Best Free Registered Agent Services in 2024
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
There is no completely free registered agent service. However, several registered agents provide their services free for one year with limited liability company (LLC) formation.
We recommend using a registered agent service that you'll want to continue working with after the free trial year. That way, 12 months later, you can focus on growing your business rather than finding a new agent.
Recommended: Northwest is our top choice in 2024 for best free registered agent service with LLC formation.
What Are the Best Free Registered Agent Services?
Our top-ranked free registered agent services are Northwest and Incfile.
Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is well-known for having the best client services in the industry, a highly knowledgeable staff, transparent pricing, and comprehensive online document storage.
Northwest earns our top spot because we are confident you'll be happy to stay on board after the first free year. The cost of services after the first free year is only about $10 per month.
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'll have an online account to access important forms and business documents. The website is easy to navigate. And, online tools and helpful business experts offer additional support.
Get Started with Northwest
For competitive pricing and the best support in the industry.
Incfile
Founded in 2004, Incfile has since served over a million entrepreneurs in their journey to form their businesses. Incfile ($119/year) is a great option if you have a lower budget.
Features Include:
- 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.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is a well-known company with relatively high prices and a strong market presence.
Features Include:
- $199 annually with LLC formation
- $249 annually
- Access to legal experts
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.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority is another reputable company known for offering a variety of services to assist with LLC formation and other business needs.
Features Include:
- Free registered agent with LLC formation
- Tax planning consultation
- Business credit and funding analysis
Inc Authority aims to make the business formation less daunting and more affordable, offering an extensive range of services to ensure businesses have the support they need from inception.
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer counts more than 800,000 businesses as its customers. It offers legal services plans that include registered agent services.
Features Include:
- A 25% discount with a premium subscription
- $149.99 annual fee for non-members
- Access to legal documents
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.
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.