While no registered agent service is completely free, some companies do offer free services for a year with LLC formation.
After this first year, these registered agent companies charge about $99 to $300 dollars a year.
For more on registered agents, see our What Is a Registered Agent guide.
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What Are the Best Free Registered Agent Services?
While no registered agent services are totally free, some provide free registered agent services for a year with limited liability company (LLC) formation. These include two of our favorite registered agent services: ZenBusiness and Incfile.
ZenBusiness
We selected ZenBusiness as the best registered agent service because the company provides excellent value while offering great customer support.
Features Included:
- One year of registered agent services with all LLC formation packages
- Offers registered agent services for $99 and up
ZenBusiness offers a year of registered agent services with its LLC formation packages. After that, it only charges $119 a year for registered agent services, which is an exceptional value. If you already have an LLC or other type of company and just want registered agent services, ZenBusiness provides these for only $99 a year.
According to ZenBusiness customer reviews, the company provides fast support and an overall high level of customer satisfaction.
The ZenBusiness “complete” registered agent services package is a nice upgrade that includes a worry-free compliance guarantee. This guarantee offers:
- Annual filing report alerts
- Documents submitted on your behalf (you’ll only be responsible for state fees)
- Two free changes to your filings per year (state filing fees may still apply)
- Coverage of the costs required to regain good standing if your company should miss a deadline or state requirement
Incfile
Incfile ($119/year) is a great option if you have a lower budget. It offers a helpful Learning Center for business owners and includes:
- One free year of registered agent services with LLC formation
- $119 annual fee after the first year
Incfile also offers a registered agent dashboard, which lets you track and instantly access important business documents. In addition, the company sends email and SMS updates on the status of your documents.
Additional Registered Agent Services to Consider
These companies also made our list of the top seven registered agent services of 2021.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is famous for offering great customer service and knowledgeable staff. While most registered agent services only scan certain documents like a legal summons, Northwest Registered Agent locally scans every document you receive.
Features Include:
- One free year of registered agent services with LLC formation
- Business data protection
- Compliance calendar
- Unlimited cloud storage
As a Northwest customer, you will also have an online account that you can use to access important forms and business documents. The website is easy to navigate, and there are online tools and helpful business experts for additional support.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer counts more than 800,000 businesses as its customers. It offers legal services plans that include free registered agent services for a year.
Features Include:
- A 25% discount with a premium subscription
- $149.99 annual fee for non-members
Rocket Lawyer is known for providing high-quality legal services and assistance to business owners. Plus, its registered agent services include a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a well-known company with relatively high prices and a strong market presence.
Features Include:
- $159 annually with LLC formation
- $299 annually
LegalZoom registered agent services include features such as business data protection, a compliance calendar, and unlimited cloud storage. Although its prices are on the high side, it has considerable experience and brand recognition.
Who Can Serve as a Registered Agent?
Anyone, including you, can be a registered agent if the state’s criteria are met.
Specific criteria depend on the state in which you do business. However, in general, a registered agent must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in the state in which the company was formed
- Be available during normal business hours to receive official documents
In addition, an entity that serves as a registered agent must be authorized to do business in the state.
Advantages of Hiring a Registered Agent Service
A registered agent service acts as the official point of contact for your business, accepting and forwarding official government documents. Benefits of using a registered agent service include:
- Compliance. A registered agent service can help your company stay on top of state regulatory requirements.
- Peace of Mind. By hiring a registered agent service, you can concentrate on growing your business instead of handling official documents.
- Flexibility. A registered agent service allows you to set your own hours instead of having to be available to receive documents during regular business hours.
- Privacy. Your registered agent service’s address, rather than your home or office address, will be publicly listed.
For more information, see our Should I Use a Registered Agent Service guide.