A registered agent (sometimes called a statutory, resident, or service‑of‑process agent) is the individual or business entity that a state lists as the official point of contact for your company. This agent receives service of process (lawsuits), tax notices, annual‑report reminders, and other legal or governmental mail and must promptly forward them to you. Almost every U.S. jurisdiction requires an LLC or corporation to name an agent when formation documents are filed and to keep one on record for as long as the entity exists.

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Different names in different states

State	Common term
Ohio & Arizona	Statutory agent
Kansas, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts	Resident agent / resident office
California	Agent for service of process

Regardless of the label, the legal duties are identical.

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Why every business needs one

• Legal compliance. States will not approve articles of organization/incorporation without a registered agent’s name and in‑state street address (PO boxes are not allowed). If the agent later resigns or the address becomes invalid, the entity can fall out of good standing or even be administratively dissolved.
• Physical presence. The agent must be available at that address during normal business hours (generally 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon–Fri) so process servers and state officials can always locate the company.
• Multi‑state operations. When you “foreign‑qualify” to do business in another state, you must appoint a separate in‑state registered agent there as well.

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Can I be my own registered agent?

Yes—most states let a company owner, manager, or employee serve as the agent if that person:

1. Is at least 18 (some states add extra criteria).
2. Lives at the listed street address in the state.
3. Promises year‑round, weekday availability.

However, the entity itself generally cannot act as its own agent, and even when permitted, doing so means keeping staff on‑site at all times.

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Why hire a professional service instead?

Advantage	Why it matters
Privacy	Your home or storefront address stays off public records; lawsuits are delivered discreetly at the service’s office rather than in front of customers or neighbors.
Always on duty	Professional agents maintain staffed offices in every state, so you never miss time‑sensitive documents—even while traveling or operating remotely.
Compliance help	Many services add secure document scanning, deadline calendars, and annual‑report or franchise‑tax reminders to prevent late‑fee penalties.
Expansion made easy	Need to register in a new state? A nationwide agent service can supply an address instantly, avoiding the cost of leasing physical space.

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Core responsibilities of a registered agent

• Accept and forward service‑of‑process papers (summons, complaints).
• Receive and route secretary‑of‑state mail, tax forms, and annual‑report notices.
• Maintain scanned, timestamped copies of all official documents (if using a professional provider).
• Provide optional compliance alerts and last‑chance reminders for upcoming filings.

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Changing your registered agent

You can switch agents or update an address at any time by filing a simple change form—usually online—with the Secretary of State. State filing fees typically range from $5 to $75.

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Choosing the right service

Look for a provider that:

1. Has a real office in your formation (and any foreign‑qualified) state(s).
2. Offers same‑day document scanning and online access.
3. Offers an online interface that allows you to review, manage and forward scanned documents
4. Sends automatic compliance reminders.
5. Provides transparent, flat pricing with no hidden forwarding or per‑mail fees.

Take time to compare features—your registered agent is your company’s legal safety net.

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A note about PhysicalAddress.com

PhysicalAddress.com bundles free registered‑agent service with every virtual business address account. That means you get a state‑compliant in‑state address, digital mail management, and compliance alerts under one subscription—ideal for remote founders, home-based business, frequent travelers, or companies expanding across multiple jurisdictions.

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Key takeaway: A registered agent is legally mandatory for every LLC or corporation and must be continuously available at an in‑state street address. Using a professional service protects your privacy, keeps you in good standing, and frees you to focus on running (and growing) your business.