How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost?
Being your own registered agent is free if you meet state eligibility requirements. Commercial registered agent services charge $49–$300 per year depending on the provider and state. Many LLC formation services include the first year of registered agent service in their package. Here is what you get at each price point.
Registered agent costs range from $0 (self-serve, if you qualify) to $49–$300/year for commercial services. Being your own registered agent is free but requires an in-state physical address and business-hours availability. Commercial services provide privacy (keep your home address off public records) and professional document handling. Most formation services also include the first year free with LLC formation — check the renewal price before committing.
Registered Agent Cost Ranges
| Option | Cost Range | What's Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self (be your own agent) | $0/year | You receive documents at your address during business hours | Local business owners with stable in-state address; low volume of official mail expected |
| Budget commercial service | $49–$99/year | Registered address, document scanning, email notifications | New LLC owners wanting privacy at low cost |
| Mid-range commercial service | $100–$175/year | All of above + compliance alerts, online document storage, customer support | Most established LLCs; recommended for most owners |
| Premium / nationwide service | $200–$300+/year | All of above + multi-state support, dedicated account management, advanced compliance tools | Multi-state LLCs; businesses needing full compliance management |
| Formation bundle (first year) | Often free or reduced with LLC formation package | Varies by provider; typically basic registered agent service | New LLCs forming through a formation service — check year 2+ renewal price |
What Affects the Cost
State
A few states require higher fees due to their own state-level filing and registered agent authorization requirements. Delaware and Nevada, which are popular LLC formation states, may have slightly higher registered agent fees at some providers.
Services Included
Basic services at the low end offer little more than document receipt and forwarding. Premium services include:
- Same-day document scanning and email delivery
- Annual report deadline reminders
- Online document storage and history
- Multi-state coverage under one account
- Compliance calendar and alerts
Number of States
If your LLC is registered in multiple states (as a foreign LLC), you need a registered agent in each state. Pricing is typically per-state. A national service with multi-state coverage can significantly simplify billing and management.
The True Cost of Being Your Own Registered Agent
While self-serving as registered agent has a $0 fee, there are indirect costs:
- Privacy cost: Your personal home or office address appears in public state records permanently (until changed)
- Opportunity cost: You must be available during business hours — limiting flexibility for travel and remote work
- Risk cost: If you miss a document, the consequence can be a default judgment or loss of good standing — far more expensive than a $99/year service
For most LLC owners, a mid-range registered agent service at $100–$175/year is the right balance of cost and coverage. It keeps your home address private, provides professional document handling, and sends compliance reminders — all for less than the cost of a single missed annual report penalty.
→ Can you serve as your own? Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
→ Full overview: Registered Agent for LLC: What It Is and How to Choose