Selecting a Registered Agent

Business Law for Entrepreneurs Series

By Adrienne B. Haynes, Esq.

Managing Partner, SEED Law

What is a registered agent for your business anyway?

A registered agent is an individual or company designated as the primary point of contact for your business according to the Secretary of State. This agent must be located in the State in question, will receive the company’s official communications from the State and is to receive service in the event of a lawsuit. Depending on your entity type, this address is also where any required annual filing reminders will be sent.

When choosing a registered agent and office, it’s important to remember that this person or company is your represented point of contact for the State. Not only is this address public, but the agent should also be someone you trust to discern and give you notice of any important mail, respond on your behalf when needed, and be responsible enough to receive and share any legal filings received.

The registered agent is initially designated upon filing of the business, and at SEED Law, we serve as the registered agent for most of our clients. In some states, the registered agent must be a named individual and cannot be an entity (attorney at the firm, not just the firm). In most states, the UPS Store or similar off-site address providers, or a P.O. Box, are ineligible addresses. There are companies that exist only to serve as registered agents, and most offer this service for a initial or annual fee.

To change your company’s registered agent, a filing must typically be made with the Secretary of State, and written consent of the new agent must accompany the form in order for it to be accepted.

This article is an overview of registered agent considerations and does not cover every legal right or obligation, consideration, exception, or restriction. Every business decision should be well researched and discussed with a professional before being made.

To schedule a consultation with a SEED Law attorney, you can give us a call at (816)945–4249 or schedule your consultation today here.

Additional Resources:

Revised Statutes of Missouri

347.030 Maintenance of office and agent for service of process — change of office

347.033 Service upon agent deemed service on company — service upon organizer

351.370 Registered office and registered agent

351.375 Change of address of registered office or agent, how made

351.376 Resignation of agent

351.380 Process served on registered agent