Most companies trick you into hiring them as your LLC's Registered Agent (this isn't required). We'll explain what a Registered Agent is, who should be your LLC Registered Agent, and how to save money.

▶▶ Learn more about LLCs: http://llcuniversity.com ◀◀

This video explains:

- What is a Registered Agent
- What is a Registered Agent
- Service of Process
- Who can be your Registered Agent
- Registered Agent Myths
- How to save money on fees

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-- WHAT IS A REGISTERED AGENT AND REGISTERED OFFICE? --

There needs to be a reliable street address (and a reliable point of contact) where legal documents can be delivered in case your LLC is sued.

This is known as your Registered Office and Registered Agent.

Your Registered Office must be a street address located in the state where your LLC is formed.

Your Registered Office cannot be a PO Box address.

Think of your Registered Office as the “home base” for your Registered Agent.

Your Registered Agent should be available at this address during normal business hours to receive any documents on behalf of your LLC.

Your Registered Office can be an actual office address, or it can be your home address, or even the address of a friend or family member.

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-- SERVICE OF PROCESS --

Again, your Registered Agent must agree to accept delivery of legal documents related to any lawsuits against your LLC.

Delivery of legal documents related to a lawsuit is known as Service of Process.

Service of Process includes items such as complaints, summons, and/or subpoenas.

Many states will also use your Registered Agent as a general point of contact for mailing you business & tax notices, payment reminders, and other documents.

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-- WHO CAN BE YOUR REGISTERED AGENT? --

You have 3 options for designating your LLC’s Registered Agent:

Option 1: You can be your LLC’s Registered Agent.

Option 2: A friend or family member can be your LLC’s Registered Agent.

Option 3: You can hire a Commercial Registered Agent for a fee.

Note: There are a couple states that allow your LLC to serve as its own Registered Agent, but this is the exception to the rule. In 90% of the states your LLC cannot be its own Registered Agent.

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-- HOW DO I KNOW WHICH ONE TO CHOOSE? --

It depends on whether or not you have a street address located in the state where you are forming your LLC.

If you have a street address in the state, then choose Option 1.

Option 1 is the most convenient and least expensive (it’s free!). This is what the majority of our customers do.

If you don’t have a street address in the state, then choose Option 2 or Option 3.

Choose Option 2 if you have a trusted friend or family member (who has a street address in the state).

Since you won’t need to hire a Commercial Registered Agent, you’ll save yourself some money.

If you (or friends or family members) don’t have an address in the state, then you will need to choose Option 3 and hire a Commercial Registered Agent.

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-- COMMERCIAL REGISTERED AGENT --

A Commercial Registered Agent is a company that specializes in receiving Service of Process on behalf of businesses nationwide. They typically charge between $100-300 per year.

Once hired, they will receive Service of Process on behalf of your LLC and then forward it to you by mail at any address you’d like. Most will also fax or email your documents if preferred.

If you decide to hire a Commercial Registered Agent, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent.

(Here’s a link to their website: http://www.northwestregisteredagent.com)

They have been in business for more than two decades and their support is top notch.

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To learn more about Registered Agents, visit:

http://llcuniversity.com

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