What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent—sometimes called a statutory agent or agent for service of process—is a person or professional service appointed to receive official government notices, legal documents, tax forms, and court papers on behalf of your LLC or corporation.

If you're forming an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, every U.S. state law requires you to designate a registered agent. This ensures your business stays compliant and never misses important deadlines or legal notices.
Think of your registered agent service as your company’s official point of contact between your business and the state.

What Are the Requirements to Be a Registered Agent?

To serve as a registered agent for an LLC or corporation, you must:

Be at least 18 years old

Have a physical address (no P.O. boxes) in the state of formation

Be available in person during standard business hours

These conditions exist to ensure that someone is always available to receive legal documents, tax notices, and compliance-related mail from the state or federal government.

The Drawbacks of Being Your Own Registered Agent

Choosing to be your own statutory agent can compromise privacy, availability, and legal compliance. Here’s what to consider:

Privacy risks:
Your personal name and home address will be listed on public records, making your information easily accessible.

Availability issues:
If you’re traveling, in meetings, or away from your business during normal hours, you could miss important legal notices.

Compliance risks:
Failing to receive a lawsuit, court order, or tax notice can lead to serious penalties, fines, or even default judgments.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent—as long as you're 18 years or older and have a physical street address in the state where your LLC or corporation is registered. All 50 states allow business owners to act as their own agent for service of process, and in some cases, even your LLC or corporation can serve as its own registered agent.

However, while acting as your own registered agent service might seem like a money-saving option, it comes with important responsibilities—and risks.

Why do I need a Registered Agent?

Having a registered agent is legally required in most states when forming an LLC. Without one, your business could face fines, lose good standing, or even be dissolved. It’s a small step that avoids big problems.

What Does a Registered Agent Do?

A registered agent—also known as a statutory agent or agent for service of process—is your business’s official point of contact for important legal, tax, and state communications. Whether you operate an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit, this role is critical to staying compliant and avoiding penalties.

Responsibilities of a Registered Agent

Your registered agent service receives and forwards key documents, including:

Service of process (lawsuits, subpoenas, and court summons)

State compliance notices (like annual report reminders or franchise tax deadlines)

Official mail from the Secretary of State and other government agencies

In short, your registered agent is your business’s legal inbox—making sure you never miss a critical notice that could affect your company’s standing or expose you to legal risk.

Why Hire a Registered Agent Service?

Hiring a professional registered agent service is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your LLC or corporation—especially if privacy, flexibility, and legal compliance are important to you.

While you can be your own registered agent, doing so ties you to strict requirements. A professional registered agent for LLCs and corporations ensures you never miss a crucial legal notice—while freeing up your time to run your business.

Key Benefits of Using a Registered Agent Service

Privacy Protection
The agent’s business address appears on public state filings, shielding your home address from public exposure.

Availability During Business Hours
They’re always available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM—to receive lawsuits, subpoenas, and tax notices, even when you aren’t.

Immediate Document Delivery
Top services scan and email your legal mail the same day, giving you instant access to time-sensitive documents.

Compliance Reminders
Never miss a deadline again. Professional agents send alerts for annual report filings, franchise tax due dates, and other compliance tasks.

Multi-State Coverage
If your business operates in multiple states, a registered agent service can provide you with a legal presence in each one, saving you the hassle of appointing a new agent every time.

Business Continuity
You can move offices, travel, or even relocate out of state—your registered agent will always be available, no matter where you are.

How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost?

The cost of a registered agent service varies depending on the provider, the level of support offered, and the state your business is registered in. But in most cases, the fee is affordable and well worth the peace of mind it provides—especially when compared to the potential penalties of non-compliance, missed legal notices, or business dissolution.

Buykii Registered Agent Service Pricing
At Buykii, we offer simple, transparent pricing:

$90 one-time setup fee for initial registered agent service

Annual renewal fee as low as $25 to $49, depending on the state of your LLC or corporation

Our mission is to keep your business legally protected without unnecessary costs. That’s why our renewal fees remain among the lowest in the industry.

What Do Other Providers Charge?
Other registered agent companies often promote “free for the first year” offers—but come with hidden or high renewal fees, such as:

$99 to $199+ per year after the first year

Expensive upsells for compliance reminders or document access

Limited customer support without extra charges

These costs add up quickly—especially for multi-state businesses or non-U.S. residents managing a U.S.-based company.