4 Best Registered Agent Services in Louisiana to Try in 2024

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: November 18, 2024
FACT CHECKED by Lou Viveros, Growth & Transition Advisor
Methodology
We diligently evaluate each service provider showcased in our reviews and guides. By interacting anonymously with their business formation and services, and leveraging the insights of an independent review team, we strive to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions. Learn more

When selecting the best registered agent service in Louisiana, it's important to consider a provider that combines reliability, compliance expertise, and value-added services tailored to the unique business environment of the state.

Working with our certified Venture Smarter legal team with over a decade of experience in the sector, we have tested and vetted various services based on service features, customer service, ease of use, and turnaround, to bring you the best options.

Here are the top four services that you can consider for your Louisiana LLC.


Top 4 Registered Agent Services in Louisiana (December 2024)

1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Rated 4.85/5
A man holding a laptop while talking to a woman
4.9
Support
4.7
Price
4.8
Privacy and Security
4.9
Compliance Alerts
5.0
User Ratings
4.8
Features
Sign Up To Northwest Registered Agent

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Northwest safeguards your address from public records.
  • Customize services to meet your specific needs.
  • Exceptional customer support known for expertise and responsiveness.
  • Exclusive discount offered to Venture Smarter readers.
  • A well-established track record of over 25 years.
  • Strong commitment to data privacy, no customer data sales.
Cons
  • Mandatory agent appointment for LLC formation.
  • Absence of BBB accreditation may raise concerns.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Businesses needing reliable, comprehensive registered agent services across multiple states.

Who is it not for?

  • Not ideal for those looking for the cheapest option available.

The Verdict

Northwest Registered Agent offers robust privacy protections and expert support, making it a top choice for businesses seeking comprehensive registered agent services.

Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)?

When I was setting up my business, Northwest Registered Agent ensured all requirements of the Louisiana Secretary of State were met, making the process seamless for me.

According to the Northwest website, they support more than 3 million businesses nationwide, highlighting their significant experience and broad reach.

Northwest offers same-day scanning of all documents received. This ensures that you receive any without delay, which is crucial for maintaining compliance and responding to legal matters promptly.

Clients have access to an online dashboard where they can view scanned documents, track compliance deadlines, and manage their account details.

Northwest also provides registered agent services in all 50 states, which is ideal for businesses that operate in multiple states or plan to expand.

The company also assists with forming corporations, providing expert guidance throughout the process, and access to a variety of legal forms to support compliance.

Northwest Registered Agent offers transparent pricing. While slightly pricier, they ensure confidentiality and an excellent customer experience.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Services ($125): $125/year but if you let Northwest create your LLC, the first year of registered agent service is free.
  • LLC Formation Service - Basic Plan ($39 + $105 State Fee): To establish an LLC in Louisiana, you only can acquire the package and get Articles of Organization, an operating agreement, 1-year registered agent service at no cost, and standard and expedited processing speeds available.
  • LLC Formation Service - Full Service ($225 + $105 State Fee): A full year of registered agent service, same-day filing, an operating agreement, and an online account with access to useful forms and resources.

2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)

Rated 4.75/5
A ZenBusiness logo with a working entrepreneur in the background
4.8
Support
4.6
Price
4.7
Privacy and Security
4.8
Compliance Alerts
4.9
User Ratings
4.7
Features
Sign Up To ZenBusiness

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Promotes social responsibility and community involvement.
  • Assists small businesses with services and grants.
  • Speedy and uncomplicated purchase process.
  • Choice of annual report filing service.
Cons
  • Incurs an extra charge for annual report filing.
  • Limited availability of customer support.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • New and small businesses seeking affordable registered agent services with additional support for compliance.

Who is it not for?

  • May not be suitable for very large businesses or those not requiring hand-holding in business formation processes.

The Verdict

ZenBusiness provides excellent value with a combination of affordability, ease of use, and inclusive features that support small business compliance and growth.

Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)?

When I was on a tight budget, ZenBusiness proved to be a cost-effective choice for my Louisiana LLC.

The customer support, which I reached out to a couple of times, was always prompt and helpful.

Their signup process was easy, and the whole process took me less than 15 minutes.

ZenBusiness also provides a step-by-step operating agreement to assist you in understanding how things work, while the EIN lets you keep tabs on and handle your business's tax-related tasks.

This Louisiana registered agent service is known for offering good customer service and software access. You also may check and make changes to your company's yearly reports.

For businesses looking to establish an online presence, ZenBusiness offers a website builder tool.

Service Features:

  • ZenBusiness Registered Agent ($199): The $199 yearly renewal fee is a postponed payment that must be made once the business has been officially created.
  • Starter LLC Formation Package ($0 + $105 State Fee): This package offers the usual filing speed, typically taking around 7 to 10 business days to get everything prepared. For no-errors, this package offers a 100% guarantee and optional worry-free compliance. After a year you can renew it at a yearly cost of $199. Standard Package offers a free month of banking and bank account, after which their price will be $5 each. All in all, this package offers great security for minimum investment.
  • Pro LLC Formation Package ($199 + $105 State Fee): The upgraded option offers a speedier filing process, usually taking just 1 business day, which is great if you want to get your business up and running quickly.
  • Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $105 State Fee): The top-tier choice takes what the Pro option offers and goes even further by including ready-to-use business document templates. This helps make tasks smoother and reduces the need for time-consuming administrative work. On top of that, you'll get a 1-day filing speed and a bunch of online advantages, like your own domain name, email address, and a customizable company website.

3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)

Rated 4.68/5
bizee
4.7
Support
4.6
Price
4.6
Privacy and Security
4.7
Compliance Alerts
4.8
User Ratings
4.7
Features
Sign Up To Bizee

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Complimentary 1-year Registered Agent included.
  • Proven reliability with 25+ years of experience.
  • Budget-friendly Registered Agent service for $119.
  • User-friendly dashboard for easy navigation.
Cons
  • Occasional delays in document scanning.
  • Customer support is available only on weekdays.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for a cost-effective solution with basic registered agent services.

Who is it not for?

  • Not for businesses that need very high-touch, personalized customer service.

The Verdict

IncFile offers an economical registered agent service that is sufficient for small businesses and startups, emphasizing simplicity and efficiency.

Would you recommend Bizee (Most Affordable)?

I remember when I was starting out, Bizee (formerly Incfile) was a lifesaver. They covered all the essentials for my LLC formation without breaking the bank.

Bizee also offered us timely legal alerts to help you avoid unnecessary state penalties.

With an intuitive dashboard, you can conveniently organize, manage, and store all your files which we appreciate.

This service offers additional features like an operating agreement, banking resolution, lifetime company notifications, and business tax counseling.

They are one of the cheaper LLC filing services in Louisiana, and they do still offer a decent service. Although, the turnaround times may be a bit slower.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($119): It costs you $119 to hire Bizee as your registered agent service, but they offer it for free if you start your LLC with them. After the first year, the renewal charge will be $119.
  • Silver LLC Formation Service Package ($0 + $105 State Fee): Articles of Organization, unlimited name checks, and one-year registered agent service for free.
  • Gold LLC Formation Service Package ($199 + $105 State Fee): This plan includes everything in the Silver Package plus an EIN Business Tax Number, and an IRS Form 2553.
  • Platinum LLC Formation Service Package ($299 + $105 State Fee): Everything that Gold Package has plus a few extras (business contract templates, free next-day filing, and business email & domain).

4 - LegalZoom (Best Premium)

Rated 4.55/5
A man and a woman talking in front of a tablet
4.6
Support
4.3
Price
4.6
Privacy and Security
4.6
Compliance Alerts
4.6
User Ratings
4.6
Features
Sign Up To LegalZoom

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Supplies expert legal guidance and assistance.
  • Efficient document storage via cloud storage.
  • A plethora of free business templates available.
Cons
  • Comparatively costly LLC services.
  • Highest registered agent service pricing.
  • Pushy upselling tactics may be off-putting.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • Larger businesses or those needing a range of legal services in addition to registered agent services.

Who is it not for?

  • Not the best choice for those on a tight budget due to higher pricing.

The Verdict

LegalZoom's registered agent services are comprehensive and backed by a strong reputation, making them suitable for businesses that also need frequent legal services and are willing to pay a premium.

Would you recommend LegalZoom (Best Premium)?

I once considered LegalZoom for my business needs. LegalZoom's website states that they have assisted more than 2 million businesses in addressing their legal requirements.

Their reputation in the business community is solid, and my interactions with them were quite positive.

Some of the benefits you'll receive from this service include identity theft protection coverage of up to $1 million, unlimited cloud storage, and alerts for essential emails.

This registered agent service provided me with an actual street address in Louisiana, forwarded my mail, and serviced me during regular business hours.

I also appreciated their step-by-step instructions and the friendly support team.

LegalZoom also offers additional features including an operating agreement, EIN, and professional advice on tax exemptions and insurance coverage.

They will meet all filing deadlines to keep your LLC in compliance with the Secretary of State in Louisiana.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Services ($299): The initial year of creating an LLC with their company incurs a fee of $249. Subsequently, the cost of renewing the registered agent service is $299.
  • Basic LLC Formation Package ($0 + $105 State Fee): Here, you'll get a complete name search, a customizable website, a digital welcoming packet, and articles of organization.
  • Pro LLC Formation Package ($249 + $105 State Fee): You'll receive the same services as the Basic package and a comprehensive guide on business licensing.
  • Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $105 State Fee): You'll not only benefit from the Pro package but also receive firsthand assistance from a seasoned business attorney. Furthermore, you'll get an unrestricted 30-minute session with the attorney regarding the latest legal advice during your initial 90-day subscription period, including revisions to your LLC documents.

Why Should You Trust Us?

Venture Smarter stands as your premier guide in selecting a registered agent in Louisiana, backed by our extensive experience and a deep understanding of the local business environment. Our team, with a rich background in legal, financial, and strategic consultancy, brings a century’s worth of collective expertise to ensure your business complies with Louisiana's legal requirements.

The Venture Smarter team, leveraging our vast experience in business consultancy, has meticulously evaluated various registered agent services in Louisiana. Our approach is rooted in firsthand experiences and legal knowledge, ensuring that our recommendations are not just comprehensive but also tailored to meet the unique challenges and opportunities within the Louisiana business landscape.

Understanding the intricacies of Louisiana's business regulations, the Venture Smarter team has identified the top registered agent services that cater specifically to the needs of Louisiana entrepreneurs. Our selection process goes beyond basic features; we consider customer feedback, legal compliance, and the specific nuances of operating a business in Louisiana.

At Venture Smarter, transparency and integrity are at the core of our mission. Our reviews and recommendations are the result of unbiased, evidence-based evaluations. When you choose a registered agent service based on our guidance, you're leveraging the collective expertise of a team dedicated to your business's success and compliance.

How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In Louisiana?

When ranking Louisiana registered agent services on our list, we have been using a standardized selection process aimed at prioritizing the companies that afford the highest quality service at an affordable price.

Working with our legal team and licensed attorneys-at-law, we managed to identify several factors essential to customer satisfaction and then used them to rank each of these services.

1. Price

For any business, especially small businesses or startups, managing expenses is crucial. Choosing a registered agent service that fits within your budget helps in maintaining overall financial health.

We looked at the base cost of each good Registered Agent Service in Louisiana and any discounts and promotions they might offer for specific services, to help our clients get the most value possible out of their funds.

Based on our review, Bizee received a 5/5 for its affordable pricing; they offer free registered agent service if you purchase any of their formation plus and the service renews for $119/yr afterward.

However, LegalZoom received a 2/5 for its expensive pricing; they charge $299/yr for their registered agent service.

2. Customer support

A good customer support team can help you navigate complex state regulations and compliance requirements. This is especially important for businesses that are new or expanding into new jurisdictions.

We tested the quality and responsiveness of each Louisiana registered agent service’s customer support to credit the services that provide timely assistance in case of any questions or unexpected issues a client may need to be solved.

Following our testing, ZenBusiness had the most responsive and professional customer service. They picked up our phone calls within minutes and all our issues were addressed exhaustively.

"Choose a registered agent service that can adapt and grow alongside you. Consider providers with a wide range of services, including annual report filing assistance, business formation support, and access to business resources or educational materials."

- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions

3. Turnaround time

A registered agent with a quick turnaround time ensures that you receive these documents promptly, allowing you to respond within legal timeframes and maintain compliance.

We reviewed the turnaround for different services by going through the entire ordering process and noting and sharing how long it took each company to provide the service.

Those services that managed to meet our swift turnaround of 1-3 business days like Northwest were rated 5/5.

However, we feel like LegalZoom could improve its response time and extend its service hours.

4. Service Features

It's important to assess whether the benefits provided by the service features justify the cost and if they align with your business's budget and value expectations.

We analyzed the service features of different registered agents and selected the ones that offer the right mix of tools, support, and capabilities to help your business operate efficiently, stay compliant, and grow effectively.

Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness have comprehensive business formation assistance, foreign qualification services, and specialized document handling.

5. Confidentiality

Registered agents handle sensitive documents, including legal notices, government correspondence, and potentially confidential business information.

Ensuring that this information is kept confidential is vital to protect your business from potential security breaches and information leaks.

Based on this criterion, we recommend Northwest because of their Privacy by Default® features that automatically minimize the exposure of any third-party access to your personal data

6. Ease of Use

An easy-to-use registered agent service saves time and effort, allowing business owners and managers to focus on core business activities rather than spending excessive time on administrative tasks.

ZenBusiness and Northwest stood out with their easy-to-use platforms that ensure important documents, such as legal notices, compliance documents, and government correspondence, are easily accessible.

This is crucial for timely responses and maintaining compliance with state regulations.

7. Third-party Reviews

Reviews allow for comparative analysis between different registered agent services. They can help in understanding how a service stacks up against its competitors in terms of price, features, and customer satisfaction.

Northwest Registered Agent has received positive reviews across credible platforms like Trustpilot. Most customer reviews confirm their exceptional customer support and fast document processing.

8. Transition Process

The transition process to a new registered agent service is a critical phase that requires careful planning and execution. A well-managed transition minimizes risks and sets the foundation for a successful partnership with your new registered agent.

Based on our testing, Northwest and ZenBusiness excelled in this category ensuring continuity of service, maintaining compliance, understanding new systems, and managing overall costs.

How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost in Louisiana?

Registered agent service providers in Louisiana typically cost between $119 and $299. If the cost is too high, you can act as your own registered agent service for free if you're of legal age and are available to receive legal documents from the state.

Related Articles:

Requirements for a Louisiana Registered Agent

A person writing on a table with eyeglasses on the side

The requirements for Louisiana registered agent according to Louisiana law (RS 12:1-501) include the following:

  • Registered agents in Louisiana are required to have a street address there.
  • Competent to receive papers and at least 18 years old.
  • To receive papers in person, the individual or company must be reachable during normal office hours.

If you are unhappy with your current agent, keep in mind that you can change a registered agent in Louisiana at any time.

FAQs

What is a Louisiana Registered Agent?

A Louisiana registered agent is the person chosen by your business to receive legal paperwork. A sheriff or process server will personally deliver the lawsuit notification or service of process to your registered agent if your company is sued. Registration agents must be physically accessible and must accept signatures.

Does One Need Registered Agent Services in Louisiana?

Yes, one needs registered agent services in Louisiana for all business registrations with the Secretary of State. In the event of administrative or legal action, a person is designated as an agent to receive legal documents served on the company.

What is the Process of Changing Your Own Registered Agent in Louisiana?

The process of changing your own registered agent in Louisiana is simply to complete a change form and send it to the Louisiana Secretary of State with a $25 filing fee paid by check, money order, credit card, or cash. An additional $5 convenience fee is added to credit card transactions.

Our Verdict on the Best registered Agent Services in Louisiana

Drawing from our personal experiences navigating the business landscape in Louisiana, we've realized the importance of a reliable registered agent.

That's why we vouch for Northwest Registered Agent.

They've been a game-changer for our business, ensuring our privacy, and never letting us miss a crucial deadline.

Their offerings, from local corporate guides to prompt document forwarding, have been invaluable.

If you're looking for a partner to keep your Louisiana business on track, Northwest might just be the perfect fit.

Our #1 Recommendation

Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

A man holding a laptop while talking to a woman
Rated 4.85/5
4.9
Support
4.7
Price
4.8
Privacy and Security
4.9
Compliance Alerts
5.0
User Ratings
4.8
Features
Pros
  • Northwest safeguards your address from public records.
  • Customize services to meet your specific needs.
  • Exceptional customer support known for expertise and responsiveness.
  • Exclusive discount offered to Venture Smarter readers.
  • A well-established track record of over 25 years.
  • Strong commitment to data privacy, no customer data sales.
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of December
Cons
  • Mandatory agent appointment for LLC formation.
  • Absence of BBB accreditation may raise concerns.

About The Author

Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
Learn more about our editorial policy
Growth & Transition Advisor
LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
Learn more about our editorial policy

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