Quick answer: Every U.S. state requires most LLCs and corporations to maintain a registered agent or equivalent official contact for service of process. This master list compares whether owners can usually act as their own registered agent, the tracked change fee, the state agency, and the official source link for all 50 states.
Registered agent requirements by state list: Use this page when you need one table for owner eligibility, registered agent change fees, state agency names, and official source links. The tracked change fee range is Free to $70; 3 states show a $0 tracked change fee, while 5 states show a tracked fee of $50 or more.
Use this page as a starting point for registered agent research. Open your state row, then use the official source link before appointing, changing, resigning, or replacing a registered agent. State forms, terminology, filing fees, agent consent rules, and online workflows can change without notice.
Registered Agent Requirements by State: Fast Answer
The table is built for business owners who need to compare registered agent rules before opening a state-specific guide. It helps answer whether an owner can usually serve, what agency receives the filing, and where to verify the official change form. It does not replace state instructions or legal advice about service of process.
- Use this page for: state-by-state registered agent comparison, change-fee screening, and official source navigation.
- Do not use it for: assuming a P.O. Box is enough, skipping agent consent, or treating annual report filing as the same workflow.
- Cross-check: Compare agent requirements with the LLC filing fee master list and corporation filing fee master list.
| State ⇅ | Owner can serve? ⇅ | Tracked change fee ⇅ | State agency | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Alaska | Yes | $25 | Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing | official source |
| Arizona | Yes | $10 | Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) | official source |
| Arkansas | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| California | Yes | Free | Secretary of State | official source |
| Colorado | Yes | $10 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Connecticut | Yes | $50 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Delaware | Yes | $50 | Division of Corporations | official source |
| Florida | Yes | $25 | Division of Corporations | official source |
| Georgia | Yes | $10 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Hawaii | Yes | $25 | Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) | official source |
| Idaho | Yes | Free | Secretary of State | official source |
| Illinois | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Indiana | Yes | $20 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Iowa | Yes | $5 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Kansas | Yes | $20 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Kentucky | Yes | $10 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Louisiana | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Maine | Yes | $35 | Secretary of State, Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions | official source |
| Maryland | Yes | $20 | Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) | official source |
| Massachusetts | Yes | $25 | Secretary of the Commonwealth | official source |
| Michigan | Yes | $5 | Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) | official source |
| Minnesota | Yes | $35 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Mississippi | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Missouri | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Montana | Yes | $20 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Nebraska | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Nevada | Yes | $60 | Secretary of State | official source |
| New Hampshire | Yes | $15 | Secretary of State | official source |
| New Jersey | Yes | $25 | Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services | official source |
| New Mexico | Yes | $20 | Secretary of State | official source |
| New York | Yes | $30 | Department of State | official source |
| North Carolina | Yes | $5 | Secretary of State | official source |
| North Dakota | Yes | $10 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Ohio | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Oklahoma | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Oregon | Yes | $50 | Secretary of State, Corporation Division | official source |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | $70 | Department of State | official source |
| Rhode Island | Yes | $20 | Secretary of State | official source |
| South Carolina | Yes | $10 | Secretary of State | official source |
| South Dakota | Yes | $10 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Tennessee | Yes | $20 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Texas | Yes | $15 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Utah | Yes | $18 | Department of Commerce, Division of Corporations and Commercial Code | official source |
| Vermont | Yes | $25 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Virginia | Yes | $25 | State Corporation Commission (SCC) | official source |
| Washington | Yes | $20 | Secretary of State | official source |
| West Virginia | Yes | $15 | Secretary of State | official source |
| Wisconsin | Yes | $10 | Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) | official source |
| Wyoming | Yes | Free | Secretary of State | official source |
What This Registered Agent Master List Tracks
This table tracks five practical fields: the state, whether an owner can usually serve as the registered agent, the tracked state fee to change the agent or office, the state agency that receives the filing, and an official government source for verification. It is designed for business owners who need to quickly compare registered agent rules across states before opening a state-specific guide.
In the current tracker, 3 states show a $0 tracked change fee, 39 states show a positive tracked fee of $25 or less, and 5 states show a tracked fee of $50 or more. A low change fee does not mean the process is risk-free. The agent must still meet the state address, availability, consent, and service-of-process requirements.
How to Use the Table
- Search for the state where your company is formed or foreign registered.
- Open the linked state guide for the practical checklist and common mistakes.
- Open the official source link before submitting a filing or payment.
- Confirm whether your entity is an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, foreign entity, or another entity type.
- Save the filed form, payment receipt, confirmation number, and updated business record.
Registered Agent Rules to Confirm
Before changing a registered agent, confirm the exact state terminology. Some states use registered agent, resident agent, statutory agent, commercial registered agent, or agent for service of process. The form may also require a registered office address, mailing address, agent consent, officer signature, manager signature, owner signature, or online account access.
The most important address rule is usually the physical street address requirement. A registered agent normally needs a real in-state street address where official documents can be delivered during normal business hours. A P.O. Box by itself is usually not enough. If your business operates remotely, travels often, or does not keep predictable office hours, a professional registered agent service may reduce missed-notice risk.
Registered Agent vs Annual Report Compliance
Changing a registered agent is separate from filing an annual report, biennial report, statement of information, franchise tax report, or business renewal. A company can update its registered agent and still miss an annual report deadline. It can also file an annual report and still have a stale agent record. Use the related master lists below to check both workflows.
- All 50 States LLC Filing Fees & Deadlines
- All 50 States Corporation Filing Fees & Deadlines
- LLC vs Corporation Annual Compliance
Common Mistakes
- Assuming a mailing address is enough when the state requires a physical registered office.
- Using an agent who is not available during normal business hours.
- Forgetting to update the agent after moving, closing an office, or changing service providers.
- Submitting a change form without the required agent consent or authorized signature.
- Assuming a registered agent update also completes annual report or tax filings.
- Relying on an old fee table instead of checking the official source before payment.
Registered Agent FAQ
Which states have free registered agent changes in this tracker?
3 states show a $0 tracked registered-agent change fee in the current dataset. A free change filing can still require the correct form, agent consent, an in-state street address, and an authorized signature.
Which states have higher registered agent change fees?
5 states show a tracked registered-agent change fee of $50 or more in the current dataset. Always verify the current fee through the official state source before payment.
Can I be my own registered agent?
In many states, an owner can serve if they meet the state requirements, including a physical in-state address and availability during normal business hours. Some businesses still use a professional service for privacy, continuity, and missed-notice risk management.
Does a registered agent have to be in the same state?
Usually yes. The registered office is normally in the state where the company is formed or foreign registered. Check the official state source for the exact rule before appointing an agent.
Is the registered agent change fee the same for every entity?
No. Fees can differ by entity type, filing method, paper versus online filing, expedited service, or combined registered office changes. The table is a planning reference; the official state source controls the final amount.
What happens if my registered agent information is wrong?
You may miss service of process, tax notices, annual report reminders, or administrative dissolution notices. A stale registered agent record can create serious compliance and legal risk.
Last reviewed by Lushfolio: 2026-05-20. Local source review dates range from 2026-03-15 to 2026-03-16. This page is general educational information, not legal or tax advice. Verify agent eligibility, forms, fees, deadlines, and filing status directly with the official state source before filing.