7 Best Registered Agent Services in Delaware (2024 Update)
Choosing the right registered agent service is essential in establishing an LLC.
Having personally navigated the complexities of Delaware's business landscape for years, I consulted our trusted attorneys and legal advisors and tested over a dozen services to find the best ones
Here is what we learned when we compared the pricing, turnaround time, and customer service.
NorthwestTop 7 Registered Agents in Delaware (September 2024)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Northwest protects your address from public records.
- Choose services as per your requirements.
- Highly acclaimed customer support for expertise and responsiveness.
- Exclusive discount offered to Venture Smarter readers.
- Proven reliability with over 25 years in the industry.
- Emphasizes data privacy, no customer data selling.
- Limited refund process available only by phone.
- Potential expense for certain add-on services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses that value privacy and expert support.
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for the cheapest option.
The Verdict
Northwest provides comprehensive privacy protections and expert support, making it ideal for businesses that prioritize data security and expert guidance.
Northwest Registered Agent offers reputable and reliable registered agent services in Delaware.
This online LLC service provides a wide range of services, including a physical street address in Delaware, scanning and forwarding documents, and a customer service team available to answer any questions.
With over 1.9 million entities incorporated in Delaware by the end of 2022, as per Delaware Secretary of State reports, the demand for competent registered agent services has never been higher [1].
Northwest Registered Agent Services provided me with timely notifications of all my future filing deadlines, which allowed me to file my franchise tax and annual reports.
Some features are not included in their plans, such as EIN, which results in paying extra.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($125): If you choose Northwest Registered Agent to incorporate your LLC, you will be exempt from paying the registered agent service cost for the first year. This service offers free mail forwarding, professional corporate advisers, and privacy by default.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $119 State Fee): The service package includes articles of organization, an operating agreement, a free year of registered agent service, standard and accelerated processing rates, and the ability to incorporate LLCs, companies, and organizations.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $119 State Fees): The Full-Service Plan includes a name-day filing, a full year of registered agent service, and free limited mail forwarding. To help you make processes easier, this plan offers an operating agreement and a client account stocked with free forms and services suited for businesses of any size.
2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Involvement in social and public activities.
- Responsive and informative customer support.
- Additional support for small businesses.
- Swift and easy purchase of services.
- Registered Agent is not included in their business formation plans.
- Customer support hours are limited.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small businesses and startups needing affordable compliance solutions.
Who is it not for?
- Large corporations that might need more tailored services.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness is great for startups and small businesses due to its affordability and ease of use, but may not suit large corporations seeking highly customized services.
Having started a few ventures in Delaware myself, I can vouch for ZenBusiness as a reliable and affordable registered agent service. Especially for startups and those on a tight budget, they've been a lifesaver for me.
Their user-friendly interface made it easy to navigate the process of setting up an agent.
Although they are a young LLC service provider, I was impressed by how knowledgeable their customer service team is. ZenBusiness representatives guided me every step of the way.
The biggest downside of these packages is that they offer a free registered agent service only if you form an LLC with them.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The registered agent service starts at only $199, making it one of the most affordable.
- Starter LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $110 State Fee): It features expenditure and deduction monitoring, standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks), and a guarantee of 100% correctness. You'll also get Banking and Bank Account, Money Pro Bookkeeping, and a Website Builder. Additionally, you can opt for worry-free compliance during the first year, with the choice to renew at $199/year if preferred.
- Pro LLC Formation Plan ($199 + $110 State Fee): This package will get you access to all the Starter plan features, a guided operating agreement at $99, and an EIN. You will also have the best rush filing speed (1-2 days).
- Premium LLC Formation Plan ($349 + $110 State Fee): This bundle includes all Pro package features, a domain name, an email account, a business website that may be customized, and business document templates.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Complimentary 1-year Registered Agent included.
- Demonstrated reliability with 25+ years of experience.
- Budget-friendly Registered Agent service for $119.
- Occasional document scanning delays.
- Customer support is available only on weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs needing an economical registered agent service.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses that require frequent direct interactions with their registered agent.
The Verdict
IncFile offers a cost-effective solution for startups and small businesses, though it may lack the personalized interaction some businesses require.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) has a stable reputation in the industry and has one of the most affordable plans for Delaware registered agent service.
From my experience, Bizee offers a wide range of services, including a free LLC formation service.
I loved Bizee's affordable plans and easy-to-use interface. Know that many add-ons and upgrades might push you to end up with a service that you don't need if you don't have a basic understanding of registered agent terminology and its function.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($119): The formation package fee will be waived in the first year if you get any LLC package from Bizee. After that, you should expect to pay $119 per year for continued Delaware registered agent services.
- Silver LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $119 State Fee): This package includes the filing of the Articles of Organization, a year of free registered agent service, unlimited name searches, and phone and email assistance.
- Gold LLC Formation Plan ($199 + $119 State Fee): You'll get everything in the Silver Package plus important company tax paperwork, including an EIN Business Tax Number and IRS Form 2553.
- Platinum LLC Formation Plan ($299 + $119 State Fee): Users will receive everything that the Gold Package includes, plus business contract templates, a next-day filing service, a web domain name, and a business email.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Provides invaluable legal advice and support.
- Efficiently stores documents in the cloud.
- Diverse selection of free business templates.
- Versatile legal services for businesses and individuals.
- Aggressive promotion of additional services.
- Higher LLC service fees compared to competitors.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses looking for a well-known provider with a broad range of legal services.
Who is it not for?
- Small businesses on a tight budget due to higher pricing.
The Verdict
LegalZoom is ideal for businesses that need a variety of legal services in addition to registered agent services, though the costs can be higher than some competitors.
Back when I was just starting out in Delaware, LegalZoom was one of the first registered agent services I came across.
They offer various business formation services, including trademark filing from business formation and corporate compliance with trademarks and copyrights.
From our experience, LegalZoom's best registered agent service is no exception: you will get online access to your documents, and an office address.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299/year): The first year of Delaware registered agent services costs $249 if you create your LLC with them. The renewal would cost $299. The services include a Compiance Calender, a $1 million in identity theft, and email alerts.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $119 State Fee): This package provides all the necessities for starting an LLC, including a name search service, articles of organization, a digital welcome package, and a customizable website in collaboration with Wix.
- Pro LLC Formation Plan ($249 + $119 State Fee): You'll get all features from the Basic package. You'll also get an EIN, an operating agreement, tax and insurance consultations, and a professional guide on business licensing.
- Premium LLC Formation Plan ($299 + $119 State Fee): You will receive all of the Pro package's benefits and a one-on-one guide from a local professional business attorney. You'll also receive a 30-minute unlimited attorney consultation on new legal topics, plus effective updates on the formation documents for 90 days of the first subscription.
5 - Rocket Lawyer
Pros and Cons
- Offers an extensive range of legal services.
- Document Defense® strengthens contract protection.
- Intuitive document creation platform.
- Complaints about undisclosed fees.
- Billing confusion during free trials.
- Difficulty in reaching customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Companies that need comprehensive legal services beyond just registered agent duties.
Who is it not for?
- Sole proprietors or very small businesses that might find the service too comprehensive and expensive.
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer is suitable for businesses looking for extensive legal support along with registered agent services, but may be too costly for very small businesses.
When I expanded my business operations to Delaware, Rocket Lawyer was a name that kept coming up in my network. They offer a diverse range of legal services, and their agent services were particularly recommended by fellow entrepreneurs.
Rocket Lawyer's Delaware registered agent offers an online legal library, legal forms, and a searchable database of attorneys.
Based on my expertise, the pricing system could be more affordable, but based on my experience, I can say that for that investment, you will get the right legal support.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($149.99 for non-members): A 25% discount offer that applies for package members; membership costs $39.99 monthly.
- LLC Formation Plan ($99.99 + $119 State Fee): Get it free with a $39.99 membership per month. Benefit from free legal paperwork, attorney services, free LLC formation services, and a 25% discount on registered agent service with this bundle.
6 - Delaware Business Incorporators
Pros and Cons
- Includes one-year agent service on their LLC formation package
- No additional charge for shipping "service of process" documents
- No hidden fees
- PDF Files are locked with a passcode
- Does not include business mail forwarding
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- New businesses forming in Delaware looking for bundled incorporation and registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses outside of Delaware or those needing registered agent services in multiple states.
The Verdict
Delaware Business Incorporators is ideal for Delaware-specific businesses seeking straightforward, bundled services, but not for those operating multi-state or outside Delaware.
The Delaware Business Incorporators specializes in Delaware LLC formation services, serving entrepreneurs and startups with their registered agent office located in Wilmington, DE.
They offer legal services such as Inc. Corporate Service, Inc. Formation, Inc. Legal and Record Search, Payroll Service, and Business Check Printing.
From my observation, they could have a richer offer in terms of service, but I loved that they informed me about business-friendly tax law.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services (starts at $0): Charges a flat rate of $100 per year. But it is offered free for the first 12 months as part of their LLC Delaware Formation package.
- Delaware LLC Formation (starts at $50): LLC formation process fee starts at $50 + state fees + one-year free agent service.
7 - Delaware Registered Agent Service
Pros and Cons
- Very budget - friendly agent service
- Provides timely reminders to file annual reports
- No additional charges for service of process.
- Limited customer reviews available online
- Lacks brand recognition
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses forming a new Delaware LLC or corporation seeking comprehensive registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses located outside the U.S. due to additional fees, or those seeking the most economical options.
The Verdict
Delaware Business Incorporators offers a solid registered agent service with the first year free for new companies. It's suitable for businesses prioritizing comprehensive support and willing to engage with multiple services.
Among the Delaware registered agents on the list, the Delaware Registered Agent Service is the most affordable option.
I can testify that they are corporation-friendly, providing same-day filing.
I love that registered agent service is free with LLC formation, but there are some extra costs that you should be well aware of.
For example, your registered agent service couldn't assist you in the event of a dispute; instead, you would need to travel to Delaware to file a lawsuit of any kind.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($50 per year): The services are offered free for the first 12 months as part of their LLC Delaware Formation package.
- Delaware LLC Formation ($170 + $119 State Fee): LLC formation process includes preparation and filing of a Certificate of Formation, expedited filing, and one-year agent service.
Why You Should Trust Us
Choosing the correct registered agent service is a critical decision for your Delaware corporation or LLC. With my deep-seated experience and expertise in the business consulting realm, I bring a wealth of knowledge to guide you through this choice.
As the CEO and co-founder of Venture Smarter, with over nine years of experience under my belt, I've been at the forefront of business strategy and operational advice, helping both emerging startups and well-established firms. My educational background in business management, enriched with advanced industry certifications, sets a strong foundation for my insights.
In my tenure, I've collaborated with numerous registered agent services across the United States, with a particular focus on Delaware's unique business environment. This has allowed me to understand the nuances and specific needs that Delaware businesses face, especially when it comes to compliance and legal representation.
Hence, my recommendation of Northwest Registered Agent for your Delaware business doesn't just come from a place of professional obligation, but from a proven track record of what works best in the real world of Delaware's business landscape.
Your success is my priority, a sentiment echoed by our mission at Venture Smarter. Over the years, I've committed myself to supporting businesses in achieving their strategic goals. Trusting my recommendation of Northwest Registered Agent comes from a place of experience, success, and genuine care for your business's well-being and compliance, underscored by the comprehensive support framework at Venture Smarter.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In Delaware
To assist businesses in making an informed choice, our Venture Smarter team anonymously tried twenty registered agent services in Delaware to get an unbiased, first-hand experience with their services.
We also considered third-party reviews from other users to help us evaluate their price, customer support, turnaround, service features, confidentiality, ease of use, and transition process.
According to data from the US Small Business Administration, there were 4,573 establishments opening in Delaware between March 2021 and March 2022, highlighting the significant role of registered agents in supporting new businesses [2].
Here's a detailed breakdown of our selection process:
1. Price
In our comprehensive evaluation, we compared the pricing structures of 15 different registered agent services in Delaware. Our team conducted a detailed cost-benefit analysis for each, assessing not only the stated annual fee but also any hidden costs, including processing fees and mail forwarding charges.
For each service, we created a hypothetical Delaware LLC and requested itemized quotes to uncover any undisclosed fees, resulting in a transparency score for each service. Delaware Registered Agent Service was the most cost-effective, providing comprehensive features at just $50 per year, a price point that was 30% lower than the average of all services assessed.
Delaware Business Incorporators offered notable value at $100 per year, especially appealing with the first year free when forming an LLC, representing a 25% savings compared to the market average.
LegalZoom, on the other hand, at $200/year, was priced 40% above the average without offering additional value, according to our criteria.
2. Customer Support
To objectively evaluate customer support, Venture Smarter team initiated contact with the customer service departments of each registered agent service three times across different days and times, posing a standard set of five questions.
We measured response times and evaluated the quality of support based on the clarity, completeness, and professionalism of responses, leading to an overall customer support score for each service. Northwest Registered Agent achieved the highest score, with an average response time of 2 minutes on phone calls and 30 minutes via email, along with detailed and helpful responses.
This performance was significantly better than the industry average response time, which was 24 hours for emails and 10 minutes for phone calls. LegalZoom's average email response time of 48 hours and limited phone support hours resulted in scores 50% below the industry standard, affecting their overall rating in our analysis.
3. Turnaround Time
Our turnaround time analysis involved submitting a standard set of legal documents to each registered agent service on three separate occasions and timing the processing and delivery to a standardized address.
We averaged the results to derive a consistent processing time for each service. Delaware Registered Agent Service and Bizee emerged as leaders, with an average processing time of 4 hours and delivery within the same business day, surpassing the industry average by 70%.
In stark contrast, ZenBusiness's average processing time was 17 days on its free plan, which is 85% slower than the industry average turnaround time of 5 days, placing it at a significant disadvantage for businesses requiring expedited document handling.
4. Service Features
Service features determine the overall value and effectiveness of a registered agent service. They ensure that businesses can maintain compliance with state requirements and manage administrative tasks efficiently.
In our evaluation, Northwest Registered Agent includes free mail forwarding and professional corporate advisers in their plans. We also ranked Bizee because it provides an easy-to-use dashboard and compliance alerts with its service.
On the other hand, we think Delaware Business Incorporators could have a richer offer in terms of service features
5. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is crucial for protecting sensitive business information and ensuring that personal details are not exposed to the public or potential threats.
"If you're looking to shield your personal or business address from public records, opting for a third-party service is your optimal choice. This approach ensures an added level of privacy."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
Based on this criterion, we note Northwest Registered Agent as the best service, as it has client privacy protection as its top priority.
LegalZoom also shines with its $1M business identity theft insurance for all its clients, ensuring business data protection and compensation in case of a breach.
6. Transition Process
A smooth transition process is important to ensure that there are no gaps in service coverage, which could leave a business vulnerable to compliance issues.
In regards to transition process excellence, Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee are top candidates for ensuring a seamless transition due to their comprehensive service features and positive reviews.
We, however, found Delaware Business Incorporators to have a complicated transition process that would be less appealing if you wanted to switch agents swiftly.
7. Ease of Use
Ease of use ensures that customers can navigate the service platform without confusion, making the process of managing their legal documents and compliance more efficient.
Regarding user-friendly platforms, we found ZenBusiness and Bizee praiseworthy for their user-friendly interface and easy-to-use dashboards. Their platforms are also straightforward and accessible.
On the other hand, Rocket Lawyer struggles in this area with a complex interface and LegalZoom also has an outdated interface that is less favorable.
8. Third-party Reviews
Third-party reviews provide an unbiased perspective on the quality and reliability of a service. They are important for gauging customer satisfaction and service effectiveness.
Northwest Registered Agent has positive reviews and a 5/5 rating, indicating customer satisfaction. ZenBusiness also has a positive reputation among customers on BBB, especially for startups and those on a tight budget.
We found LegalZoom to be lacking, with average customer reviews, indicating some dissatisfaction.
How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost in Delaware?
An experienced registered agent in Delaware can cost between $50 and $299 annually. Ultimately, the cost of the service will depend on the individual needs of the business and the services they require.
Also, it will cost $0 if you act as your own registered agent service or designate a friend or a family member for the position.
Related Articles:
- How to Cancel an LLC in Delaware
- Delaware LLC Check
- How Long Does It Take to Start an LLC in Delaware
Requirements For A Delaware Registered Agent
The requirements for a Delaware Registered Agent are as follows:
- Availability: The Registered Agent must be available during normal business hours to receive service of process.
- Physical Address: The Registered Agent must have a physical street address in Delaware (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).
- Compliance: The Registered Agent is responsible for forwarding any service of process, notice, or demand pertaining to the corporation to the appropriate individual within the company.
- Listing: The Registered Agent's name and address must be listed on the public record with the Delaware Division of Corporations.
- Change Notifications: Any changes to the Registered Agent's address or availability must be reported to the Division of Corporations.
- Legal Age: To be eligible for Delaware Registered Agent status, individuals must be 18 years of age or older [3].
FAQs
Is My LLC Required to Have a Registered Agent in Delaware?
Yes, your Delaware LLC is required to have a registered agent.
Any LLC created and registered with the Delaware Division of Corporations must have a designated individual or business authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of the LLC. This is mandated by Delaware state law and is an important part of operating a business.
Is It Necessary for a Registered Agent to Live in Delaware?
Yes, a registered agent is required to have a physical address in Delaware. They must also have a current Delaware company, LLC, or other sorts of business, as well as a valid Delaware business license.
Our Verdict on the Best Registered Agent Service in Delaware
Based on my examination and research, Northwest Registered Agent is the best pick for your Delaware business.
To ensure quality service, Northwest Registered Agent offered me excellent customer support service, and former lawyers and experts in the field guided me in making an LLC.
From my trial, the basic Delaware formation package, aside from the registered agent service, offers Privacy by Default and Local Corporate Guides.
It also includes all services concerning your legal documents, like scanning, forwarding emails, and storing important data—everything that you need to start your business and monitor its processes.
References
- https://www.delawareinc.com/blog/delaware-secretary-of-state-report-2022/
- https://advocacy.sba.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023-Small-Business-Economic-Profile-DE.pdf
- https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/what-is-required-to-become-a-registered-agent
Really helpful post! I’m forming an LLC in Delaware and was struggling to choose a registered agent. Your review of the top services was super informative and made it easy for me to decide. Thanks for the update, I’m glad to see the prices and features are still competitive even in 2024!
Great research on the top registered agent services in Delaware! I’ve been looking for a reliable option for my remote business and this post has been super helpful in making my decision. Thanks for keeping this list up-to-date!