No, a Trust can’t be a Registered Agent.
That’s because a Registered Agent needs to be a person or business entity, and a Trust is neither (a Trust is a legal agreement).
However, a Trustee can be a Registered Agent (as long as they meet the state requirements).
What is a Registered Agent for an LLC?
A Registered Agent is a person or company who agrees to accept legal documents on behalf of an LLC (called Service of Process).
What is Service of Process?
Service of Process is the delivery of legal documents sent to an LLC (typically only sent if your LLC is involved in a lawsuit).
Examples of these legal documents include a notice of a lawsuit, subpoena, summons, complaint, or a writ.
Service of Process can be delivered by certified mail, or in person.
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.
Who can be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
As long as they meet the state requirements, a Registered Agent can be:
- an individual (an LLC owner, Trustee, friend, or family member),
- a business entity (like a parent company or another LLC), or
- a Registered Agent Service.
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)
What are the Registered Agent requirements?
A Registered Agent is required to:
- be a person (located in the state where the LLC is formed) or a business entity (authorized to do business in the same state)
- have a physical street address in the state (PO Boxes aren’t allowed)
- be available during normal business hours to perform Registered Agent duties
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.
In fact, being your own Registered Agent is a great way to save money.
However, it’s important to know that the Registered Agent’s address is on public record.
If you don’t want your address to be on public record, or you don’t meet the state requirements, we recommend hiring a Registered Agent Service, such as Northwest Registered Agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Lawyer Be a Registered Agent for an LLC?
Yes, a lawyer can be a Registered Agent for an LLC.
That said, there are some pros and cons to be aware of.
For example, using a lawyer as your Registered Agent can save you money (if you’re already paying for their services).
However, hiring a lawyer just to be your Registered Agent can be very expensive. And lawyers 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 lawyer be a Registered Agent for an LLC.
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.
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.
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.