No, you can’t list a UPS Store as your LLC’s Registered Agent.
State law specifically doesn’t allow businesses to use:
- a UPS Store as it’s Registered Agent, or
- a UPS business mailbox as its Registered Agent address (called the Registered Office).
We’ll explain these points in more detail and what options you do have when listing your Registered Agent.
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
Only need RA service? Use this link instead ($125 per year).
(Learn why we recommend Northwest in our review)
What is a Registered Agent?
A Registered Agent is a person or business that agrees to accept state notices and legal documents on behalf of an LLC, then forwards those documents onto the LLC.
A Registered Agent’s primary duty is receiving the delivery of legal documents (called Service of Process).
And a person who delivers legal documents in person is called a Process Server.
All LLCs are required to list their Registered Agent and Registered Office on their LLC Articles of Organization.
And then they must keep the Registered Agent information up-to-date with the state using the LLC Annual Report.
You generally have 3 options for who can be your Registered Agent:
- yourself,
- a friend or family member, or
- a Registered Agent Service.
What is a Registered Agent Service?
A Registered Agent Service (sometimes called a Commercial Registered Agent), is a business that specializes in providing Registered Agent services to LLCs and other entity types.
Whomever you list as your Registered Agent must meet the state Registered Agent requirements, and consent to being your Registered Agent.
If you’re interested in hiring a Registered Agent Service, we recommend looking at our guide: Best Registered Agent Services for Your LLC.
Is a UPS Store a Registered Agent Service?
No, a UPS Store isn’t a Registered Agent Service, and UPS Stores don’t provide Registered Agent services.
They only provide mailbox rental and other office services.
Why can’t I use a UPS Store as a Registered Agent?
You can’t use a UPS Store as a Registered Agent because they don’t meet the state requirements, and it violates store policy.
State law requires a Registered Agent to be physically present at the Registered Office during normal business hours, and to consent to being the Registered Agent.
UPS mailboxes are “unmanned” boxes, meaning your Registered Agent isn’t physically present at the UPS Store ready to sign for Service of Process.
And UPS Stores don’t consent to being listed as your LLC’s Registered Agent when you purchase business mailbox services.
UPS Store policy also doesn’t allow employees to sign for or accept Service of Process on behalf of a business.
UPS Store employees won’t accept Service of Process on behalf of your LLC if a Process Server tries to deliver legal documents for your LLC.
So, listing a UPS Store as your Registered Agent is the same as having no Registered Agent at all.
Most states will also check whether your Registered Agent address violates state laws that specifically don’t allow PO Boxes or UPS Store mailboxes.
And, failing to maintain a Registered Agent that meets the state requirements can have negative consequences for your LLC.
What can I use as a Registered Agent instead of a UPS Store?
Instead of using the UPS Store, you can hire a Registered Agent Service.
And the company we recommend is Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year).
Special offer: Hire Northwest to form your LLC ($39 + state fee), and you'll get a free year of Registered Agent service.
Only need RA service? Use this link instead ($125 per year).
(Learn why we recommend Northwest in our review)
Summary
No, you can’t use a UPS Store address or your UPS Store business mailbox address as your Registered Office.
Again, UPS Stores don’t provide Registered Agent services and don’t consent to being appointed as your Registered Agent.
As such, UPS Stores also don’t consent to the use of their address as your LLC Registered Office.
Using your UPS Store business mailbox address also isn’t an option.
Your Registered Agent must be physically present at your Registered Office in order to accept Service of Process.
Regardless of who you list as your Registered Agent, they won’t be physically present at your UPS business mailbox address.
FAQs
Is a Registered Agent required for an LLC?
Yes, each state requires that you list and maintain a Registered Agent for your LLC for as long as it remains active with the state.
That said, New York and West Virginia are exceptions to this requirement.
In New York, the Secretary of State is listed as your Registered Agent by default.
In West Virginia, if you don’t list a Registered Agent, state notices and legal documents are simply sent to the mailing address you have on file with the state.
What if I have a personal mailbox through my Registered Agent?
Many Registered Agent Services also act as a CMRA.
CMRA services are similar to PO Boxes, but they’re run by a private business rather than the United States Post Office (“USPS”).
Some states allow you to use the address provided by your CMRA as your Principal Office.
But, the address provided by your CMRA can never be your Registered Office.
Your Registered Agent Service will provide you with their physical address to list as your Registered Office.
Can I use a PO Box as my Registered Agent address?
No, you can’t use a PO Box as your Registered Agent address.
According to state law, the Registered Agent’s address must be a physical address.
And the Registered Agent must be physically present at the Registered Agent address during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm).
Since a PO Box isn’t a physical address and your Registered Agent isn’t physically present there, it can’t be used as your Registered Agent address.
For more information, please read Can I use a PO Box as my Registered Agent address?
Can I use my home address as my Registered Agent address?
Yes, you can use your home address as your Registered Agent address.
That said, it’s important to know that your Registered Agent address will be on public record.
Being on public record means that anyone searching for your business can find your home address.
We don’t recommend using your home address unless you’re comfortable with it being on public record.
If you’re not comfortable with your home address being on public record, we recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent.
Northwest has been in business for 28 years and they have excellent customer support.
They will also let you use their business address throughout your LLC paperwork so you can keep your address off of public record.
How do I choose a Registered Agent Service?
When choosing a Registered Agent Service for your business, you’ll want to make sure that the services they provide meet the needs of your business.
You’ll also want to consider things like cost, payment schedule, and cancellation methods.
We recommend Northwest Registered Agent because they:
- allow you to use their address throughout your LLC paperwork,
- have excellent customer service, and
- are reasonably priced ($125 per year).
To help you make the best decision for your business, please read Best Registered Agent Services for Your LLC.
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.