7 Best Registered Agent Services in North Dakota (2024 Upd)

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: March 11, 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

While registered agents in North Dakota come in handy, identifying one that offers the specific services you need for your business may be challenging. That is why we are here to help.

With support from our legal team, we took our time to research the best-registered agent services in North Dakota. We looked at critical factors, including service features, turnaround time, and pricing for each registered agent.

Based on our firsthand experience, we chose some of the best service providers in North Dakota, based on the package service's features, response time, cost, and customer service.


Top 7 Registered Agents in North Dakota (March 2024)

1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Northwest Registered Agent logo with a business woman doing work in the background
Support
5.0
Price
4.8
Turnaround
5.0
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.9
Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)?

Northwest Registered Agent is the second-biggest registered agent in the United States.

With them, you can be sure that experts will handle all business operations to start your LLC.

They provide LLC formation in North Dakota and registered agent services. This LLC formation service is customer-oriented and always has knowledgeable employees on the other end of the line.

In our experience, you can order LLC formation online and get started in minutes. They are also responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of the business.

We like that Northwest Registered Agent service doesn't outsource any of its online LLC services, making every step automated and faster.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Services ($125/year): Physical office access, presence during regular business hours, email forwarding, pre-filled state forms, yearly report updates, online dashboard.
  • Basic Plan ($39 + $135 State Fee): You can use it to incorporate companies, LLCs, and nonprofit organizations. This package comes with an operational agreement, articles of organization, a free year of registered agent service, and standard and accelerated processing rates.
  • Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $135 State Fee): This package includes free restricted mail forwarding, a year of registered agent service, same business day filing, and more.
Pros
  • Keeps your personal information private, a rare feature in the Northwest region.
  • Choose services a la carte, tailored to your specific business needs.
  • Exceptional customer support with quick responses and expert guidance.
  • Exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers, saving you money.
  • Proven reliability with over 25 years of industry experience.
  • Respects your privacy by not selling your valuable data.
Cons
  • Mandatory appointment as a registered agent for LLC formation.
  • Absence of BBB accreditation may raise trust concerns for some clients.
Sign Up To Northwest Registered Agent

2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)

ZenBusiness logo with a background of a business man using a laptop
Support
4.9
Price
5.0
Turnaround
4.9
User Rating
2000+ Reviews
Overall
4.9
Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)?

At ZenBusiness, we've experienced firsthand the ease and efficiency of starting a business. With a proven track record of assisting over 2 million entrepreneurs, their support and resources have been invaluable to us and many others.

Their Registered Agent Service stands out, offering the convenience of no fees until your business is officially formed. This was a significant relief for us as we navigated the early stages of our business journey.

Their Starter Package convinced us to put more trust into ZenBusiness, but for faster filing speed which is why Pro Plan worked better for our business.

One of the most impressive aspects of ZenBusiness is their foresight in business needs.

They provided us with a ready-made operating agreement template, saving us the time and expense of hiring an attorney for this essential document.

This thoughtful inclusion speaks volumes about their understanding of entrepreneurs' challenges.

From registering our business name to filing taxes, ZenBusiness offered us everything a business owner needs in one place.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($199): Includes a registered agent, access to legal documents online, business formation with ZenBusiness, and compliance assurance.
  • Starter Package ($0 + $135 State Fee): Standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks) applies, and covers the standard corporate filing service, including name availability search capabilities and access to your files via the ZenBusiness site. For only state fee you will get free month of banking and bank account. With Starter you can choose optional worry-free compliance free of charge for a full year. Afterwards you can renew it for $199 per year.
  • Pro Package ($199 + $135 State Fee): Faster expedited filing speed applies (1 to 2 businessdays). In addition, ZenBusiness Pro provides additional North Dakota LLC formation services compared to Starter Package, such as an EIN for smooth IRS-related relation, and an operating agreement to stress-free organized internal processes, and legal protection.
  • Premium Package ($349 + $135 State Fee): With Premium Package you will get to enjoy all perks from the Pro package plus business document templates for more simplifies paperwork. The fastest rush filing speed applies (1-2 days), and you will get a business website with a business e-mail address, and a website builder ready to use with hundreds of templates.
Pros
  • Demonstrates a strong sense of social responsibility and community engagement.
  • Supports small businesses through services and grant programs.
  • Offers a quick and straightforward purchasing process.
  • Allows flexibility with the option to add a Registered Agent.
Cons
  • An additional fee is required for annual report filing and compliance.
  • Limited customer support hours may not accommodate all users.
Sign Up To ZenBusiness

3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)

bizee
Support
5.0
Price
4.7
Turnaround
4.8
User Rating
1000+ Reviews
Overall
4.8
Would you recommend Bizee (Most Affordable)?

Our personal experience with Bizee (formerly Incfile) solidifies its reputation as one of the most affordable and reliable LLC service providers in North Dakota.

Boasting over 20 years of experience in the field and having served more than 1,000,000 customers, Bizee stands as a testament to long-standing and broad-based satisfaction among entrepreneurs.

For a reasonable annual fee of just $119, Bizee offers a comprehensive package that is particularly advantageous for startups and small businesses.

With an LLC formation, the Registered Agent service is free for a full year.

They can help you prepare your paperwork, provide unlimited name searches, and even give you an EIN number.

Bizee offered us a free LLC formation service in North Dakota that we genially recommend to those who want to start an LLC.

Our team discovered that their support via email and phone is really unlimited and skilled.

We tested their services, including formation tools and competitive pricing, and found them to be handy for startups.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($119/year): Provides registered agent services, an online dashboard for easy management, email and SMS reminders, and automated mail forwarding of legal documents.
  • Silver Package ($0 + $135 State Fee): The items of organization preparation and completion, as well as limitless name searches, are all included in this bundle. Also, a year of free registered agent service is to be expected.
  • Gold Package ($199 + $135 State Fee): Gold Package includes everything in the Silver Package plus the IRS Form 2552, EIN Business Tax Number, Banking Agreement, Operating Solution, and more.
  • Platinum Package ($299 + $135 State Fee): Together with a domain name, free next-day filing, and business email, this plan includes features from the Gold level. With Bizee Platinum, you will also get a website and domain design, speedy delivery for LLC formation documents, additional paperwork, and an official stamping seal.
Pros
  • Get a free 1-year Registered Agent service.
  • Demonstrated credibility spanning 25 years.
  • Affordable Registered Agent priced at $119.
  • User-friendly dashboard for easy access.
Cons
  • Document scanning may experience occasional delays.
  • Customer support is limited to weekdays.
Sign Up To Bizee

4 - LegalZoom (Best Premium)

Legalzoom logo with an office worker posing in the background with a table full of paperwork

LegalZoom is among the widely recognized registered agent service entities and business creation services available today.

As a widely recognized entity in the business formation and registered agent service industry, they have consistently delivered high-quality services.

Through an examination of LegalZoom's privacy policies and user testimonials, we confirmed a strong emphasis on privacy protection. However, the organizational assistance aspect varies by user, suggesting that experiences may not uniformly align with this claim.

From our experience, with this service from LegalZoom, you will get instant online access to the registered agent's address, and same-day electronic delivery of your documents.

Millions of individuals have tested LegalZoom and benefited from their services, including us.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($299/year): They charge a fee of $249 in the first year of establishing an LLC. Renewal of the LLC will cost $299. The package offers a compliance calendar, unlimited cloud storage, and an identity theft cover worth 1 M dollars.
  • Basic LLC Formation Package ($0 + $135 State Fee): This package comes with comprehensive name-searching services, a personalized website, a digital welcome kit, as well as articles of organization.
  • Pro LLC Formation Package ($249 + $135 State Fee): You'll receive all the services in the Basic package plus a thorough guide on business licensing, an operating agreement, an EIN, and expert counsel regarding issues of taxation and insurance coverage.
  • Premium LLC Formation Package ($299 + $135 State Fee): Includes all Pro features and access to personalized guidance from a highly experienced business attorney. What's more, you'll be entitled to a 30-minute consultation with the attorney on new legal topics - without any limitations, as well as modifications to your LLC papers throughout your first three months of subscription.
Pros
  • User-friendly website enhances navigation.
  • Consistently lauded customer support.
  • Swiftly facilitates business and legal setup.
Cons
  • Higher LLC service fees compared to others.
  • Top-notch registered agent service with premium pricing.
  • Aggressive promotion of additional services.
Sign Up To LegalZoom

5 - Swyft Filings

Swyftfilings logo with an office worker in the background

Swyft Filings Registered Agent Service is created to offer businesses an expert and affordable way to complete their registered agent obligations.

They have strong customer reviews, and from our experience very responsive customer support.

One of the features that attracted us to them is a 100% refund if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

Since forming an LLC with them was straightforward there was no need for this call, but it felt good knowing that you can get your investment back.

The biggest downside of Swyft's Silings offer is that there is no registered agent in the formation packages.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Services: ($149/year): Includes confidentiality protection, security of documents, compliance alerts, and an online dashboard.
  • Basic Package ($0 + $135 State Fee): Basic package includes all three of the aforementioned features: establishing the business, determining the legality of the business name, and filing the articles of organization.
  • Standard Package ($199 + $135 State Fee): This plan includes federal tax ID number (EIN), LLC operating agreement, banking resolution, and organizational minutes as part of the LLC creation services.
  • Premium Package ($299 + $135 State Fee): Premium Package includes a personalized digital corporate kit, basic services, and trackable FedEx delivery.
Pros
  • Convenient online document storage capabilities.
  • High level of trust and reliability.
  • Consistent performance and positive feedback.
Cons
  • Additional charges for expedited services.
  • May lack advanced tax advice.
Sign Up To Swyft Filings

6 - Harbor Compliance

Harbor compliance logo with an office worker in the background

Harbor Compliance Registered Agent Service gives instant online access to registered agent addresses and annual fees from $89 with no additional charges.

They offered us a 5-10% discount for over two years. From our experience, their information center is a real treasure, with thousands of guides and white papers.

Regarding registered agent solutions, Harbor Compliance is a fair choice.

After using their service, the major drawback was that they are still developing their expertise because they are a growing business.

Service Features:

  • Registered Agent Service ($89-99/year): Includes a registered agent, same-day document shipping, free document scanning, a simple interface, personalized alerts, yearly report reminders, and consulting services.
  • Basic Formation Package ($99 + $135 State Fee): Includes confirming the availability of the name and a draft of state documents such as the articles of incorporation and the contract.
Pros
  • One-on-one expert consultations.
  • Comprehensive service catalog.
  • Prompt and supportive customer service.
Cons
  • Higher pricing compared to peers.
  • Occasional customer service issues.
Sign Up To Harbor Compliance

7 - North Dakota Registered Agent Service

A North Dakota Registered Agent working in an LLC office

North Dakota recognizes the need for the members of the public and state organizations to have a dependable method of reaching big corporations from the start.

North Dakota Registered Agent Service is there to help you navigate the complexities of business formation and compliance in the state.

They provide a professional and knowledgeable team of agents dedicated to ensuring all your business needs are met.

We loved the same-day document delivery and compliance calendar, which really helped us stay on track and stick to our deadlines.

They provided us with the registered agent address, and their interactive map of registered agents let us check their prices across the States and compare them faster with other North Dakota services.

Extended customer hours would be a plus, but if you contact them during their office hours, they will contact you within 24 hours.

With them, you can count on knowledgeable and reliable assistance to help establish and maintain a successful business in North Dakota.

Service Features:

  •  Registered Agent Service ($30/year): Includes service of process, compliance assurance, document scanning, email alerts, and secure online account.
  • LLC Incorporation ($100 + $135 State Fee): Provide the tools and resources necessary to get your business off the ground and running quickly and efficiently.
Pros
  • Online account with access to every North Dakota business entity forms.
  • Offers same-day notifications.
  • Once you contact them, you can get qualified and experienced workers.
Cons
  • No discounts offered
  • Developing brand

Why Should You Trust Us

You should trust the Venture Smarter team for your North Dakota LLC formation needs because we bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the business landscape to the table.

Our insights and recommendations are crafted from comprehensive research and real-world testing, ensuring that every Venture Smarter reader receives advice that's not just theoretical but proven in practice.

At Venture Smarter, we prioritize transparency and integrity, ensuring that every piece of advice we offer is in the best interest of our readers. Our reviews and recommendations are the result of meticulous analysis and genuine experiences, reflecting our commitment to the success of every Venture Smarter reader.

Choosing Venture Smarter means partnering with a team that's dedicated to your long-term success. We're not just about helping you start your LLC; we're here to support you at every step of your business journey.

Trust us to guide you through the complexities of forming your LLC in North Dakota, and become part of a community that values success, support, and smart decisions.

How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In North Dakota

Clicking pen and holding a folder full of important files

Selecting the appropriate registered agent service is vital for businesses to stay compliant with state rules and promptly receive crucial legal papers.

Recognizing this significance, we thoroughly researched to identify the top registered agent services in North Dakota.

Our approach involved interacting anonymously with various service providers, ensuring an impartial evaluation.

We leveraged the expertise of an independent review team, which included legal professionals with a deep understanding of North Dakota's business environment.

Here are what we used:

1. Affordability

Price plays a pivotal role, especially for startups and small businesses operating within tight financial constraints.

To test affordability, we compared the annual fees of over 10 registered agent services while considering the breadth of services offered at each price point. We also calculated the average cost for startups and small businesses, using scenarios with varying levels of legal activity to assess overall value.

Among the services we reviewed, Bizee emerged as a standout for its affordability, offering a comprehensive package at just $119 annually. This pricing is particularly advantageous for startups and small businesses.

On the other hand, we noted LegalZoom, with its annual fee of $299, for being on the higher end, reflecting a different value proposition.

2. Third-Party Reviews

Third-party reviews provide an unbiased perspective on the quality and reliability of registered agent services.

For our testing, we aggregated customer ratings from at least three different platforms for each service, analyzing over 500 customer reviews in total. We looked for common themes in positive and negative feedback and assessed the credibility of each review source.

Platforms like TrustPilot, Yopto, and PowerReviews offer insights from a broad range of customers, giving a more rounded view of a company's performance.

In our evaluation, we considered the ratings and feedback on various platforms.

Services like Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness received high marks for their customer service and comprehensive features, while others had mixed reviews, highlighting areas for improvement.

3. Service Features

The range and quality of service features are critical in determining the effectiveness of a registered agent service.

We created a checklist of essential features, including document forwarding, compliance alerts, and annual report assistance.

We then conducted hands-on tests with each service to verify the availability and functionality of these features, noting any additional benefits that could enhance value for businesses.

We prioritized services with these additional benefits, ensuring maximum value for businesses.

Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness stood out for their comprehensive service features. Northwest Registered Agent, for instance, offers an online dashboard, pre-filled state forms, and yearly report updates.

4. Customer Support

Effective customer support is crucial for timely and accurate assistance, especially when dealing with legal and compliance-related queries.

During our interactions, we paid close attention to whether the support was provided by real humans or automated bots. Personalized human interaction was a significant plus, often leading to more accurate and tailored assistance.

We observed that the leading services provided multiple communication channels, including phone, email, and online chat.

For instance, ZenBusiness was noted for offering extended chat support hours, ensuring accessibility and prompt responses. The speed of response and availability during business hours were key factors in our evaluation.

5. Confidentiality

In the digital age, the security and confidentiality of business data are paramount. Registered agent services must ensure the highest levels of data protection to safeguard sensitive information.

Our review identified services that took extra measures to protect client data with robust security protocols and privacy policies.

We also noted that any services had experienced data breaches, which would be a significant concern for potential clients.

Among the services reviewed, Northwest Registered Agent explicitly commits to maintaining the security and confidentiality of client information.

6. Transition Process

When switching registered agent services, a seamless transition is crucial to avoid any gaps in legal coverage or compliance issues.

Our analysis focused on how well services facilitated the transition process for new clients. We looked for companies that ensured a smooth handover, maintaining continuity and minimizing disruption for the business.

Companies like Northwest Registered Agent, ZenBusiness, and Bizee seem to provide the necessary features and support for a smooth changeover.

7. Turnaround Time

The speed at which registered agent services process and relay legal documents are vital for timely compliance and response to legal obligations.

We assessed this by submitting a series of document requests to each service and timing how long it took for the documents to be processed and delivered, both digitally and physically where applicable.

"Quick turnaround times ensure that businesses can act promptly on legal notices and maintain good standing with state regulations."

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

Our research indicated that companies like Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee were particularly efficient in their document processing and delivery times, offering same-day or next-day services in many cases.

8. Ease of Use

A user-friendly platform simplifies the process of managing legal documents and compliance requirements, making it accessible even for those without legal expertise.

Our review included hands-on testing of each service's online platform, evaluating the user interface, navigation, accessibility of information, and the availability of support resources like FAQs and tutorials.

Northwest Registered Agent has automated and streamlined online services, which make every step faster and more efficient.

Their service includes features like an online dashboard, pre-filled state forms, and yearly report updates, which enhance the user experience

How Much Does the Best Registered Agent Service Cost in North Dakota?

Best registered agent services in North Dakota usually cost between $119 and $349. More complex services can be more expensive. If you are looking for more comprehensive services, it may cost more, even up to around $500.

On the other hand, choosing to act as your own registered agent in North Dakota is a cost-free option.

Ultimately, you need a quote specific to your needs to get an accurate idea of how much it should cost you.

Related Articles:

Requirements for a North Dakota Registered Agent?

Close up shot of a business person signing something

According to the North Dakota registered agents Act (N.D.C.C., Chapter 10-01.1), these are the requirements a registered agent must follow:

  1. The registered agent must be a resident of North Dakota or a company that offers registered agent services.
  2. The registered agent must be 18 years old and above.
  3. The registered agent must keep a corporate headquarters (a physical address in North Dakota).
  4. All through normal business hours, The North Dakota registered agent must acknowledge legal documents (service of process).

FAQs

Is a Registered Agent Required in North Dakota?

Yes, a registered agent is required in North Dakota, according to North Dakota legislation. North Dakota registered agents acknowledge service of process as a representative of the corporation to which they've been assigned.

What Is the Difference Between a Commercial Registered Agent and a Noncommercial Registered Agent in North Dakota?

A commercial registered agent has submitted a special registration declaration with their nation's corporation jurisdiction. In contrast, noncommercial registered agents include people, one-state registered agent businesses, and organizations that have not submitted a registration declaration with the North Dakota secretary of state.

In North Dakota, Can I Act as My Own Registered Agent?

Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in North Dakota if you have a physical address in the state and meet all the other requirements of a registered agent.

Our Verdict on the Best Registered Agent in North Dakota

After diving deep into the world of registered agents in North Dakota, I can confidently say that Northwest Registered Agent stands out. I felt relieved knowing that my business's legal intricacies were in the hands of seasoned professionals.

Their affordability, paired with their vast experience, makes them a top choice. I genuinely appreciate how they've equipped me with everything necessary to steer my business smoothly.

If you're on the fence, going with Northwest Registered Agent will be a decision you won't regret.

Our #1 Recommendation

Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Northwest Registered Agent logo with a business woman doing work in the background
Support
5.0
Price
4.8
Turnaround
5.0
Overall
4.9
Pros
  • Keeps your personal information private, a rare feature in the Northwest region.
  • Choose services a la carte, tailored to your specific business needs.
  • Exceptional customer support with quick responses and expert guidance.
  • Exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers, saving you money.
  • Proven reliability with over 25 years of industry experience.
  • Respects your privacy by not selling your valuable data.
  • Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
Cons
  • Mandatory appointment as a registered agent for LLC formation.
  • Absence of BBB accreditation may raise trust concerns for some clients.

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