Part one · The role
What a registered agent is, in four parts.
LLC Agent Guide explains what a registered agent does for an LLC and what the role requires in each state.
- 1
The requirement
Every LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent in its state of formation, and in each state where it is registered to do business.
- 1.1
The agent must have a physical street address in that state. A post office box does not satisfy the requirement.
- 1.2
The agent must be available at that address during ordinary business hours.
- 1.1
- 2
Who may serve
The role may be filled by an individual resident of the state, or by a company authorised to act as agent there.
- 2.1
A member or manager of the LLC may serve, subject to the address and availability conditions in Part 1.
- 2.2
In most states an LLC may not act as its own agent, though the drafting varies.
- 2.1
- 3
What the agent receives
Service of process, state correspondence and annual-report notices are delivered to the agent of record.
- 3.1
Delivery to the agent is delivery to the company, whether or not it is passed on.
- 3.1
- 4
Consequences of failure
An LLC without a valid agent may lose good standing, and in time may be administratively dissolved.
- 4.1
A default judgment may be entered where process was validly served on a lapsed address.
- 4.1
Schedules
This book states the rules governing registered agents for US LLCs.
Requirements are set state by state. Nothing here is published as a state requirement until it has been checked against that state.
Newly published. Articles are in preparation and will appear as they are written.