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No, a Registered Agent isn’t automatically an owner of the LLC.
They are two separate roles.
Having said that, sometimes the same person can be both roles.
But you don’t become one simply by virtue of being the other.
What is a Registered Agent for an LLC?
A Registered Agent is a person or company who agrees to accept legal mail on behalf of your LLC.
This mail includes:
- Service of Process (if your LLC is involved in a lawsuit), and
- notices from the state (like an LLC Annual Report reminder)
Once your Registered Agent receives the mail, they will forward it to you.
Note: Depending on the state where you’re forming an LLC, the term Registered Agent may be called something different. For example, a Registered Agent is also called a Statutory Agent, Resident Agent, or Agent for Service of Process.
Who can be the Registered Agent?
There are many options for who can be your LLC’s Registered Agent.
You have 3 options for who can be your LLC Registered Agent:
- You can be your own Registered Agent.
- A friend or family member can be your Registered Agent.
- You can hire a Registered Agent Service.
Can the owner be the Registered Agent?
Yes, an owner of the LLC (Member) can also be the Registered Agent, as long as they meet the state Registered Agent requirements.
But remember, just being an LLC’s Registered Agent doesn’t automatically make someone an LLC Member.
Can a Registered Agent be a Member of the LLC?
Yes, the Registered Agent can be a Member (owner) of the LLC.
But the Registered Agent doesn’t automatically become a Member (owner) of the LLC.
Remember, a Registered Agent’s job is to receive Service of Process for an LLC, and forward it to the LLC owners.
You don’t have to give your Registered Agent ownership in your LLC
If someone you know agrees to be your Registered Agent, you don’t have to give them ownership in your business.
A Registered Agent doesn’t have ownership authority
Your Registered Agent doesn’t own your LLC. And they don’t have any authority over your LLC.
For example, they don’t have the power to bind your LLC in contracts or agreements.
What is a Member of an LLC?
Simply put, a Member of an LLC is the owner.
How many Members can an LLC Have?
There is no limit to the number of LLC Members (owners) an LLC can have.
You can form an LLC with just 1 Member (called a Single-Member LLC).
Or you can form an LLC with 2 or more Members (called a Multi-Member LLC).
Who can be an LLC Member?
There are essentially no restrictions on who can be an LLC Member.
Please see who can be LLC members for more information.
Registered Agent vs Member FAQs
Can the Sole Member of an LLC be the Registered Agent?
Yes, the Sole Member of an LLC can be the Registered Agent, as long as they meet the state requirements.
Is a Registered Agent required for an LLC?
Yes, a Registered Agent is required in nearly all states.
They are an important part of how our courts and legal systems work.
How do I choose a Registered Agent?
Choosing the right Registered Agent for your LLC depends on your specific needs.
We’ll guide you through your options in how to choose a Registered Agent, so you can confidently pick the best one 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.
