Washington LLC Registered Agent
These are persons or entities that agree to accept service of process and official mailings on behalf of your Washington 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.
A Washington 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 Washington No PO Box Addresses.
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Do You Need a Registered Agent in Washington?
Washington 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 Washington?
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. Washington 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 Washington Registered Agent?
Washington Registered Agent: You have 3 options for who your registered agent will be.
- You
- A friend or family member.
- Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington, 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.
Washington 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 Certificate of Organization, including the Registered Agent address will be held on file with the Washington 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.
đź”” Special Offer!
Set up your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent for $39+ state fees and get a free year of Registered Agent service.
(Discover why Northwest is a top choice check out our Northwest Registered Agent review)
Protect Our Address from Public Records
While in many cases business owners throughout Washington 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 the LLC Certificate of Organization.
Hire a Washington Registered Agent Service to keep away your residential address Your address will not necessarily appear on the public record for your Certificate of Organization (just theirs, if they are available.
Which is the Best Washington Registered Agent?
Which Washington 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 Washington.
- You live in Washington
- You use a Washington 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 Washington Registered Agent if you are:
- They live in Washington
- They are relatively new (not always) and have an address on a street in Washington.
- 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 Washington and want to save some money by skipping the Registered Agent Service hiring process.
Washington 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 Washington
- No Friend Or Family Whose Address You Can Use
- Unavailability for normal business hours mail delivery
- Do Not Want Your Address Listed in the Certificate of Organization
đź’ˇ Tip:
Choosing a Registered Agent Service not only ensures compliance but also helps you maintain privacy and avoid legal complications.
Washington Registered Agent FAQs
Is a Registered Agent required in Washington?
Yes, every LLC in Washington is required to have a Registered Agent on file with the state. Whether you choose an individual or hire a Registered Agent Service, their details must be recorded, and they must be available to receive legal documents (Service of Process) during regular business hours.
Can I use a PO Box for my LLC in Washington?
Yes, a PO Box can be used for your Washington LLC’s mailing address. However, it cannot be used for your LLC’s Principal Office address. The Principal Office must have a physical address, which can be located in any state or even internationally. Additionally, a PO Box is not permitted for your LLC’s Registered Agent address; the Registered Agent must have a physical address within Washington.
What are the costs associated with forming an LLC in Washington State?
The costs for forming an LLC in Washington include both initial and ongoing fees:
- Initial Fees:
- The filing fee for establishing an LLC in Washington is $200. This is a one-time fee paid to the Washington Secretary of State when you submit your Certificate of Formation.
- Ongoing Fees:
- If you opt to use a Registered Agent Service, you will pay an annual fee, typically around $125 per year.
- Additionally, every LLC in Washington must file an Annual Report, which carries a $60 filing fee each year.
- Your LLC may also need a business license depending on the industry and location of your business in Washington. Tax obligations will vary, so consulting with an accountant is advisable.
Can I act as my own Registered Agent in Washington?
Yes, you can serve as your LLC’s Registered Agent in Washington. The law allows any adult who is a resident of Washington to fulfill this role, including yourself, a friend, or a family member. The Registered Agent must have a physical address in Washington and be available during regular business hours.
Is it better to hire a Registered Agent Service?
It’s important to consider that the name and address of your Registered Agent will be listed as the public record for your Washington Registered Office. If you prefer to keep your personal information private, hiring a Registered Agent Service might be the best option. For example, Northwest Registered Agent Service allows you to use their address for your LLC’s Washington office, ensuring your details remain confidential while still complying with Washington’s legal requirements.
Can a family member serve as a Registered Agent in Washington?
Yes, a family member can act as your Registered Agent in Washington, provided they meet the necessary criteria. The family member must have a physical address in Washington (PO Boxes are not acceptable) and be available at that address during normal business hours.