---
title: What is a Registered Agent?
description: The primary responsibility of the registered agent is to receive legal correspondence on the entity’s behalf, in addition to, any official notices from the Secretary of State. It is necessary to list an appointed registered agent in order to incorporate a new business.
image: https://blog.ailcorp.com/hs-fs/file-15689185-jpg/images/amend-resized-600.jpg
---

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## [What is a Registered Agent? ](https://blog.ailcorp.com/what-is-a-registered-agent)

Posted by [American Ltd](https://blog.ailcorp.com/author/american-ltd) on Jun 26, 2015 2:30:00 PM

## Thinking of Incorporating? You'll Need to Appoint a Registered Agent

**What’s a registered agent?** This is a commonly asked question of entrepreneurs who are new to the incorporation process.  It is a statutory requirement that all entities appoint a [registered agent](https://www.ailcorp.com/services/registered-agent), also known as resident agent or statutory agent, when incorporating.  The registered agent can be an individual or business entity and must have a physical address in the state of incorporation.  The primary responsibility of the registered agent is to receive legal correspondence on the entity’s behalf, in addition to, any official notices from the Secretary of State.  Failure to maintain a registered office in the state of incorporation can cause the entity to fall out of good standing and even be declared Void if a new agent is not appointed.

Designation of the registered agent is typically made on the formation documents.  There is often a misconception that the registered agent address is the same as the principal office address.  This is not the case.  The two are very different and serve different purposes.  Most jurisdictions allow business ![registered agent incorporate LLC corporation ](https://blog.ailcorp.com/hs-fs/file-15689185-jpg/images/amend-resized-600.jpg?width=294&name=amend-resized-600.jpg "registered agent incorporate LLC corporation ")entities to maintain a principal place of business outside the state.  If the business *does not* operate or maintain an address in the state of incorporation, a commercial registered agent can be appointed.  If the business *does* operate or maintain an address in the state of incorporation, ie: director or officer, then either can be appointed as the registered agent of the entity.

There are many benefits of appointing a commercial registered agent.  The commercial registered agent maintains a physical address in the state and is staffed during normal business hours to accept all correspondence received on your company’s behalf.  The registered agent’s address is kept on file with the Secretary of State and this information is stored as Public Record.  Utilizing a commercial registered agent means that you need not worry about address changes or not receiving an important company document. 

American Incorporators Ltd. provides this service nationwide & is ready to assist with all of your corporate needs.  Contact us today!

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