Registered Agent Services Basics

Choosing the right registered agent is key. You want someone who is trustworthy, reliable and organized. They are the first line of defense in a legal situation, and entrusting them to manage the deadlines and receipt of these documents allows you to focus on the more pressing aspects of everyday business.

The most important requirement of being a registered agent is maintaining a physical address where legal and other business documents are received; having a post office box is simply not allowed. It is important to note that some states require the registered agent to be a resident in the state where they serve; if it is a business entity that offers RA services, than a physical address in that state will do.

It is also extremely important for the registered agent to maintain normal business hours which fall from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We cannot stress enough how crucial this is – this is the timeframe in which a lawsuit can be served.

If your registered agent is a one-man operation, even stepping away for five minutes to grab a coffee, or visit the restroom, can put your business in jeopardy of not receiving critical documents like service of process, which can come with very serious consequences. The business may risk losing a lawsuit by default if the business is unable to be served, or they may miss important filing deadlines to stay in good standing with the state. That is why we recommend appointing a third-party registered agent, so you don’t have to worry about ensuring someone is always at the office.

Something else to consider when choosing a registered agent is privacy. This comes in two forms. First, the registered agent’s physical address will be the address listed on all legal documents. This keeps the business address separate, which is especially helpful if it is a home address.

Another aspect of privacy relates to service of process. Since all lawsuit documents are served by the Sherriff or a Process Server, appointing a registered agent that is outside the company allows these documents to be served in private, avoiding the potential for employees or clients to witness this process.

In addition, a good agent provides document management. They are responsible for knowing and understanding the business requirements by state and will keep up with filing deadlines and changing requirements for your business, ensuring the business remains compliant and in good standing with the state. This is especially helpful if the business is operating in multiple states. Each state’s requirements are different, and having a registered agent handle these details can eliminate a lot of stress from your shoulders.

While it is legally acceptable to act as your own registered agent, we do not recommend it. Let our trained experts at DoMyLLC act as your agent, ensuring that all of your legal documents are received, electronically stored, and that your filing deadlines are met. We’ll take care of the administrative end so you can focus on running the day-to-day operations of your business.