Direct answer: A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents, tax notices, and service of process on behalf of a business entity. Every US state requires one. Delaware, Wyoming, and New Mexico each mandate a registered agent with a physical in-state address — no PO boxes. Delaware charges LLCs a flat $300 annual franchise tax due June 1 and corporations a minimum $175 franchise tax due March 1. Wyoming requires an annual report license tax of at least $60, due the first day of the entity's anniversary month. New Mexico LLCs file no annual report and pay no franchise tax, making it the lowest-maintenance state. Commercial registered agent services cost $99–$249 per year. DIY registered agents must physically reside in the state and be available during business hours. Choosing the wrong agent can void your good standing and block your bank account application.
A registered agent (also called a "resident agent" in some states) is the official point of contact between your company and the state. Their responsibilities are narrow but legally binding:
Failing to maintain a registered agent leads to administrative dissolution, loss of good standing, and — critically — rejection of your business bank account application, since banks verify active state registration during KYC.
| Factor | Delaware | Wyoming | New Mexico |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered agent required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In-state physical address required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LLC formation filing fee | $110 | $100 | $50 |
| Corporation formation filing fee | $89 | $100 | $100 |
| Annual report required | Yes — Corp: Mar 1; LLC: Jun 1 | Yes — anniversary month | No (LLC) |
| Annual report / license tax | LLC: $300 flat; Corp: $50 + franchise tax | $60 minimum | $0 (LLC) |
| Franchise tax | Corp: $175 min; LLC: $300 | None | None |
| Member names on public record | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | VC-funded startups, C-Corps | Privacy + low ongoing cost | Lowest maintenance |
Fees verified against the Delaware Division of Corporations, Wyoming Secretary of State, and New Mexico Secretary of State published fee schedules. Delaware corporation franchise tax uses the Authorized Shares method ($175 minimum) or the Assumed Par Value Capital method ($400 minimum); the higher-calculated amount applies.
Most founders use a commercial registered agent rather than acting as their own. Typical annual pricing:
| Provider | Annual Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125/yr | Includes business address + mail forwarding |
| Registered Agents Inc | $125/yr | Frequent first-year promotional pricing |
| ZenBusiness | $119/yr | Bundled with formation packages |
| Harbor Compliance | $99–$149/yr | Tiered by entity count |
| LegalZoom | $249/yr | Premium brand pricing |
Budget $99–$249 per year for a commercial registered agent. This is a recurring cost, not a one-time fee — model it into your annual compliance budget alongside state franchise taxes.
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Open the Launchpad →Yes, if you have a physical street address in the state of formation and are physically present there during normal business hours to accept service of process. If you operate remotely or from another state, you must use a commercial registered agent.
Commercial registered agent services range from $99 to $249 per year in 2025. Northwest Registered Agent and Registered Agents Inc charge $125/year; ZenBusiness charges $119/year; LegalZoom charges $249/year.
Correct. New Mexico LLCs are not required to file an annual report and pay no franchise tax. They must still maintain a registered agent and pay the one-time $50 formation fee.
The state notifies your entity and you have a limited window (typically 30–60 days) to appoint a replacement. Failure to do so results in administrative dissolution and loss of good standing, which blocks bank account approvals.
No. A registered agent address is for legal service only. Many providers offer a separate business mailing address, but you should not use the registered agent address as your commercial or banking address.
Data sources: Delaware Division of Corporations fee schedule; Wyoming Secretary of State annual report requirements; New Mexico Secretary of State Business Services Division. Figures current as of 2025. This guide is informational and not legal advice.