Yes, a lawyer can be a Registered Agent for your LLC.
However, you have a few options for who can be your Registered Agent. And hiring a lawyer to fill that role may not be the best choice.
Who can be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
A Registered Agent is a person or company who agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
Note: Most states use the term “Registered Agent”, but some states use the terms “Resident Agent”, “Statutory Agent”, or “Agent for Service of Process“. They all mean the same thing and we may use these terms interchangeably.
You typically have 3 options for who can be the Registered Agent for your LLC:
- you (the LLC owner)
- a friend or family member, or
- you can hire a Registered Agent Service
Additionally, you can hire a lawyer to be your Registered Agent.
In order for someone to be a Registered Agent, they must meet the Registered Agent requirements.
What are the pros and cons of hiring a lawyer as a Registered Agent?
Pros:
- If you’re already paying a lawyer, they may offer Registered Agent services at a reasonable price (or for free).
- Using a lawyer as your Registered Agent can keep your address off public records.
However, hiring a lawyer just to be your Registered Agent can be expensive.
Additionally, because attorneys typically don’t specialize in Registered Agent service, there are some downsides (when compared to hiring a Registered Agent Company).
Cons:
- You won’t get an online dashboard to manage your account & services.
- They may only do mail forwarding (and not mail scanning).
- Invoices may need to be paid manually (instead of online).
- Services may not auto-renew (so it’s another thing to keep track of).
- You might not be their top priority, so receiving an important notice could take a while.
On the other hand, hiring a Registered Agent Company may be a better choice:
- It’s usually more affordable.
- They specialize in these services.
- You’ll get an online dashboard to manage your account.
- They offer mail scanning, and physical mail forwarding.
- You can pay your invoice online, and set up auto-pay.
- They offer additional services, like filing your LLC Annual Report, getting your EIN, and more.
- And they can keep your address off public records.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Why is Northwest the best? Read our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Should I use a lawyer as my Registered Agent?
For most people, we don’t recommend hiring a lawyer as your Registered Agent.
(However, if you already have a lawyer that you work with and like, and they are reliable, and if they don’t charge you a lot to be your Registered Agent, then I’d say it’s okay.)
Instead, we usually recommend:
- being your own Registered Agent
- or hiring a Registered Agent Company
Registered Agent Companies specialize in receiving legal mail and state notices for your LLC.
If you’d like to hire a Registered Agent Company, we recommend Northwest Registered Agent. They specialize in address privacy and have excellent customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a CPA be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
Yes, a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) can be the Registered Agent for an LLC.
That said, there are some pros and cons to be aware of.
For example, using a CPA as your Registered Agent can save you money (if you’re already paying for their services).
However, CPAs usually don’t specialize in Registered Agent services, so there are some downsides.
To learn more about the pros and cons, please see Can a CPA be the Registered Agent.
Can I be my own Registered Agent for an LLC?
Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent as long as you meet the state requirements.
For more information, please read Can I be my own Registered Agent?
Should a Registered Agent be an Individual or a Business?
It doesn’t matter whether you choose a Registered Agent who is an individual, or one that is a business.
You can save money by choosing an individual (like you, a friend, or a family member) to be your Registered Agent.
However, that person has to be located in the same state where the LLC is formed. And they should be available at a street address during normal business hours.
If you don’t know an individual who meets the state requirements (or you don’t want your address on public record), you should hire a Registered Agent Service.
Can my spouse be the Registered Agent for my LLC?
Yes, your spouse can be the Registered Agent for your LLC, as long as they meet the state requirements.
That said, whether or not they’re your best option depends on a few factors – like whether your spouse is comfortable with their name and address being on public record.
It’s also important to know that listing your spouse as the Registered Agent doesn’t give them any rights to the LLC. To give them rights to the LLC, you’d need to make them an LLC Member (owner).
For more information, please read Can my spouse be my Registered Agent?
Can a Trust be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
No, a Trust can’t be a Registered Agent.
That’s because a Registered Agent must be a person or business entity. And a Trust is neither (it’s a legal agreement).
However, a Trustee can be a Registered Agent.
To learn more, please read Can a Trust be a Registered Agent?
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.