Automatic Mail Forwarding
Bizee (formerly Incfile) is well-known for its low-cost LLC formation packages that include a free year of registered agent services. That way, you don't have to pay extra to enjoy both.[8]
Bizee will automatically forward any legal mail they receive on your behalf after scanning and uploading them to your account. You'll get notified immediately of deliveries through email or SMS.
Pricing:
A registered agent-only service costs $119/yr.[9] But the LLC formation service with free registered agent service may give more bang for your buck.
Why we like Bizee:
You'll know right away if someone sends your business important legal documents, especially time-sensitive ones.
Just like ZenBusiness, Bizee also offers a good selection of other business services if you need them.
Downsides:
One major drawback with Bizee is its slow customer service response. The support team is quicker to respond by phone, but you can only contact them from 9 AM to 6 PM CST.
Who is Bizee best for?
Bizee's a great choice as a registered agent service for:
- Business owners who also want physical copies of their mail
- Business owners who want affordable registered agent services
Rocket Lawyer: For Low-Cost Legal Advice
Rocket Lawyer offers low-cost legal services to individuals and businesses. It's a great option if you need long-term legal advice for your business but don't want to spend a fortune on a lawyer.
And because they're licensed attorneys, they can better help you with complex LLC compliance requirements when you hire them as your registered agent.
Pricing:
The registered agent-only service costs $249.99/yr at full price. Signing up for the RocketLegal+ plan will lower that to only $124.99/year.
That said, the membership itself costs $19.99/mo (billed annually at $239.88/yr).[11]
Why we like Rocket Lawyer:
Rocket Lawyer offers long-term savings when you sign up for a membership. As a member, you get half off their registered agent services and other offers, like trademark registrations and tax preparation and filing.
In addition, Rocket Lawyer provides an extensive library of customizable legal forms you can use for your business operations. Plus, Rocket Lawyer has excellent customer service. They have a 4.7 Trustpilot rating and an A+ rating from the BBB.[12][13]
Downsides:
Unfortunately, you can only access the perks, like discounts, if you sign up for a membership. But the plan might not be worth it if you can't maximize it.
Who is Rocket Lawyer best for?
Rocket Lawyer might be the best fit for:
- Business owners who need in-depth or long-term legal advice
- Business owners who need various legal forms
Harbor Compliance: For Highly-regulated Industries
If your business is in a highly regulated industry, Harbor Compliance may be the best registered agent service for you. The company specializes in providing compliance solutions to businesses of all sizes and industries.
And as your registered agent, Harbor Compliance will scan and upload all legal documents it receives as soon as it receives them. You can immediately access these documents from your dashboard.
Pricing:
Harbor Compliance's registered agent service costs $89-$99/yr.[14]
Why we like Harbor Compliance:
You get access to an award-winning entity management software with Harbor Compliance. This lets you monitor all your LLC's compliance due dates.
You get to keep track of renewal deadlines for business permits and licenses, for example. This is critical for highly regulated industries or for those with strict restrictions.
Harbor Compliance will also send reminders before your deadlines. This way, you don't have to monitor everything yourself.
Downsides:
There are no refunds if you cancel the service. So before you sign up for 2 or more years, make sure it's the right fit for your business.
Who is Harbor Compliance best for?
Harbor Compliance is worth considering if:
- Your business is in a highly regulated industry
- You want one centralized platform to keep track of all your business entities
Swyft Filings: For Hands-On Support
Swyft Filings is one of the newer registered agent providers in the industry. But it has quickly gained popularity due to its fast and reliable customer service.
Many customers have praised Swyft Filing's professionalism and helpfulness when it comes to handling their concerns.
Pricing:
Swyft Filings charges $149/quarterly for its registered agent services.[15]
Why we like Swyft Filings:
You'll get notified right away whenever Swyft Filings receives crucial legal documents for your business. Swyft Filings also filters the documents for any junk mail, so you can focus on looking at important documents only.
You'll even get alerted of upcoming compliance deadlines so your business can avoid hefty penalty fees. If you opt for their annual report filing service, the company will handle the filing as well.
The company offers registered agent services in all 50 states. This makes it easier to scale your business in case you plan to expand in different states.
Downsides:
Just like LegalZoom, Swyft Filings' major downside is its price. They charge per quarter instead of annually, unlike the other registered agent services on this list.
Who is Swyft Filings best for?
Despite the downsides, Swyft Filings is still a good option if:
- You want fast and reliable customer support
- You need hands-on, lifetime assistance from business specialists
Inc Authority: For Best Value
Inc Authority offers free LLC formation services and includes a lot of useful freebies. For example, you can get a full year of registered agent services (yes, for free) and an Employer Identification Number (EIN).[17]
Pricing:
Inc Authority's registered agent service is Free for the 1st year then renews at $179/year.[18]
Why we like Inc Authority:
Inc Authority has a user-friendly online platform. It's easy to access all your information and documents when you need to.
Like Swyft Filings, Inc Authority also offers great customer service. And thanks to their years of experience, they know the ins and outs of each state's compliance requirements.
Downsides:
The major drawback with Inc Authority is that the company isn't clear about how they process the documents they receive.
Who is Inc Authority best for?
Inc Authority might be the right fit for your business if:
- You haven't formed an LLC yet
- You want a business formation package that offers the best value for money
InCorp: For Multi-Year Service
InCorp offers big discounts to business owners who sign up for its registered agent services for multiple years. The longer your subscription is, the larger the discount.
What's more, their services are available not just in all 50 states but also in DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. If you have or want to start LLCs in these locations, InCorp can keep your business compliant as your registered agent.
Pricing:
InCorp's registered agent service normally costs $129/yr. But it can become as low as $87/yr when you sign up for 5 years or more.[19]
Why we like InCorp:
InCorp has a price-match feature that guarantees you're getting the best deal from your registered agent. If you find lower rates for the same services elsewhere, InCorp will match the price to beat it.[20] This makes it one of the cheapest registered agent services around.
Their entity management software, EntityWatch®, also monitors all your business entities across the country and alerts you if there are changes to your company's data.
And as your registered agent, InCorp notifies you in real-time when they receive any Service of Process documents for your business. They'll even forward the physical copies within 24 hours to your preferred address.
Downsides:
Despite being around since 1998, InCorp has few online reviews available. It can be hard to gauge how well they handle customer concerns because of this.
Who is InCorp best for?
InCorp's registered agent services are a great choice if:
- You want budget-friendly rates from your service provider
- You need registered agents in US territories
SunDoc Filings: For Fast Document Delivery
SunDoc Filings scans and uploads all legal documents the same day they are received. They'll send the originals using FedEx's Second Day Service, which guarantees delivery within 2 working days.
It's a good option if you expect a lot of time-sensitive documents. Electronic copies of your documents are also available 24/7 through your dashboard.
Pricing:
SunDoc's registered agent services cost $159/yr.[22]
Why we like SunDoc Filings:
While their services are available in all 50 states, SunDoc Filings is particularly beneficial for California-based businesses.
Their office is just a couple of minutes away from the Capitol building. This means you can expect faster turnaround times for document filings, like with your LLC's annual reports.
They also have other offers beyond registered agent services, including business formation, DBA applications, and more. And if you encounter any issues, you can rely on the company's responsive support team to help you out.
Downsides:
The main downside is that they only do same-day scanning for documents that come in by 2 PM PST. You'll have to wait until the next day to see any documents they receive after the cutoff.
Who is SunDoc Filings best for?
SunDoc Filings is a great choice as a registered agent if:
- Fast turnaround times is your top priority
- Your business is based in California
Our Methodology
To find the best registered agent service, we compared different companies and evaluated them based on the following criteria:
- Reliability
- Affordability
- Processing time
- Customer support
All companies listed here have solid reputations in the industry, with mostly positive reviews from their customers. And they offer a good balance between price and features, so they're still accessible to businesses with limited budgets.
We also chose them because of how well they handle customer concerns and how quickly they can process documents.
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a person or company that receives legal mail and processes these documents on behalf of a business.
Registered agents are also responsible for notifying and forwarding these documents to whoever's in charge of them in your business.
You have several options when it comes to who can be your registered agent. You can appoint yourself or someone you trust as your registered agent. However, hiring a professional registered agent service is usually the best and most convenient option.
Yes, you can be your own agent. But it's not advisable. It will limit your schedule's flexibility because you have to stay at the office the entire day. You also risk your privacy because your information will become publicly available.
How Much Do Registered Agent Services Cost?
| Service Provider | Price |
|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125/year |
| LegalZoom | $249/year |
| ZenBusiness | $199/year |
| Bizee (formerly Incfile) | Free for the 1st year then renews at $119/year |
| Rocket Lawyer | $249.99/year ($124.99 with Rocket Legal+) |
| Harbor Compliance | $99/yr (up to 10% discount for 2+ years) |
| Swyft Filings | $149/quarterly |
| Inc Authority | Free for the 1st year then renews at $179/year |
| InCorp | $129/yr (as low as $87/yr for 5+ years) |
| SunDoc Filings | $159/yr |
The average cost of registered agent services is $99 to $300 per year. Some companies include free registered agent services in their business formation packages, usually for the first year.
Meanwhile, some providers offer discounted rates when you hire them in multiple states or when you sign up for multi-year service.
Aside from the annual fee, registered agent services may charge extra for some features. For example, you might need to pay additional fees for mail forwarding services if you want physical copies of your documents.
Is a Registered Agent Service Worth It?
Hiring a registered agent service can be worth it. It helps your business stay compliant without sacrificing your own time, flexibility, and freedom.
Registered agents stay available during normal business hours to receive any legal documents meant for your company. No need to worry about missing important mail while you're out and about.
Aside from this convenience, hiring a registered agent service can protect your privacy. It's especially helpful if you run a home-based business. You won't have to list your home address and have it part of the public record for receiving legal documents.
It can also preserve your business credibility. Because documents are delivered to your registered agent service instead of your business address, customers or investors won't see you getting served if someone sues you.
Local vs. National Registered Agent Services
Using a local registered agent service can be a good idea if you're conducting business in only one state. They might give lower rates than national providers.
Opting for someone local might also be worth considering if it's someone you're already doing business with.
That said, national registered agent services are better if you have or plan to create LLCs in multiple states. That way, you'll be working with only one company to monitor and manage them.
They also have the expertise needed to keep your company compliant with state requirements, regardless of its location.
Essential Registered Agent Service Features
Specific features will vary from company to company. Some registered agent services only provide the basics. Meanwhile, others offer extra services, like compliance assistance or mail forwarding services.
That said, here are the core features every registered agent service should offer:
- In-state street address
Having a physical address in the state is a must for registered agents. No PO boxes or virtual addresses are allowed. Most national providers have offices in all 50 states. Others, like InCorp, even have locations in US territories. - Document scanning and upload
After receiving them, registered agents will deliver your documents electronically through your online account. Processing time varies per company.But many of them typically upload everything the same they receive the documents. Some will even forward the physical copies to your chosen address (may cost extra).
- Email or SMS notifications
Registered agent services will notify you about any documents they receive on your behalf, generally when they're already uploaded to your account. Most companies will alert you through email, while others also do SMS notifications. - Compliance alerts
Aside from receiving important mail for you, registered agent services will also remind you of upcoming compliance deadlines, like your annual report due date. That gives you enough time to prepare the requirements and avoid penalties.
The process of changing your registered agent varies per state. But generally, you just need to submit the right form to the Secretary of State and pay the filing fee. The form is usually available online on the state's official website.
Some companies, like LegalZoom, will handle the entire process for you if you're switching to them from another provider. That includes shouldering the filing fees.
How to Choose a Registered Agent Service
You need to work with a registered agent service you can trust to ensure your business is always compliant.
Here are some tips to help you find the right one:
- Check their supported locations.
If you have several LLCs or corporations, it's best to hire a registered agent service that covers all 50 states. Some companies even offer discounts when you hire them for more than one business entity. - See if they offer value for money.
Unlike LLC formation, registered agent services are recurring costs that are usually charged annually. Make sure you consider each feature the company offers — if they are worth the price and if you can maximize them. - Consider their experience and expertise.
Make sure you go for a registered agent service that's familiar with the compliance requirements in your state. They should be updated on the latest changes in legislation and regulations. - Prioritize security.
Registered agents will handle sensitive legal documents for your business. So, you'll want to choose a provider that can guarantee their confidentiality.Go for a registered agent service with a secure online platform. Or someone who can forward the original copies to you after scanning and uploading them.
- Look for good customer support.
Look for a provider who can handle your concerns quickly and professionally. This way, you don't end up with penalties or business interruptions.
Bottom Line
For data privacy, excellent customer support, and quick document processing, Northwest Registered Agent is unmatched.
However, if preventing identity theft is your top priority, LegalZoom is better. While ZenBusiness is the best option if you want a wider range of other services.
Registered Agent Service - $125/year
- Business address included
- Free mail forwarding
- Lifetime guide service with business experts
- Never sell your data. Ever.
Registered Agent - $249/Year
- Includes unlimited cloud storage for your business documents
- Includes a Compliance Calendar (valued at $69) for critical tax and annual report deadlines
- Renews automatically each year. Renewal rate is subject to change.
- Cancel your service plan online or by calling (877) 808-8977
Registered Agent - $199/Year
- Get a registered agent for LLCs and corporations
- Available in 50 states
- Get notifications via mail of important legal notices
- Find important documents scanned and uploaded to your dashboard
Still, you can't go wrong with any of the services listed in this article. Just make sure you research each one thoroughly to ensure they're the right fit for your business.
References
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. How much does it cost to start an LLC?, Retrieved 05/14/2024
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. National Registered Agent, Retrieved 11/11/2023
- ^ Northwest Registered Agent. Service of Process 101, Retrieved 12/08/2023
- ^ LegalZoom. Registered Agent Services, Retrieved 01/02/2024
- ^ LegalZoom. Business Data Protection, Retrieved 11/11/2023
- ^ ZenBusiness. Products & Pricing, Retrieved 01/02/2024
- ^ ZenBusiness. Registered Agent Terms, Retrieved 11/11/2023
- ^ Bizee. Free LLC, Retrieved 01/02/2024
- ^ Bizee. Registered Agent Services for LLCs, S Corps & More, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Bizee. Free LLC, Retrieved 12/06/2023
- ^ Rocket Lawyer. Membership and Pricing, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ Trustpilot. Rocket Lawyer, Retrieved 12/08/2023
- ^ Better Business Bureau. Rocket Lawyer, Retrieved 12/08/2023
- ^ Harbor Compliance. Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 01/02/2024
- ^ Swyft Filings. Registered Agent Service, Retrieved 05/13/2024
- ^ Swyft Filings. Terms of Service, Retrieved 11/24/2023
- ^ Inc Authority. Create Your Free LLC or INC Today, Retrieved 01/02/2024
- ^ Inc Authority. Free LLC, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ InCorp. Registered Agent Services Nationwide, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ InCorp. Questions About Pricing, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ InCorp. Terms of Service, Retrieved 05/20/2024
- ^ SunDoc Filings. California Registered Agent Services, Retrieved 01/02/2024
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