What is an LLC Registered Agent?

The registered agent is a person who is an agent of the limited liability company, or LLC. An agent is a person who is serving a special function for the LLC, and a person with specific responsibilities and duties that must be performed. Every state requires a registered agent, or RA, and the name of the agent must be submitted at the time of registration of your LLC.

Who can serve as a Registered Agent?

Any natural person over the age of 18 can typically serve as a registered agent. This makes it easy to find one, but there are a few requirements that most states have with regard to the person serving as a registered agent, let's go over those specifics:

1. The Registered agent for your LLC must either be a person or a registered corporate entity. The corporate entities who are setup to serve as registered agents are typically businesses that have previously registered with the Secretary of State.
2. You must provide a physical street address of the RA, and the registered agent must be willing and available to receive mail at this address.
3. The agent will receive 1-10 mailings each year typically from the Secretary of State.
4. The agent must have agreed to serve and they are agreeing to provide you with all mail received on behalf of the LLC.

So, as you can see, while anybody can say that they are going to serve, there are some rules and requirements before you choose a person or company to serve in this role.

How does a person sign up to be a Registered Agent?

Typically, the registered agent is supplied at the time that the LLC is formed and the agent is declared during this initial filing. Included in the Articles of Organization, you will need to include the name and physical street address of the agent.

Can the LLC Registered Agent be Changed?

Yes, while the registered agent role is required at all times for your limited liability company, the person who serves as this role can be changed whenever necessary. In most states, changing the registered agent is typically done by filing a document with the state, and this filing typically has a fee associated with it.