A Registered Agent is a third-party representative and dedicated recipient of all your company's official and legal paperwork, and you are required to have one in all 50 states. Registered Agents can help you save valuable time and energy — but what's the "best" Registered Agent service for your business?
Below, we compare six popular and affordable Registered Agent services so you can find the best fit based on your company's needs, the size of your business, and where you plan to operate.
1. Incfile
Incfile is a highly-rated and affordable option for Registered Agent services, and you get your first year free when you use our business formation services. Since our beginnings in 2004, we've helped over 1 million small business owners across the U.S. form and manage their businesses. Incfile was started by entrepreneurs who've experienced the hardships of owning a business themselves, and our goal is to address the needs and struggles of fellow small business owners by providing inexpensive solutions.
Services and Features
Incfile’s Registered Agent service provides the following amenities:
- Dedicated and reliable Registered Agent services to accept all formal documentation, including service of process and government notifications
- Immediate notification and guidance on tax, legal, and state compliance requirements
- An easy-to-access, encrypted, and mobile-compatible digital dashboard
- Centralized storage of sensitive documents
- Customized email and SMS notifications every time correspondence is received on your behalf
- Automatic forwarding of paperwork and legal documentation
- Access to the latest state forms and filing instructions
- Registered Agent services across all 50 states
Incfile’s most attractive offer is our $0 LLC formation.
How Much It Costs
At Incfile, Registered Agent services are free for the first year if you form your business with us — otherwise, you only pay $119 per year, which beats out the competition by a long shot. There are no hidden charges or sneaky payment terms, and the price remains transparent and consistent the entire time you work with us.
If you want to change your Registered Agent to Incfile, you must pay a $49 change agent fee plus any applicable state fees.
Who It’s Best For
Incfile is ideal for new and growing LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits whose owners prioritize privacy and want to reduce the burden of managing legal paperwork. Incfile also works well for small business owners who travel frequently, as you’ll get instant SMS and email notifications when something needs your attention.
2. MyCompanyWorks
Founded in 2001, MyCompanyWorks is a Nevada-based business formation company that services clients across all 50 U.S. states. One of the perks of utilizing MyCompanyWorks is that they will process your Registered Agent order the same day if you put in a request before 3 p.m. MyCompanyWorks has serviced over 60,000 clients since its inception and boasts a 98% customer rating.
Services and Features
Here's an overview of the services and features that help MyCompanyWorks stand apart from its competitors:
- Secure and centralized My Account Dashboard (MAD)
- Unlimited scanning and digital backup of all sensitive paperwork
- Immediate processing of Registered Agent form if filed before 3 p.m.
- Registered Agent services across 50 states
- Lifetime notifications of important filings like annual reports and taxes
- Money-back guarantee if you’re dissatisfied with your service
How Much It Costs
MyCompanyWorks’ Registered Agent pricing starts at $99 per year, per state. They also administer a $29 Registered Agent change fee if you wish to change your Registered Agent to them, plus any applicable state fees.
For example, if you already have a Registered Agent in California but would like to switch to MyCompanyWorks, you’ll be charged a $20 California state change fee, a $29 MyCompanyWorks change processing fee, and $99 for the MyCompanyWorks Registered Agent service fee in California. Your total bill amount would be $148.
Who It’s Best For
MyCompanyWorks' Registered Agent package is best for U.S.-based businesses looking for same-day processing. They are also an attractive and affordable option for businesses looking to expand to multiple states, as they are authorized to serve as a Registered Agent across all 50 states.
3. Harbor Compliance
If you’re looking to hire a Registered Agent, Harbor Compliance is an excellent option. They're a one-stop shop for small businesses, as the company also offers licensing and incorporation services. Headquartered out of Pennsylvania, Harbor Compliance has assisted more than 35,000 business owners with their compliance needs.
Services and Features
Take a look at the top features of Harbor Compliance’s Registered Agent service offerings:
- Immediate access to a local Registered Agent office address upon placing an online order
- Same-day electronic delivery of documents
- Customized compliance calendar that’s automatically updated with any new regulations or changes
- Complimentary annual report notifications
- Advanced, easy-to-access software that stores sensitive company records and paperwork
- Personal phone call if your business receives a lawsuit notice
- Local offices in all 50 U.S. states
How Much It Costs
Harbor Compliance Registered Agent services range between $89 to $99 per state. This annual fee guarantees access to a local office and its online software. The company offers a 5%-10% discount if you sign up with them for two or more years.
Who It’s Best For
Harbor Compliance is a smart and affordable Registered Agent choice for business owners with a tight budget because it’s one of the few providers offering a volume discount. The company’s presence of local offices in every state also makes the service suitable for businesses with a larger footprint.
4. SunDoc Filings
Based out of Sacramento, California, SunDoc Filings is a nationwide business formation and document retrieval service provider. While SunDoc has an advantage in California because of its proximity to California’s Capitol building, the company also has an extensive network of experienced partners and affiliates across the U.S. that can serve as your trusted Registered Agent in any state of your choice.
Services and Features
SunDoc Filings provides the following Registered Agent services:
- A dedicated agent who is available at a local address to accept and process paperwork
- Same-day document scanning and forwarding of correspondence
- Service of process paperwork that is immediately emailed and forwarded to your home via FedEx Second Day Service
- Automatic email alerts for approaching deadlines
- A customer support team available via phone or email
- A refund policy if you’re unsatisfied with your service
However, unlike other service providers, the company’s document dashboard is not available as an app.
How Much It Costs
A Registered Agent through SunDoc Filings will cost you $159 per year. They offer a volume discount if you use their services across multiple states. Get more information on their pricing and discount structure by contacting SunDoc's customer service team at 888-595-2747.
Who It’s Best For
SunDoc Filings has the most experience with businesses in California, so they are the ideal choice for new and experienced business owners within the Golden State.
5. InCorp
With over 250,000 active clients since it opened its doors in 1998, InCorp is another affordable Registered Agent service to explore. A huge selling point of InCorp is that it’s one of the few providers with a presence outside the continental U.S. So if you plan to build a business presence in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, InCorp would be a great choice.
Services and Features
- Authorized Registered Agent provider across the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Access to proprietary software, EntityWatch®, that syncs with most state databases
- Customer service chat and phone support that's available during regular business hours, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST
How Much It Costs
The standard Registered Agent package at InCorp starts at $129 per state, per year. However, you can get a price as low as $87 per state, per year if you opt to sign up for a multi-year deal with them. Keep in mind that these prices are only applicable to the 50 U.S. states; the price for their Registered Agent services in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a steep $389 per year.
More information about their pricing structure is available via their website and toll-free number, 1-800-246-2677.
Who It’s Best For
InCorp’s volume discount makes it a solid choice for businesses that are bootstrapping and seeking help with Registered Agent services for U.S. territories. The company’s unique EntityWatch software could appeal to tech-savvy entrepreneurs.
6. Northwest Registered Agent
If you’re seeking a seasoned Registered Agent provider, check out Northwest Registered Agent. The company began its journey as a third-party Registered Agent provider by opening an office in every state. Eventually, they expanded their offerings to include formation services, but being a reliable Registered Agent is what they do best.
Services and Features
Below are some of the standout features that make Northwest Registered Agent a worthy provider to consider:
- Designated agent at a local address to accept and manage legal paperwork
- Same-day mail scanning and email notifications
- Limited, free mail forwarding
- Free annual report reminders
- Lifetime access to expert Corporate Guides
- Same price every year
- 60-day free trial of phone service
- Free to change your Registered Agent to a Northwest Registered Agent
- Presence in Guam and Puerto Rico
How Much It Costs
Prices at Northwest Registered Agent start at $125 per year, per state. The price remains the same each year.
Who It’s Best For
Northwest Registered Agent is best for a DIY kind of business owner who values excellent support, privacy, and competitive rates. This company also works best for entrepreneurs who don’t expect much mail to be forwarded to them.
Benefits of Using a Registered Agent
If you can serve as your own Registered Agent or hire an employee or family member to be one, why should you work with a professional Registered Agent service?
A low-cost, top-quality Registered Agent service can give you the following advantages:
- Dedicated subject matter expert to receive and manage legal and official documentation
- Prompt notification of lawsuits, compliance requirements, and tax obligations
- Additional layers of privacy and security
- Ability to expand business across states
- Flexibility to travel and conduct business on-the-go
- Centralized and digital storage of official paperwork
- Protection of your business's reputation
FAQs About Registered Agent Services
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent if you meet the following criteria:
- Are above the age of 18
- Have a physical address in the state (no P.O. Box)
- Reside within the state
- Are available during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
However, being your own agent can restrict your ability to conduct business, compromise your privacy, and increase your administrative duties. Read more about being your own Registered Agent to make an informed decision.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?
According to SCORE, Registered Agent services can cost between $100-$300 a year. This amount can vary based on features offered, business size, and location. Incfile offers free Registered Agent services for the first year alongside a $0 LLC formation, making it the lowest-cost option for new entrepreneurs.
How Much Does a Registered Agent in Delaware Cost?
This amount can vary, but most Deleware Registered Agent providers charge around $100 per year.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in California?
A California Registered Agent can cost between $100 to $150 per year. If you wish to change your LLC’s Registered Agent, the state charges a $20 change fee.
Appoint Incfile as Your Registered Agent
Incfile's Registered Agent services feature transparent and affordable pricing, extensive small business experience, and the ability to serve customers in all 50 U.S. states. We've helped over 1 million small businesses get started, and we offer $0 LLC formation. Form your business with Incfile to claim your free year of Registered Agent services.
Swara Ahluwalia
Swara Ahluwalia is a freelance content writer with experience in the technical, B2B and SaaS domain. She also has curated content for various lifestyle brands. In her downtime, you will most likely find Swara training for her next marathon or spending time with her two daughters.
