Registered Agent Requirements by State (2026)
The core rule is the same everywhere: you need a physical address and a person available during business hours. However, a few states have specific paperwork quirks or terminology differences that can get your LLC formation rejected.
Quick Answer
Every state requires an agent. The Universal Rules: The agent must have a physical street address in the state, be available during business hours, and be at least 18 years old. The main differences between states involve Consent Forms (whether the agent must sign a document agreeing to the role) and Terminology.
Terminology Differences
Not every state uses the phrase "Registered Agent." If you are searching state websites, look for these terms, which mean the exact same thing:
- Statutory Agent: Used in Arizona and Ohio.
- Resident Agent: Used in Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Rhode Island.
- Agent for Service of Process: Used in California and New York.
States Requiring Agent Consent
In most states, you just type the agent's name into the online form and hit submit. However, to prevent fraud (people listing random strangers as their agent), several states now require the agent to explicitly sign a Consent to Serve form.
If you hire a commercial agent, they will provide this signed form to you (or sign it electronically via the state portal) immediately after you purchase their service. States requiring consent include:
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- Washington
- Wyoming (Requires a signed consent form to be kept on file at the principal office, not filed with the state).
In New York, the Secretary of State is technically the default statutory agent for all LLCs. However, you must still provide a DOS Process Address where the state will forward lawsuits to you. Functionally, this acts exactly like a registered agent requirement.
The Model Registered Agent Act (MoRAA)
About a dozen states have adopted the Model Registered Agent Act. This system splits agents into two categories: Commercial and Non-Commercial.
Commercial agents register their master address with the state. When you form your LLC, you just provide the commercial agent's ID number, and the state auto-fills their address. If the agent moves offices, they update their master file, and it automatically updates all of their clients. MoRAA states include Wyoming, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and South Dakota.