Best Registered Agent Services (Review) To Try in 2025
When starting a business in the United States, one crucial step is selecting a registered agent service.
The best registered agent services in the U.S. offer reliability, confidentiality, and efficiency, handling critical notifications and paperwork with professionalism.
As a licensed business consultant who has interacted and dealt with these companies, I can provide an insider's perspective on how they stack up in terms of customer support, features, and essential services that define a top-notch registered agent.
![Venture Smarter | Best Registered Agent Services (Review) To Try in [y] Venture Smarter | Best Registered Agent Services (Review) To Try in [y]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/8UwnY3x84Zs/maxresdefault.jpg)
Company | Registered Agent Price | Service Features | Money-Back Guarantee | BBB Accredited | Advisory Services |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northwest (Best Overall) | $125/year. First year free with LLC purchase. | Same-Day Scans, Instant Notifications Privacy by Default® Business Address & Free Mail Forwarding Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone. | 90 days | No, A rating | No |
ZenBusiness (Best Premium) | $199 | Receiving and forwarding official legal mail, scanning and uploading documents to the customer’s dashboard, and notifying the customer via email. | 60 days | Yes | Accounting Consultation |
Bizee (formerly Incfile) (Most Affordable) | $119/year. First year free with LLC purchase. | Manages the paperwork for you, avoid missed deadlines, tiresome paperwork, noncompliance and the associated fines or penalties. | Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee. | No | Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation |
Rocket Lawyer | $249.99 with Rocket Legal / $124.99 with Rocket Legal+ | Receive important legal and tax communications, scanned official documents to your email, keep your personal business address private. | 30 days | Yes | Legal: Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter (with subscription) |
MyCompanyWorks | $119/year. First year free with when buying Entrepreneur & Complate Package | Ensures Statutory Compliance, Moving your business requires no forms or fees, Easy online updating of forwarding address, Immediate notification and delivery of service of process, forms. | 90 days | Yes, A+ | Trademark Consultation & 1-hour Tax Webinar |
Harbor Compliance | $99 | Same-Day document access, email notifications, annual report notifications to stay compliant. | No | Yes | No |
LegalZoom | $249/year | Alerts & reminders, documents scanned and uploaded, unlimited cloud storage for business documents. | 60 days | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
Swyft Filings | $149 | Get notified of all incoming mail and upcoming government deadlines for tax filing and annual reports. | 60 days | No | No |
Incorp | $129/year ($87/year with purchase of multi-year service) | Important notices sent directly to your business location. | 60 days, minus $29 fee | Yes | Yes |
Tailor Brands | $199 | All legal and tax documents for your company will be received, logged, and stored safely, send you regular reminders, yearly report filing alert. | 14-day refunds, then only credits. | No | No |
![Venture Smarter | Best Registered Agent Services (Review) To Try in [y] Northwest registered agent logo in front of a businesswoman](/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Northwest-Registered-Agent-Service-2.webp)
Top Reliable Registered Agent Services (February 2025)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Keeps your address off public records, unique to Northwest.
- Flexibility to choose only the services needed.
- Customer Support is highly praised for responsiveness and expertise.
- Offers a special discount for Venture Smarter readers.
- In business for over 25 years, indicating reliability.
- Does not sell customer data, ensuring privacy.
- You cannot buy LLC formation without appointing them as a registered agent.
- Lack of BBB accreditation might concern some customers.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses needing comprehensive support with a focus on privacy and compliance.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those needing the cheapest option; prioritizes quality and comprehensive service.
The Verdict
Offers excellent privacy protections and local document scanning. Priced higher, but excellent for those prioritizing service quality and privacy.
Northwest Registered Agent is one of the top services for forming a business online.
We tested this popular company to evaluate the process of starting an LLC, and based on our experience, you’ll be provided with continuous help from a personal agent.
Northwest features a unique LLC setup package for just $39, which comes with a free registered agent service for the first year. This promotion is available when you enroll through our link.
During our experience, their service assisted us in filing all the necessary LLC setup paperwork, and their employees made us feel supported at each step of the process.
We felt assured knowing that Northwest Registered Agent values customer privacy and operates with a secure digital system that doesn’t sell client data to external companies.
While Northwest offers a comprehensive range of solutions, their plans currently don’t include an EIN, which we think might improve their value even further.
Service Highlights:
- Registered Agent Service ($125/year): The initial year of registered agent service is free when Northwest manages your LLC formation. This offering offers mail forwarding, knowledgeable corporate guides, and privacy-by-default protections.
- Full-Service LLC Formation Plan ($39 + State Fee): This comprehensive package includes fast filing, a full year of registered agent service, an LLC operating agreement, free business tools like a domain, website, email, and business phone, and privacy-protecting practices.
2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Social responsibility and active community involvement
- Supports small businesses with services and a community-focused grant program
- Quick and easy purchase process
- Company is socially responsible and active.
- Positive feedback from satisfied customers.
- Registered Agent is not included in their business formation plans
- Annual report filing and compliance a separate service with an additional fee
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Startups and small businesses looking for a balance of cost and quality.
Who is it not for?
- Larger companies might find the service too basic.
The Verdict
Good value for money with a balance of essential services and cost-effectiveness. Ideal for small businesses.
When I was starting out, ZenBusiness made the daunting process of filing court documents feel like a breeze. Their affordable solutions were a lifesaver for a small business owner like me, ensuring everything was handled without any hitches.
ZenBusiness provides registered agent service at an affordable price - just $199 for the first year and the same price annually after that.
Additionally, if you purchase registered agent services bundled with Worry-Free Compliance service, you can be confident your business is in good hands at all times.
These ZenBusiness services are an unbeatable deal that can help you get your start in business efficiently and affordably.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($199): The registered agent fee is a delayed payment charged after the business is formed and renews annually at $199.
- Starter LLC Service Package ($0 + State Fee): This package has a standard filing speed (7 to 10 business days), helps you track deductions and expenses, and has a 100% accuracy guarantee. You'll also enjoy a 1-month free trial of Banking and Bank Account services, followed by just $5/month. The package also comes with a Website Builder plus worry-free compliance during the first year, optionally renewing at $199/year.
- Pro LLC Service Package ($199 + State Fee): The package includes all starter package services plus a remarkably swift "rush" filing speed, with an average processing time of 1 business day. Additionally, you'll get a crafted LLC operating agreement template at an affordable $99. Furthermore, the package has an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to streamline your business's identification and legal requirements.
- Premium LLC service Package ($299 + State Fee): Includes all the features of the Pro package plus domain name & business email address, business document templates, and customizable business website for a more professional look. This plan also offers a swift processing time of 1 business day.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Free Registered Agent for one year, included with all packages.
- Established for over 25 years, underscoring our proven reliability.
- Cheap Registerested Agent Service, priced at only $119
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Easy navigation and access to services.
- Automatic legal document forwarding
- Document scanning isn’t always prompt
- Customer support only available Monday-Friday
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- New businesses starting out that need a straightforward, affordable solution.
Who is it not for?
- Not suitable for businesses that require extensive support and services beyond basic compliance.
The Verdict
Very affordable with a clear focus on basic compliance needs. Great for startups on a tight budget.
I remember when I was on a tight budget, Bizee (formerly Incfile) came to the rescue with their tiered pricing. Their affordability without compromising on quality made them my go-to choice during those early business days.
The company offers free registered agent services if you're starting a new business and budget is an issue.
Bizee will accept all tax and legal documents on your behalf, like all registered agents. We found their online dashboard to check and retrieve your legal documents incredibly easy to navigate.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($119): If you buy it separately, it will cost you $119/year, but if you decide to let Bizee create the business for you, they will give you a free registered agent service in the first year.
- Free Silver LLC Formation Package ($0 + State Fee): Perfect to save your budget as you will receive the Articles of Organization, a free registered agent service for a year and more.
- Bizee Gold LLC Formation Package ($199 + State Fee): Includes Silver package, EIN business tax number, IRS Form 2553. Additionally, business tax consultation, operating agreement, banking resolution, and online access dashboard are all included.
- Platinum LLC Formation Package ($299 + State Fee): This package includes Gold Package. It offers free business websites, domain names, business contract templates, and the possibility to file for free on the next day.
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Offers a wide range of legal documents and services.
- Offers protection for your contracts with their Document Defense® feature.
- Easy to navigate and create legal documents.
- Submit various business-related questions online at no cost to their legal professionals.
- Reports of unexpected charges
- Free trial confusion, billing issues, and challenges canceling subscriptions.
- Some customers faced issues reaching customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses that might also need legal services along with registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses looking only for registered agent services might find it more expensive due to bundled legal services.
The Verdict
Offers an integrated solution with both legal and registered agent services. Good for businesses anticipating legal questions or needs.
Rocket Lawyer is a top-notch solution for businesses looking for high-quality registered agent services. Their comprehensive range of business solutions is specifically designed to address the unique needs of business operations, guaranteeing efficient LLC setup and legal compliance.
They feature various LLC registration and attorney services, managing paperwork and filings with efficiency. Additionally, they offer a free trial, so you can experience their features before committing.
Rocket Lawyer’s attorney services made easy the job of managing our paperwork and filings. The free trial was an excellent way to try out their offerings without commitment.
Their well-organized list of premium services and pricing allowed us compare options and choose the most suitable plan for our needs.
For more information about this service, we recommend reading our Rocket Lawyer review.
Service Highlights:
- Registered Agent Service ($249.99 for non-members): For Rocket Legal+ members, this service drops to $124.99/year, with a membership cost of $19.99/month (billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial).
- LLC Formation Package ($0 + State Fee): Create your first LLC for FREE when you become a member of Rocket Legal+ ($19.99/month billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial).
5 - MyCompanyWorks
Pros and Cons
- Strong feedback with high average rating scores from over 4,000 reviews.
- One of the cheapest registered agents, priced at only $99/year
- Returns most calls and emails in 20 minutes or less during business hours.
- Phone support only available Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM PST.
- Refund policy includes processing fees and becomes void after documents are shipped to the state.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small businesses and startups looking for personalized service with fast response times.
Who is it not for?
- Not for those looking for the lowest price; emphasizes quality and speed.
The Verdict
Offers excellent customer service with quick processing times, which is ideal for new and small businesses needing prompt support.
Businesses across the United States can utilize a registered agent service from MyCompanyWorks for just $119 per year.
Their business-focused package and the Complete Package offer a free first year of registered agent service, making them attractive.
We were impressed with their activity tracking tool, which made it straightforward to keep track of compliance obligations.
MyCompanyWorks is also known for its dedicated customer support. Based on our testing, they return your queries to phone calls and emails within 30 minutes or less during business hours—a stark contrast to many industries providers, which can take a full day.
Service Highlights:
- Registered Agent Services ($119/year): Starting at $119 annually if purchased separately, the Entrepreneur and Complete packages include the first year of registered agent service for free.
- Basic Formation Package ($79 + State Fee): This foundational package features essential LLC formation services like Articles of Organization, same-day processing, unlimited phone/email support, name availability search, a personalized operating agreement, business bank account setup, banking resolution, access to scanned documents online, a free logo, and more.
- Entrepreneur Formation Package ($199 + State Fee): Expands upon the Basic Package, featuring lifetime access to MyCompanyForms & tax guide, a free first-year registered agent service, and a Federal Tax ID (EIN).
- Complete Formation Package ($279 + State Fee): This top-tier package features everything in the Entrepreneur Package plus MyCompanyWorks Premium, which includes Initial and Annual Report Filing Service, ComplianceLock™ Alerts, Automatic Minutes and Resolutions, E-Ledger, E-Certificates, Business Entity Monitoring, and Priority Support.
6 - Harbor Compliance
Pros and Cons
- Quick processing and efficient handling of compliance tasks.
- Offers discounts for extended contracts and multiple years of service.
- Offers one-on-one consultation with a compliance expert.
- More expensive compared to competitors.
- Reports of poor follow-up and customer service in some instances.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses needing a reliable and straightforward service with transparent pricing.
Who is it not for?
- May not be suitable for businesses looking for the cheapest option.
The Verdict
Provides solid services with a focus on efficiency and easy compliance management at a reasonable cost.
The Harbor Compliance company's most significant standing point is its personalized customer support.
Harbor Compliance offers several special deals, including an extended-term agent-registration contract that significantly saves your business.
After testing their registered agent service, I was impressed with the positive outcomes.
Their team skillfully managed official correspondence between my business and government agencies, ensuring that all legal requirements were promptly fulfilled.
However, their single LLC creation package is relatively costly and does not qualify as the best deal, especially if you're on a tight budget.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($89): Yearly fees range from $89 to $99 per state, with no other expenses. If you pay for registered agent services in advance for more than two years, you can save 5-10%. You can immediately access the registered agent's address online.
- LLC Formation Package ($99 + State Fee): Harbor Compliance will prepare and file the articles of organization for you, and check name availability.
7 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- Offers legal advice for relevant court and legal documents received
- Unlimited cloud storage for all documents received
- Provides different free business templates
- LLC Services are more expensive compared to some competitors.
- The most expensive registered agent service option on this list
- Aggressive upselling of additional services
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Well-established businesses needing a variety of legal and compliance services.
Who is it not for?
- Startups or very small businesses that might find the pricing and service too extensive.
The Verdict
High-end option that offers extensive services beyond just registered agent duties. Great for businesses that also need legal services.
LegalZoom provides registered agent and LLC formation services with flexible price plans. The best thing about this company is that when you avail $299 registered agent service, there are no options for additional fees.
While several competitors offer lower pricing, LegalZoom offers more legal services capabilities in addition to simple document forwarding.
In addition to allowing me to set my business hours, this best-registered agent provided me with a layer of privacy as an owner and helped me to avoid fines.
However, I must note that I found that their business formation plans are somewhat expensive and lack many of the registered agent services offered by other providers.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299): If you wish to create your LLC with them, the first year costs $249. Following that, renewal would cost $299. No fees until your docs are submitted to the state.
- LLC Basic Formation Package ($0 + State Fee): It includes a name search, a digital LLC package, articles of organization, and a website.
- LLC Pro Package ($249 + State Fee): Includes everything from the Pro package. You'll get an operating agreement, an EIN, and insurance and taxes consultations.
- LLC Premium Package ($299 + State Fee): It covers everything in the Basic and Pro packages, including guidance and unlimited consultations from experienced state attorneys.
8 - Swyft Filings
Pros and Cons
- Flexible pricing model
- Website is simple and easy to use
- Generally noted for providing helpful and responsive customer service.
- Registered agent services aren’t included in any packages and must be purchased separately
- Registered Agent service is more expensive starting the 2nd year.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Startups and entrepreneurs who value a blend of cost-effectiveness and reliable service.
Who is it not for?
- Not for larger corporations that may need a more robust service with dedicated support.
The Verdict
Cost-effective and efficient for new businesses, offering good basic services and compliance support.
When I was pressed for time while establishing my third business, Swyft Filings was truly a lifesaver. They handled all my filing needs promptly, allowing me to dedicate time to other important aspects of my startup journey.
Swyft Filings provides 24/7 online mailbox services and sends helpful reminders for important due dates and deadlines. This ensures you stay organized and that your business remains in full compliance.
This is very important in states where the unemployment rate was at a low 3.5% in 2024, according to the Department of Commerce. This highlights the local economic stability and favorable conditions for entrepreneurs.
Although Swyft Filings is relatively new to the registered agent service industry, they’re making their mark as one of the leading providers, backed by stellar customer reviews.
Service Highlights:
- Registered Agent Service ($149 every 3 months): Swyft Filings charges a quarterly fee for this critical service.
- Basic Plan ($0 + State Fee): Includes the submission of your articles of incorporation and LLC formation.
- Standard Plan ($199 + State Fee): This comprehensive LLC package includes the basic plan, featuring a Federal Tax ID (EIN) and key documents like an operating agreement, banking resolution, and organizational minutes.
- Premium Package ($299 + State Fee): Includes all core services plus additional benefits such as free domain registration, hosting for your business website, a personalized digital corporate kit, and FedEx delivery with a tracking number for your authorized articles.
9 - Incorp
Pros and Cons
- Consistently recognized for achieving high levels of customer satisfaction on various platforms.
- Offers price match guarantees and discounts for volume orders, especially for registered agent services.
- Emphasizes security with tools like McAfee SECURE and GeoTrust to protect customer data.
- No Registered Agent included in their LLC formation package
- Outdated website and disorganized information, reducing user-friendliness.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses looking for a low-cost multi-year service with nationwide coverage.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses preferring more hands-on customer service might find the service too automated.
The Verdict
Offers competitive pricing especially for lon-term service agreements, with a strong focus on affordable compliance across multiple states.
The Price-match guarantee is the most remarkable aspect of Incorp.
As a result, Incorp pricing is more flexible and competitive. They also offer volume discounts for their best-registered agent service in multiple states.
You may also rely on them to protect your data with a high level of security. Any LLC created using them has its legal information protected.
You will also be protected against identity theft through EntityWatch.
I liked their easy-to-use IOS app and overall, I would recommend them to you if you're just starting.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($129): With the purchase of multi-year service, you can pay $87 each year.
- LLC Formation Package ($99 + State Fee): Includes submitting Articles of Incorporation/Organization to the Secretary of State.
10 - Tailor Brands
![Venture Smarter | Best Registered Agent Services (Review) To Try in [y] An office worker writing down notes in front of a laptop](/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Personal-Asset-Protection.webp)
Pros and Cons
- The customer service team is extremely supportive and demonstrates great patience.
- Their platform is user-friendly and features a simple, straightforward process.
- Provides a wide array of services including branding, logo creation, and website design
- Cannot buy registered agent without LLC formation
- Registered Agent is very expensive.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs nationwide looking for a quick, integrated way to start their LLC, including additional services like EIN registration.
Who is it not for?
- Those who may only need a specific service, like registered agent, without additional features.
The Verdict
Ideal for new business owners who want a hassle-free, fast service to set up their LLC with comprehensive support and legal assistance.
Tailor Brands provides a efficient registered agent service, making the process of forming and maintaining an LLC.
As a registered agent, they are essential in helping your business stay compliant. Their responsibilities cover handling legal documents, service of process, and government correspondence.
Based on my trial, Tailor Brands handled the filing of all essential paperwork and ensured compliance with local legal standards.
Additionally, their service features valuable business tools, such as obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and setting up professional email accounts, which proved invaluable.
Service Highlights:
- Registered Agent Services ($199/year): This service is an optional extra priced at $199 annually, with no free first year. The renewal price remains the same.
- Lite LLC Formation Plan ($0 + State Fee): A starter plan with a one-time payment. It includes LLC formation and standard processing, with applications submitted within 14 days.
- Essential LLC Formation Plan ($199 + State Fee): Builds upon the Lite Plan. This annual plan includes LLC establishment, expedited processing (filed within 2 days), compliance monitoring, and an operating agreement.
- Elite LLC Formation Plan ($249 + State Fee): This top-tier plan provides everything in the Essential Plan, plus tools for business growth. Features include eight custom logos, a free domain for one year, a social media post maker, and a business card tool.
Why should you trust us?
You should trust Venture Smarter for your registered agent service needs because our team of legal experts has conducted in-depth evaluations and hands-on testing of the top registered agent services available. Our process is thorough and unbiased, ensuring that our recommendations are based solely on the services' performance, reliability, and value to our readers.
The Venture Smarter team is dedicated to transparency and integrity. We interact anonymously with registered agent services and leverage the insights of an independent review team to provide you with unbiased, evidence-based recommendations. This approach ensures that our suggestions are made with your best interests in mind.
We understand the critical role a registered agent plays in your business's compliance and legal standing. That's why we've meticulously reviewed each service's features, pricing, customer support, and efficiency. Our goal is to empower Venture Smarter readers with the information needed to make an informed decision that aligns with their business needs and legal requirements.
By choosing Venture Smarter, you're not just selecting any registered agent service; you're choosing a partner committed to your business's success and legal compliance. Trust us to guide you to the best registered agent service that meets your specific needs, ensuring your business remains in good standing and protected.
We compared top registered agents in 2022, highlighting their pros and cons.
We aim to help small business owners in all US states with LLC formation.
Best Registered Agent Services - Choose Your State:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services
![Venture Smarter | Best Registered Agent Services (Review) To Try in [y] A registered agent discussing the selection process](/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Our-Selection-Process.webp)
We conducted an undercover evaluation of 10 registered agent services in the US, incorporating expert legal advice and comprehensive criteria such as cost, speed, features, and customer support to formulate well-rounded recommendations.
This assessment was distilled into ratings based on factors like promptness, tech efficiency, and user-friendliness, with external opinions and reputational standing also factored into our conclusive advice.
1. Pricing
Price is a critical factor for businesses, particularly startups and small enterprises that need to manage their expenses carefully.
Based on our criteria, Bizee offers the most budget-friendly option with a free registered agent service included in their LLC formation packages, starting at $0 plus state fees. Their standalone registered agent service is priced at $119/year.
Northwest Registered Agent also provides a straightforward pricing model with their registered agent services starting at $125. They also offer a basic LLC formation plan at $39 plus state fees, which includes a free registered agent for the first year.
ZenBusiness is a tad expensive charging $199 for the first year for their registered agent service, with the same price for annual renewals.
2. Customer Support
Effective customer support is vital for addressing queries and resolving issues promptly. It ensures that businesses can rely on their registered agent service for timely and accurate information.
We note Northwest Registered Agent for exceptional client support with a reputation for being responsive and helpful. ZenBusiness also has extensive client support availability, with many favorable testimonials from clients regarding their service.
LegalZoom may have more limited customer support options compared to the others, which could be a downside for some clients.
3. Turnaround Time
Quick turnaround times are essential for businesses to remain compliant and up-to-date with legal requirements.
We like that ZenBusiness offers a "rush" filing speed with an average processing time of 1-2 business days in their Pro LLC Service Package.
Bizee is known for quick order processing, although they may have slower turnaround times for some services.
"Choosing a reliable registered agent service goes beyond just finding the cheapest option. When selecting a provider, prioritize established industry leaders with a proven track record of providing excellent customer support and reliable service."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
4. Service Features
The range of features offered by a registered agent service can significantly enhance the value they provide to businesses, ensuring compliance and offering additional support services.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness both offer comprehensive service features, including compliance alerts, document organization, and additional services like mail forwarding and annual report filings.
A company that may not perform as well in this area is Tailor Brands, which, while offering a user-friendly experience, may lack some of the advanced features provided by other services.
5. Confidentiality
Protecting sensitive business information is paramount, and a registered agent service must ensure the highest levels of data protection.
Drawing from our evaluation, Northwest Registered Agent prioritizes data protection, as does Incorp, which offers a Price-match guarantee and a high level of security for legal information.
6. Third-Party Reviews
Third-party reviews provide an unbiased perspective on the quality and reliability of a registered agent service.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness have numerous positive reviews across different platforms, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction.
A company with less favorable reviews might be LegalZoom, which, despite its brand recognition, has been noted for higher pricing and less comprehensive registered agent services.
7. Ease of Use
A user-friendly platform simplifies the process for businesses to manage their legal documents and compliance requirements.
We praise Bizee for its helpful online portal, and MyCompanyWorks for its Startup Wizard app, which guides users through the process of setting up their business.
8. Transition Process
A smooth transition process is crucial when switching registered agent services to avoid any gaps in legal coverage.
Based on our trial, Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness have excellent customer support and comprehensive services, which translates into a seamless transition process for new clients.
How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost?
The best registered agent service costs from $89- $299. Some companies are offering registered agents free of charge when you get their LLC formation packages while others are offering these services as an add-on.
However, it will cost $0 if you decide to be your own registered agent or appoint a family member or a close friend.
Requirements For A Registered Agent
The requirements for a registered or statutory agent include:
- Physical Address: The resident agent must have a physical address in the state of operation. The address cannot be a P.O. box or virtual office.
- Residency: To be a recognized agent, the person or company must be a resident of a certain state or have a physical office in the state that can be used for official mail.
- Acceptance of Service of Process: The primary role of a statutory agent is to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC they represent and ensure these papers are forwarded to the right individuals.
- Availability: The registered agent must be consistently available at the registered office during standard business hours to accept the service of process.
FAQs
Can I Act as My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent. But, this could cause problems if you don't have a fixed place of business or aren't present during regular business hours.
Can a Registered Agent Have a Virtual Address?
No, a registered agent cannot have a virtual address. The business must select a registered agent who maintains a registered agent address in the state where it is permitted to operate.
Our Verdict on The Best Registered Agent Service
If you're looking for a service that will meet your needs and exceed them at every turn, I recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent.
The company's reputation for reliability and exceptional customer service sets them apart. They offer personalized support, ensuring that your business's specific needs are met.
Additionally, Northwest is known for its straightforward pricing and no hidden fees, making it a transparent and trustworthy option.
Their added benefits, such as local scanning of all documents and a user-friendly online interface, make them an ideal partner for businesses seeking a hassle-free and efficient registered agent service.
Our #1 Recommendation
Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
- Keeps your address off public records, unique to Northwest.
- Flexibility to choose only the services needed.
- Customer Support is highly praised for responsiveness and expertise.
- Offers a special discount for Venture Smarter readers.
- In business for over 25 years, indicating reliability.
- Does not sell customer data, ensuring privacy.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of February
- You cannot buy LLC formation without appointing them as a registered agent.
- Lack of BBB accreditation might concern some customers.