What is A Registered Agent?
What is A Registered Agent?
A registered agent is an individual or company that accepts official paperwork such as service of process (lawsuits) and annual registration fee notices. Every authorized business must maintain a registered agent.
What are the qualifications of a registered agent?
Registered agents must meet the following requirements:
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Be a resident in the State your are doing business
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Have a physical business address, registered office in the State
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Be available during normal business hours
In addition, registered agents must meet one of these qualifications:
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A member of your State Bar association
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A member of the business entity’s management, examples include:
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officer or director of a corporation,
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a member or manager of a limited liability company,
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a trustee of a business trust,
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a general partner of a limited partnership, or
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a partner of a registered limited liability partnership
You may use a third-party business such as a law firm or a service company to act as your registered agent. Keep in mind that a business entity cannot act as its own registered agent.
What filing can a registered agent complete?
Registered agents can:
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Change their legal name, registered office address or their qualification by submitting a Statement of Change of a Registered Agent and/or Registered Office
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Resign by submitting Statement/Certificate of Resignation of Registered Agent
Registered agents can submit additional filings if they are authorized by the business principal.
What is the registered agent office?
The registered office is the business office for the registered agent who receives important documents such as service of process (lawsuits) and annual registration fee notices at that location. Because this agent must be physically present to receive documents, a Post Office box is not acceptable*.
The registered office address is part of the public record.
A registered office must include a complete address includes the street number and name, city, state, zip code and the locality. A locality is the county or independent city in the State where the registered office is located.
*Post Office Boxes are only acceptable for cities/towns that have a population of less than 2,000 and no street address is associated with the location. If you use a Post Office address and meet the population requirement, you will only be able to file using paper.
What are the qualifications of a registered agent?
You may use a third-party business such as a law firm or a service company to act as your registered agent. Keep in mind that a business entity cannot act as its own registered agent.
Can you act as your own registered agent?
Yes. Registered agents are required to meet qualification requirements listed in the previous question and provide a registered office address in the State where you do business.
Note: Some States may not allow you to become your own registered (check with your Secretary of State).
How can I find a registered agent?
Start with an internet search using the term “registered agent Wisconsin” or "registered agent Mississippi". Search results will include paralegals, individuals and businesses who are willing to act as your registered agent. You may also contact a professional service recommended here ►Northwest Registered Agent Service.
What is A Principal Office?
The Principal Office is the location of the principal executive offices of the Limited Liabilities Companies (LLC) or Corporations.
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LLC: Required to keep a current list of the full name and last known address of each member of the LLC, as well as the other limited liability company information and records.
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Corporation: Required to make available certain corporate records at the principal office.
Communications from the commission are sent to the registered office.