Choosing the right registered agent service is essential in establishing an LLC. A good registered Delaware agent service will ensure that the LLC complies with the Secretary of State and provide secure and timely delivery of essential documents.
We consulted our attorneys and legal advisors with experience in Delaware registered agent services. We tested and compared over 20 services.
Our list of Delaware's top registered agent services provides comprehensive information on the best options available so businesses can make an informed decision. This guide will help you find an experienced provider that meets all your Delaware requirements.
Top 7 Registered Agents in Delaware (March 2023)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Editor's Choice)
Northwest Registered Agent offers reputable and reliable registered agent service in Delaware, providing customers with confidence that their business needs are being expertly handled.
They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including a physical street address in Delaware, scanning and forwarding documents, and a customer service team available to answer any questions.
Additionally, Northwest Registered Agent can provide a secure online portal to access your documents and notifications.
They provided us with timely notifications of all our future filing deadlines, which allowed us to file our franchise tax and annual report.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($125): If you choose Northwest to incorporate your LLC, you will be exempt from paying the registered agent service cost for the first year. It will cost $5,200 to register in all 52 jurisdictions. It offers free mail forwarding, professional corporate advisers, and privacy by default.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $119 State Fee):Â The service package includes articles of organization, an operating agreement, a one-year free 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): Same-day filing, a full year of registered agent service, free limited mail forwarding, an operating agreement, and a client account stocked with free forms and services are all included.
- Privacy protection is a top priority
- Customer service excellence
- Very experienced team for 20 years in the industry
- No hidden fees
- Registered agent service is included in the formation package for one year
- Not the least expensive option
2 - ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is an excellent choice for Delaware businesses looking for a reliable and affordable registered agent service.
Their services include all the necessary features to ensure your business complies with Delaware regulations, including filing documents and maintaining records.
Additionally, we found the user-friendly interface made it easy to navigate the process of setting up an agent. Furthermore, their customer service team is dedicated to helping you every step of the way.
With over 4,500 positive customer reviews, it is evident that ZenBusiness is committed to providing quality services.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): The registered agent service starts at only $199, making it one of the most affordable.
- The Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $119 State Fee): Basic package for free. It features expenditure and deduction monitoring, standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks), and a guarantee of 100% correctness.
- The Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $119 State Fee): Get this package at a reasonable $199 per state plus a $119 state fee. Access to a guided operating agreement and worry-free compliance are included in this package. You will also have a faster accelerated filling pace (4 to 6 days).
- The Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $119 State Fee): This bundle includes a domain name, an email account, a business website that may be customized, and the best rush filing speed (1-2 days).
- Simple and affordable pricing model
- Longer normal business hours of chat client support
- Earned many positive customer reviews
- 60-day money-back refund
- Not well recognized brand among customers
3 - IncFile
IncFile is a top choice for business registration in Delaware, ideal for small businesses and startups.
Not only does IncFile provide a comprehensive suite of services, but it also offers free LLC formation service. This is a great way to save money when you are just starting and have limited resources.
Furthermore, IncFile's customer service is top-notch, with knowledgeable representatives who are always willing to answer any questions.
IncFile is a highly rated and well-reviewd Delaware registered agent service, boasting over 13,500 postive customer reviews. This impressive number speaks to the quality of their service.
IncFile has a very high customer satisfaction rating that we've had the opportunity to work with first-hand.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($119): The formation package fee will be waived in the first year if you get any LLC package from IncFile. After that, you should expect to pay $119 per year.
- Silver LLC Formation Package ($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 Package ($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 Package ($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.
- Easy-to-use dashboard
- Formation packages come with a free registered agent service
- Process orders quickly
- There are no hidden charges
- Has few support options
4 - LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an ideal choice for businesses looking for a premium suite of legal service options in addition to a Delaware registered agent.
As one of the industry's most established and reliable providers, you can expect quality customer service and a team of knowledgeable professionals to assist you with any of your legal needs.
Furthermore, LegalZoom offers a wide range of services, from business formation and corporate compliance to trademarks and copyrights.
Their pricing is slightly higher than some of the other Delaware registered agent services, but this is due to their reputation and track record of success.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($299/year):Â The first year costs $249 if you create your LLC with them. The renewal would cost $299.
- Economy LLC Formation Package ($79 + $119 State Fee): This package provides entrepreneurs with everything they need to start an LLC, including a comprehensive name search, individualized tax advice, a digital welcome package, seven-day-a-week customer care, a business newsletter, and a customizable website in collaboration with Wix.
- Standard LLC Formation Package ($329 + $119 State Fee): Everything in the Economy package is included in the Standard version, plus a founder's kit with the customized notebook.
- Express Gold LLC Formation Package ($349 + $119 State Fee): You will receive all of the benefits of the Economical and Standard packages, as well as 1-day express processing and fast shipment.
- A high volume of customer traffic
- Abundant legal service options
- Quality and powerful brand
- Ordinary reviews from customers
- You don't get LLC formation with an agent
5 - Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer offers a suite of legal service options to businesses in Delaware, including agent services.
Rocket Lawyer's Delaware registered agent services offer businesses the ability to access various resources and services. This includes an online legal library, legal forms, and a searchable database of attorneys.
They have worked with over 80,000 businesses over the years. The registered agent company is committed to excellence in legal service options.
Their team of experienced attorneys and legal professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal advice and assistance to our clients.
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 Package($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.
- Provides documents
- The pricing structure is subscription-based
- Provides legal support from an experienced team
- Features of their packages are limited
- Free trials includes credit card
6 - Delaware Business Incorporators
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
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services (starts at $0):Â 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):Â LLC formation process fee starts at $50 + state fees + one-year free agent service.
- 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
7 - Delaware Registered Agent Service
Among the Delaware registered agents on the list, the Delaware Registered Agent Service is the most affordable option.
Their headquarters is 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.
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):Â LLC formation process includes preparation and filing of a Certificate Of Formation, expedited filing, and one-year agent service.
- Very affordable agent service
- Provides timely reminders to file annual reports
- Does do not charge extra for service of process
- Limited customer reviews available online
- Lacks brand recognition
The Benefits of Working with a Registered Agent Service in Delaware
Being a registered agent for your business is a cost-effective way to save money during the startup phase. For more information, see our guide on how much does an LLC costs in Delaware.
Utilizing a Delaware registered agent service can benefit many businesses due to its convenience and security [1]. These services provide a reliable source to receive important documents and notifications on behalf of the business.
Here are some important benefits of using a registered agent service in Delaware:
1. Highly Convenient
Delaware registered agent services make registering and maintaining a business easier by providing an invaluable service. With their assistance, companies can simplify cumbersome administrative tasks and remain compliant with state regulations.
By working with a registered agent, entrepreneurs and business owners can save time, energy, and money. The registered agent service will handle all the paperwork and filings associated with forming a business and provide ongoing support and advice.
Working with a registered agent service can help entrepreneurs and business owners focus on the growth of their businesses instead of worrying about administrative tasks.
2. Saves Money
Delaware businesses must keep up with their annual reporting requirements, which could lead to costly fines. Engaging a registered agent service can help protect companies from hefty late fees or other penalties by ensuring all documents are correctly submitted and paying filing fees on time.
3. Protects Privacy
Using a registered agent service, you can keep your addresses off the public record after creating the LLC in Delaware.
This is beneficial for various reasons, including protecting you from potential solicitations, protecting your privacy, and ensuring that important legal documents are received promptly [2].
4. Highly Dependable
Business owners benefit significantly by partnering with a Registered Agent Service in Delaware, including having an experienced and knowledgeable team of professionals to take the lead on legal matters.
You can be assured that all legal documents will be received and processed promptly, avoiding potential legal issues [3].
Additionally, registered agents are knowledgeable in the laws and regulations of Delaware. They can provide valuable advice and guidance on any matters related to the business entity.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost in Delaware?
An experienced registered agent in Delaware can cost between $89 and $299 annually. The most basic services may cost as little as $100 per year, while more comprehensive services can range up to $300 per year.
Some businesses provide registered agents as part of their LLC creation packages, while others charge a fee for these services.
Ultimately, the cost of the service will depend on the individual needs of the business and the services they require.
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Who Can Be a Delaware Registered Agent?
A Delaware registered agent can be:
- An individual resident of Delaware
- A Delaware corporation
- A foreign corporation authorized to transact business in Delaware
- Or a commercial registered agent
To be eligible for Delaware Registered Agent status, individuals must be age 18 years or older [4]. The individual should also have a physical address within the state of Delaware.
This registered office address must be a valid street address (no P.O. Boxes) and be able to receive mail from the Delaware Division of Corporations.
Your options for a Delaware Registered Agent depend on your LLC's needs, as follows:
- Option 1: Act as your agent. This will involve you taking on the responsibility of receiving and forwarding legal documents on behalf of your LLC.
- Option 2: Your LLC can serve as its agent in Delaware
- Option 3: Choosing a family member or friend as your Delaware registered agent
- Option 4: Retain a company that operates in Delaware. These are commercial registered agents who specialize in providing agent services. They are familiar with Delaware's laws and regulations.
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.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
The appointed registered agent of a Delaware LLC can be the business owner, the LLC itself, or a trusted friend or family member. If the applicant is over 18 years of age and has a Delaware physical address, they can apply. Hiring an agent can also act on your behalf.
Can I Act as My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can act as your registered agent for your LLC. However, hiring a Delaware registered agent service provides you with peace of mind and convenience and saves you money in the long run.
Can a Company Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes, a company can change its registered agent at any moment. The LLC must file a Certificate of Change of Agent form with the Delaware Department of State, Divisions of Corporations. This can be done by mail, fax, or in person, along with a $50 filing fee.
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.
BEST Registered Agent in Delaware is...
When looking for a Delaware registered agent, you should examine key characteristics such as their service features, ease of use, customer feedback, and cost.
Based on our examination and research, Northwest Registered Agent is the best pick for your Delaware business. To ensure quality service, Northwest Registered Agent offered us excellent customer support service, and former lawyers and experts in the field can guided us in making an LLC.
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.
Our #1 Recommendation
Northwest Registered Agent
- Privacy protection is a top priority
- Customer service excellence
- Very experienced team for 20 years in the industry
- No hidden fees
- Registered agent service is included in the formation package for one year
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
- Not the least expensive option
