New York LLC Registered Agent

New York LLC Registered Agent
LLC Information
Registered Agent

These are persons or entities that agree to accept service of process and official mailings on behalf of your New York LLC.


When you are sued against, Service of Process or legal papers will be sent to your Registered Agent for LLC. The state may also send reminders and notices to your LLC via the Registered Agent.

An New York Registered Agent is required to provide a normal business hours (9-5) M- F address.

You can have the address of someone at the law firm on records and designate this person as a registered agent if you wish; other states allow P, O. Box for LLC Registered Agents but not New York No PO Box Addresses.

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Do You Need a Registered Agent in New York?

New York requires all business entities to have a Registered Agent when forming an LLC. Also, keep in mind that a Registered Agent has to stay on file with the state as long as you have an LLC.

Why Do You Need a Registered Agent in New York?

A Registered Agent handles the service of process when your company is sued and will see to it that the LLC receives proof of delivery for legal documents.

Thus, all companies such as corporations and LLCs are obligated to have a Registered Agent on file with the state.

Or the Registered Agent of your LLC if you want to get someone involved in legal stuff. New York requires an LLC to name a Registered Agent for each one so that courtroom files can be accurately served and tracked.

đź’ˇ Tip:

Choosing a professional Registered Agent Service can help keep your address private and off public records.

Who can serve as my New York Registered Agent?

New York Registered Agent: You have 3 options for who your registered agent will be.

  • You
  • A friend or family member.
  • New York Registered Agent Service

While it may be cheaper to act as your Registered Agent, doing so does have its drawbacks.

What are the risks?

If you do decide to act as your own New York Registered Agent, there are many pitfalls you may encounter such as:

  • Missing vital state notifications
  • Subject to administrative dissolution
  • Service of Process (Loose Legal Cannon)

The problem is worse if you:

  • Move without updating your residential address with the state
  • You often travel or are away from home for many hours
  • No address you can trust
  • Neglect to observe your mail daily
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Not posting an important notice from the state

The Secretary of State of New York or other agencies in the state are going to need a fast way to send important notices to your business.

These notices will often require certain actions by your LLC on specific deadlines. Not meeting these deadlines could result in costly penalties and fees.

Administrative Dissolution

If your LLC is dissolved by the New York Secretary of State, this will lead to numerous consequences.

The state does not peek at your LLC every day, but if it finds that you are overdue for renewal and unable to reach you due to an incorrect address listed on the record.

Default Judgment

The process server will make several attempts of service to your business, in case it involves an LLC lawsuit.

This indicates that the assumption from which we were referring earlier — also known as piercing of the corporate veil, it gives rise to an expectation that doing so is easier than previously believed — applies in reverse and can lead someone who has brought litigation against your LLC on his behalf defenselessly. Typically, your LLC gets slapped with a default judgment as well.

The person you are suing with your LLC does not need to defend itself in the presence of yourself. This generally ends in a summary judgment against you as well as your LLC.

Contempt of Court

If you have an LLC that is involved in a lawsuit, expect to receive a subpoena. Requesting your testimony or records.

And if you fail to reply, you can be held in contempt of court. This approach can result in fees or the issuance of a bench warrant, through which the sheriff gets your data IOR makes you go to court.

đź“ť Note:

Your Registered Agent's information is part of the public record, which means your address could appear on multiple websites.

Do YOU need to be your Registered Agent?

In New York, you are allowed to be your Registered Agent. When there are risks, they tend to be rare and you should pay for savings with a bit more time penning the index directly.

However, there are benefits to a professional Registered Agent Service as well, such as keeping your home address private.

New York Registered Agent Information is Public

You can just as easily appoint a friend or family member to be the Registered Agent of your LLC. However, that means the public can soon stroll up to your front door.

The information you provide in your Articles of Organization, including the Registered Agent address will be held on file with the New York Secretary of State and available to anyone that wants it.

Listing your address as the LLCs Registered Agent Address will make it public and can be potentially to multiple websites.

Once this info pops up on another site – it propagates, by now your address can be slammed into Google.

We can assist in hiding your address if you do not wish for it to be publicly known.

Exclusive Offer

đź”” Special Offer!

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Protect Our Address from Public Records

While in many cases business owners throughout New York work from their homes, remember that the address of your Registered Agent (if you use a service) will be visible on public records via the address listed on LLC Articles of Organization.

Hire an New York Registered Agent Service to keep away your residential address Your address will not necessarily appear on the public record for your Articles of Organization (just theirs, if they are available.

Which is the Best New York Registered Agent?

Which New York Registered Agent is best for your business depends on a few different factors.

You:

If you meet all of the following requirements to be your Registered Agent in New York.

  • You live in New York
  • You use an New York physical address
  • Just remember, your address will be displayed on public records.

Why choose this? The same is a good option to save some money as you do not have to pay for Registered Agent Service.

Friend or Family:

Anyone Can Be Your New York Registered Agent if you are:

  • They live in New York
  • They are relatively new (not always) and have an address on a street in New York.
  • They must also be willing to disclose their address on public records.

Why choose this? That is a great thing to take advantage of if you do not live in New York and want to save some money by skipping the Registered Agent Service hiring process.

New York Resident Agent Service:

The price of membership with such services tends to fall in the $100-$300/year range. They will then forward the mail they receive to you or, in some cases (if digital), upload it directly to an online account.

Why choose this option? It's a good choice if you:

  • Don't live in New York
  • No Friend Or Family Whose Address You Can Use
  • Unavailability for normal business hours mail delivery
  • Do Not Want Your Address Listed in the Articles of Organization

đź’ˇ Tip:

Choosing a Registered Agent Service not only ensures compliance but also helps you maintain privacy and avoid legal complications.

New York Registered Agent FAQs

How much does a Registered Agent cost in New York?

If you or someone you know acts as your Registered Agent, there is no cost. However, hiring a Registered Agent Service in New York typically ranges from $100 to $300 per year.

How do I find Registered Agent Services in New York?

To find Registered Agent Services in New York, search online using terms like “Registered Agent in New York,” read customer reviews, and contact various services directly. We've reviewed several top providers to help you make an informed choice.

What is the best Registered Agent Service in New York?

Some of the top Registered Agent Services in New York include:

  • [List of top Registered Agent Services]

These services are noted for their reliability and various features. For detailed comparisons and recommendations, refer to our guide on the Best Registered Agent Services in New York.

Is LegalZoom a good choice for a New York Registered Agent Service?

While LegalZoom is well-known, it may not always be the best option. With an annual fee of $299 and limited address privacy, other alternatives like [recommended services] might offer better value and privacy. If you wish to switch from LegalZoom, you can file a Change of Registered Agent form with the New York Secretary of State.

What is the difference between a Registered Agent and an LLC Member?

A Registered Agent is responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of your LLC, while an LLC Member is an owner of the LLC. A Registered Agent does not become an LLC Member and does not have access to other business information, although one person can serve as both an LLC Member and a Registered Agent.

Is a Registered Agent a Member of an LLC?

No, a Registered Agent does not become an LLC Member. Their role is limited to handling legal documents and forwarding them to LLC Members, without access to additional business details.

Can a family member be a Registered Agent in New York?

Yes, a family member can serve as your Registered Agent in New York, provided they have a physical address in the state and are available during normal business hours.

Is a New York Registered Agent liable?

No, a Registered Agent is not liable for your LLC’s lawsuits or debts. Their responsibility is limited to accepting legal documents on behalf of the LLC, without personal liability.

Can I be my own Registered Agent in New York?

Yes, you can act as your own Registered Agent if you are a New York resident and have a physical street address.

How do I choose a Registered Agent in New York?

Selecting a Registered Agent depends on your specific needs:


  • Be Your Own Agent: Suitable if you’re comfortable with your address being public and meet the necessary requirements.
  • Hire a Service: Ideal if you seek privacy, do not have a New York address, or require additional services. Many services provide enhanced privacy and convenience, along with support for other tasks such as filing reports.