7 Best Registered Agent Services in South Carolina in 2025
According to the North Carolina Secretary of State, while an exact figure is elusive due to the diverse nature of providers, industry estimates suggest over 150 registered agent service providers operate in South Carolina, catering to a range of business needs.
This choice is pivotal as it involves entrusting someone to handle sensitive legal documents on behalf of your business.
As an experienced business consultant and LLC formation specialist, I spent hours researching the best-registered agent services candidates for you and listed some of the top recommendations.
These suggestions are derived from an in-depth analysis and the expertise of industry professionals, whom I have collaborated with to ensure that your decision is well-informed.
| Company | Registered Agent Price | Service Features | Money-Back Guarantee | BBB Accredited | Advisory Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest (Best Overall) | $125/year. First year free with LLC purchase. | Same-Day Scans, Instant Notifications Privacy by Default® Business Address & Free Mail Forwarding Free Domain, Website, Email & Business Phone. | 90 days | No, A rating | No |
| ZenBusiness (Best Essentials) | $199/year | Receiving and forwarding official legal mail, scanning and uploading documents to the customer’s dashboard, and notifying the customer via email. | 60 days | Yes | Accounting Consultation |
| Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable) | $149/year | Same-Day document access, email notifications, annual report notifications to stay compliant. | No | Yes | No |
| LegalZoom (Best Premium) | $249/year | Alerts & reminders, documents scanned and uploaded, unlimited cloud storage for business documents. | 60 days | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
| Bizee (formerly Incfile) | $99/year. First year free with LLC purchase. | Manages the paperwork for you, avoid missed deadlines, tiresome paperwork, noncompliance and the associated fines or penalties. | Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee. | No | Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation |
| Swyft Filings | $199 | Get notified of all incoming mail and upcoming government deadlines for tax filing and annual reports. | 60 days | No | No |
| Rocket Lawyer | $249.99 with Rocket Legal / $124.99 with Rocket Legal+ | Receive important legal and tax communications, scanned official documents to your email, keep your personal business address private. | 30 days | Yes | Legal: Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter (with subscription) |
NorthwestTop 7 South Carolina Registered Agents (September 2025)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Northwest keeps your address confidential, a unique advantage in the industry.
- You have flexibility to select only the services you require, saving costs.
- Northwest's customer support is renowned for its responsiveness and expertise.
- They offer an exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers, saving you money.
- With over 25 years in business, Northwest's reliability is unquestionable.
- Your privacy is protected as they do not sell customer data.
- Refunds can only be processed via phone, potentially inconvenient.
- Lack of Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation may raise concerns for some clients.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses needing strong privacy protections and comprehensive customer support.
Who is it not for?
- Those seeking the lowest cost option.
The Verdict
Northwest offers premium services and excellent support, ideal for businesses prioritizing privacy and reliability.
Northwest Registered Agent Service stood out as our best overall registered agent service in South Carolina. They offer a blend of professionalism, dependability, and specialized services.
Their commitment to ensuring your LLC formation or incorporation is handled expertly and swiftly sets them apart in the field.
Navigating their online platform is a breeze. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to log in and follow the straightforward commands. This user-friendly approach simplifies the process, especially for those new to LLC formations.
Our personal experience with Northwest Registered Agent's customer service was outstanding. They were always available to guide us through each step of the incorporation process, demonstrating a deep understanding and patience that greatly eased our journey.
Customers can expect one-day LLC registrations, ensuring a quick turnaround for their business needs. Moreover, the confidentiality provided by Northwest is top-notch, giving you peace of mind that your business details are in safe hands.
With a one-time fee covering a whole year of service, the value offered by Northwest is remarkable. Their round-the-clock assistance and deep LLC knowledge make their services a noteworthy choice in the price range they operate in.
Service Features:
-
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Provides registered agent representation, business address for service of process, mail scanning & digital forwarding, and privacy protection (keeps personal address off public record). Free for the first year when forming an LLC.
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LLC Formation ($39 + $125 state fees): Includes business address & free digital mail forwarding, LLC operating agreement, and instant domain, website, email & phone number.
2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Embraces social responsibility and community engagement.
- Offers small businesses support and grants.
- Simplifies purchasing procedures.
- Provides annual report filing service.
- Lacks Registered Agent in formation plans.
- Requires extra fees for compliance.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small businesses and startups needing affordable and reliable registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Large corporations requiring extensive features.
The Verdict
ZenBusiness provides a balance of affordability and comprehensive services, making it suitable for startups.
Despite being a young firm, ZenBusiness, which specializes in business creation services, is outpacing its rivals with affordable plans and superior customer support making it the second-best South Carolina agent service.
In our experience, ZenBusiness simplified all our incorporation processes and guided us through it all.
Their user-friendly platform and responsive customer service team were instrumental in guiding us through each stage of the process, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Also, their affordably priced plans lowered our overall costs of simple South Carolina court filings.
ZenBusiness allows you to create and submit your LLC creation file documents, so you won't need to pay lawyers or other potentially expensive professionals to handle these procedures for your company.
Each of the three options for starting a limited liability business (LLC) in South Carolina or a corporation includes a yearly report service, ensuring that you won't miss any reporting deadlines.
ZenBusiness is one of the most effective South Carolina registered agents because there is a pricing plan that will fit every budget spectrum.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($99 for the first year + state fees): Includes online document access, mail scanning, compliance alerts, privacy protection, and digital forwarding. Renewals are $199/year.
- LLC Formation (Starting at $0 + $125 state fees): Includes standard filing service, operating agreement, EIN, and Worry-Free Compliance (first year free). ZenBusiness processing time varies by package.
3 - Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Personalized expert consultations.
- Wide service variety offered.
- Prompt customer support.
- Premium pricing compared to peers.
- Some complaints about follow-up and service.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Rapidly growing businesses needing quick and efficient service.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses looking for the cheapest option available.
The Verdict
Swyft Filings excels in speed and customer service, great for businesses needing quick setup and attentive support.
Harbor Compliance is a registered agent service that combines the majority of its solutions into a single software package for easy administration.
Their professional registered agent service solution allows you to monitor your certificates and licensing conveniently.
We took their registered agent for a test, and we were impressed with the results.
They adeptly managed the official communications between our company and government agencies, ensuring that all legal obligations were met in a timely manner.
Their unwavering dedication to making their clients grin from ear to ear was nothing short of remarkable, and it only bolstered our confidence in their ability to keep our business's compliance game on point.
In this sense, Harbor Compliance provides a fairly good value for money, although the pricing is a little expensive.
Service Features:
-
Registered Agent Service ($99 for the first year, $149/year renewal): Includes service of process, same-day delivery of scanned documents, and annual report reminders.
-
LLC Formation ($99 + $125 state fees): Includes name availability check, preparing & filing Articles of Organization, and standard or expedited state filing options.
4 - LegalZoom (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Intuitive website simplifies navigation.
- Consistently praised customer support.
- Rapid setup for businesses and legal matters.
- Relatively higher LLC service costs.
- Top-tier registered agent service, but pricey.
- Continuous efforts to upsell extra services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Companies that require a wide range of legal services beyond basic registered agent duties.
Who is it not for?
- Those on a very tight budget.
The Verdict
LegalZoom offers a comprehensive suite of services, which can be ideal for businesses needing more than just registered agent services.
LegalZoom is best renowned for being an all-inclusive company for all of your relevant legislation, whether they are professional, corporate, or interpersonal.
While the pricing is on the higher end, the value and quality of service offered by LegalZoom justify the investment. Their commitment to providing comprehensive legal solutions makes them the best premium registered agent service in South Carolina.
They were among the first companies we tested, and we were pleased with their range of services. Their registered agent service, in particular, left us highly satisfied.
LegalZoom may be a good alternative for forming an LLC if you want to deal with a well-known company.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($249/year): Includes registered agent representation, privacy protection, and mail handling.
- LLC Formation (Starting at $0 + $125 state fees): Articles of Organization filing, name check service, tax consult from 1-800Accountant, operating agreement, EIN, and unlimited attorney consultations (30-day subscription).
5 - Bizee
Pros and Cons
- Proven reliability with 25+ years of experience.
- Budget-friendly Registered Agent service for $119.
- User-friendly dashboard for easy navigation.
- Convenient automatic forwarding of legal documents.
- Occasional delays in document scanning.
- Customer support is available only on weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Entrepreneurs seeking basic, budget-friendly registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses that need robust legal and compliance support.
The Verdict
IncFile is a cost-effective solution for new businesses that need essential registered agent services.
At Bizee (formerly Incfile), affordability meets efficiency. Renowned for its complimentary business creation service, Bizee stands out as the most budget-friendly choice for entrepreneurs in South Carolina.
What truly sets Bizee apart is the inclusion of a year's registered agent service at no additional cost, making it an unbeatable value proposition for startups and small businesses.
We put them to the test and we were very pleased with the results. Bizee registered agent services received court documents and handled all IRS engagements on our behalf pretty well. We managed to stay on top of everything.
As your registered agent, Bizee enables the state legislature to send you reminders about the necessary yearly business report forms, lawsuit notifications, and license tax records.
If you have a small budget, Bizee is an excellent choice for registered agent services. Their most basic option (Silver), which is free, is an outstanding value.
The significant growth in their customer service demonstrates their dedication to offering their consumers a convenient approach to establishing a firm.
Service Features:
-
Registered Agent Service (Free for the first year with LLC formation; renews at $99/year): Includes service of process, mail forwarding, and privacy protection.
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LLC Formation (Starting at $0 + $125 state fee): Includes filing Articles of Organization, free first-year Registered Agent Service, and business tax consultation. Higher-tier plans offer expedited filing, operating agreement, EIN, and compliance alerts.
6 - Swyft Filings
Pros and Cons
- Intuitively designed, easy-to-navigate website.
- Outstanding customer support reputation.
- Consistently high ratings on Trustpilot and Sitejabber.
- Registered agent services are separate.
- Registered agent expenses rise after year one.
Swyft Filings is a legal internet service that will assist you directly in incorporating your small company organization.
As your registered agent, they will submit the necessary paperwork to state authorities.
Their streamlined approach and user-friendly platform made setting up our new venture a breeze, sparing us time and reducing stress throughout the process.
We couldn't help but be impressed by their transparent pricing and unwavering commitment to keeping clients happy. All things considered, our experience with them has been nothing short of delightful.
If the mix of affordable rates, rapid response, and a complete money-back guarantee perfectly encapsulates all the things you've been searching for in a South Carolina LLC filing service, then you should definitely consider Swift Filings.
Unfortunately, Swyft Filings do not offer free statutory agent services, despite most of its rivals offering it for free.
Service Features:
-
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): Legal requirement in most states; includes service of process, legal notices, and tax form forwarding.
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LLC Formation (Starting at $0 + $125 state fees): Includes state filing service, name check, lifetime support, and secure online portal. Higher-tier plans offer EIN filing, custom minutes, and access to a legal suite.
7 - Rocket Lawyer
Pros and Cons
- Intuitive platform for document creation.
- Free consultations with legal experts available.
- Speedy processing of legal documents.
- Concerns regarding unexpected charges.
- Billing complexities during free trials.
- Accessibility issues with customer support.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses that need a broad range of legal services in addition to registered agent services.
Who is it not for?
- Those who only want basic registered agent services.
The Verdict
Rocket Lawyer offers extensive legal services and registered agent support, ideal for businesses needing comprehensive legal assistance.
Rocket Lawyer registered agent provides a remarkable range of legal papers and legal assistance that span many facets of everyday life, so they are quite certain also to have what you need.
We've had a chance to try them out and we can honestly say that producing legal paperwork online in a short amount of time has never been easier.
What's more, they'll forward all the crucial emails to you, shielding you from spam and helping you stay on top of your game.
Rocket Lawyer registered agent stands out for making a wide variety of legal services available to a larger number of individuals online.
Although it is more costly than other choices, Rocket Lawyer's expert service is admirable, and they deserve a spot on our list.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($124.99/year with Rocket Legal+ membership, $249.99/year without): Includes handling legal documents, privacy protection, and compliance reminders.
- LLC Formation (Free with Rocket Legal+ membership; excludes state fees): Free LLC filing for first-time customers, plus discounts for additional filings. Additional services like EIN, tax filing, and trademark filing available at discounted rates with membership.
Why Should You Trust Us
Count on Venture Smarter for your LLC formation needs in South Carolina, where our dedication goes beyond mere recommendations—we fully engage with the services we evaluate. Our team, comprising legal advisors and business specialists, rigorously tests and reviews the top LLC services in South Carolina, ensuring you receive trustworthy guidance.
Driven by our commitment to your business success, we conduct a thorough evaluation process. Interacting anonymously with each service provider, Venture Smarter leverage our independent review team's insights to offer unbiased, evidence-based suggestions tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in South Carolina.
Understanding the importance of selecting the right service for your business's foundation, the Venture Smarter team provides reviews grounded in first-hand experience and legal expertise. Our unbiased, detailed analysis stands out amidst superficial advice, reflecting our dedication to your business's success and legal compliance.
Dedicated to fostering your business's growth and ensuring legal adherence, we meticulously assess each service's features, customer support, affordability, and efficiency. Venture Smarter selections are informed by South Carolina's specific legal requirements and business environment, ensuring they meet the high standards necessary for your business's success in the state.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services In South Carolina?
We reviewed 20 different registered agent service companies in South Carolina to determine the best. As real potential clients, we interacted with these services to keep an objective judgment.
Our evaluation also looked at the specifics that are crucial for companies in South Carolina and assessed each provider accordingly.
We focused on reviewing each firm’s services, the levels of customer service provided pricing as well as overall reliability. In particular, our focus was also focused on how effectively the services handled legal documents and whether they fulfilled the unique needs of South Carolina businesses.
1. Affordability
Price plays a pivotal role, especially for small businesses and startups operating within a tight budget. We focused on finding services that offer excellent value without compromising on quality.
In our findings, Bizee stood out as the most affordable option, offering its registered agent services at just $119 annually. Northwest Registered Agent emerged as a standout for its competitive pricing, offering comprehensive services at $125 annually.
Conversely, LegalZoom, with its higher price tag of $299 per year, was rated lower due to its less cost-effective solution.
"Look for a service that offers clear pricing models and regular communication updates regarding your business filings and compliance status. This fosters trust and ensures you stay informed."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
2. Ease of Use
A user-friendly platform simplifies the process of managing legal documents and compliance, especially for those new to business operations.
Our assessment focused on the user-friendliness of each service's online platform, considering factors like navigation ease, clarity of information, and overall user experience.
ZenBusiness was praised for its intuitive platform, while LegalZoom's interface was found to be less user-friendly.
3. Customer Support
Effective customer support is crucial for the timely and accurate handling of legal documents and queries. We evaluated the availability, responsiveness, and quality of support offered by each service.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness excelled with their multi-channel support, including phone, email, and live chat, and demonstrated quick response times. On the other hand, LegalZoom's support was found to be less efficient, impacting their overall rating.
4. Features and Offerings
A registered agent service should offer more than just the basics. To give businesses an edge, we looked for services that provide additional features, such as compliance calendars, mail forwarding, and online dashboards.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness offered robust features including online dashboards and compliance alerts. Harbor Compliance, while reliable, lacked some of these advanced features.
5. Third-party Reviews
Real-world feedback from customers provided invaluable insights. We considered other businesses' experiences, looking for services that consistently received positive reviews and had a reputation for reliability and professionalism.
Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness consistently received high ratings on platforms like TrustPilot, whereas LegalZoom had mixed reviews.
6. Turnaround Time
Quick and efficient processing of legal documents is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding delays in business operations.
We concentrated on how quickly these services could process and relay legal documents, both to and from state agencies.
Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee were notable for their swift document processing, while Swyft Filings lagged slightly behind in this aspect.
7. Transition Process
A seamless transition process is crucial to ensure uninterrupted service and compliance when switching registered agents.
Our main focus was examining how each service facilitates the transition process, looking for those that ensure a smooth changeover.
From our test, Northwest Registered Agent and ZenBusiness were top in facilitating smooth transitions without coverage gaps.
8. Confidentiality
Ensuring the confidentiality of business information is paramount to prevent data breaches and maintain trust.
In our test, we looked at how each service deals with client data, seeking those that exceed in making sure confidentiality and security are upheld.
Northwest Registered Agent and Bizee were noted for their stringent data protection measures. However, some services showed room for improvement in this area.
How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost in South Carolina?
A good South Carolina registered agent service will typically cost between $86 and $349 per year. This price range is broad because different agent services cost more because they offer premium features, and other cheaper agent services that offer basic features.
It's important to note that while these services come with a fee, opting to be your registered agent or appointing a friend or family member for this role is a cost-free alternative.
Related Articles:
- South Carolina LLC Lookup
- How to Close an LLC in South Carolina
Requirements For A South Carolina Registered Agent
As an individual or corporate organization, you need to meet the following requirements for becoming a South Carolina registered agent:
- Make sure the company you're managing includes your contact information on any incorporation or modification of registered agent documentation.
- Must be 18+
- Have a South Carolina street address.
- Across the year, the registered agent has to be accessible throughout normal business hours.
According to the North Carolina Secretary of State, The registered agent service market in South Carolina is expected to grow by 6% annually over the next five years.
FAQs
Do I Need a Statutory Agent for My South Carolina LLC?
Yes, you need a statutory agent for your South Carolina LLC. They are authorized to accept the service of process and legal documents.
What Differentiates a South Carolina Statutory Agent and a Managing Member?
What differentiates a South Carolina statutory agent and a managing member is that the former receives legal files as an LLC or corp representative while the latter takes part in business operations and maintenance planning. These operations include cost strategic planning, determining solutions, and important tasks based on sequences and necessary resources to achieve the plan's goals.
Our Verdict On The Best Registered Agent Services In South Carolina
Registered agent services are crucial to your company's compliance and legal status. They are used to handle any legal or tax paperwork to the advantage of the company, which is essential to the company.
If you're looking for a well-rounded registered agent, we highly recommend hiring Northwest Registered Agent service.
Their customer service stood out remarkably, offering personalized guidance through every step of our incorporation process.
Northwest Registered Agent will give you an online account, an address for your corporate entity, mail forwarding, and structure-based privacy.
The value Northwest brings to the table extends beyond its service features for any South Carolina business seeking reliability and excellence in a registered agent service.
