Creation of an LLC in Virginia requires you to appoint a registered agent service who will receive legal documents on your company's behalf during regular business hours. Without it, there are high chances of your LLC filing or getting rejected by the Secretary of State.
You have the option to be your registered agent service, but if you plan to focus on running your LLC, you should hire a registered agent.
So, to help you find the leading registered agents in Virginia, we have spent two months testing some of the best-registered agents in Virginia.
In this article, we have listed the industry-leading providers, along with their service features and why they are our best pick.
Top 5 Best Registered Agents in Virginia (March 2023)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent Service (Editor's Choice)
With over two decades of expertise in registered agent services, Northwest Registered Agent Service is a trusted and reliable choice for those seeking an experienced provider.
Available in Virginia, the company has earned its reputation as one of the top-ranked providers in the industry.
Northwest Registered Agent Service offers various services, including a physical address for your business, scanning and forwarding documents, and even an annual report filing service.
These services make it easy to comply with the state's rules and regulations.
We experienced their commitment to customer satisfaction from their responsive and professional customer support team.
We can see why Northwest Registered Agent Service has become a go-to for registered agent services in Virginia.
Finally, for the expertise you receive, the pricing is competitive.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($125): This service offers a flat fee of $39 for the first year and an annual renewal fee of $125. This is the case if you hire Northwest to form your LLC.
- Basic Package ($39+ $100 State Fee): This package comes with a name availability search, unlimited phone, and email support, order status tracking, lifetime company report, and a free year of registered agent services if you choose to hire them to form your LLC.
- Full Service LLC Formation Package ($225 + $100 State Fee): This package speeds up operations by including same-day filing. Operating agreements and a client account featuring free forms and tools are also in addition to this feature. This package should encourage overall company expansion.
- Protection of data privacy
- Over 20+ years of experience
- Great reputation for customer service
- Fair and transparent costs
- Huge first-year discount
- The pricing structure is more costly than other providers
2 - ZenBusiness Registered Agent Services
ZenBusiness Registered Agent Service is the ideal choice for customers seeking a competitively-priced registered agent service.
For $199, you will benefit from intuitive software and tailored customer support services.
Their core registered agent services include filing documents and access to their online platform.
With ZenBusiness, you can be sure that your company's registered agent services needs are taken care of at an affordable price.
Plus, their user-friendly interface makes it easy to manage your Virginia registered agent services from start to finish.
In addition to their top-notch customer dedication, their high customer ratings show commitment to providing excellent registered agent services and customer satisfaction.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): This registered agent services package costs $199, making it one of the most reasonably priced options on the market. Plus, there isn't any concern about LLC formation fees.
- ZenBusiness Starter Package ($0 + $100 State Fee): This Starter Virginia subscription covers the standard corporate filing service, which comes with name availability search capabilities and access to your files via the ZenBusiness site as well as standard filing speed (2 to 3 weeks).
- ZenBusiness Pro Package ($199 + $100 State Fee): ZenBusiness Pro provides different Virginia LLC formation services, such as faster expedited filling speed (4 to 6 days), financial reports, employment ID number generation, and compliance reviews and alerts.
- ZenBusiness Premium Package ($299 + $100 State Fee): Along with the platform's services, you also get the fastest rush filling speed (1-2 days) and customizable business website.
- Low-cost registered agent service pricing model
- Client support extension
- Numerous positive reviews and ratings from customers.
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Low awareness of the brand
3 - IncFile Registered Agent Service
IncFile offers incredibly affordable LLC formation services and includes free registered agent services for the entire first year, an unbeatable combination.
We tested their free registered agent services and found that they also provide outstanding quality and comprehensive service.
With IncFile, startups, and small businesses can quickly establish their business at an affordable price point.
IncFile is one of the top-rated registered agents in Virginia, with over 13,500 positive reviews online.
Customers praise their easy-to-use platform, fast turnaround times, and excellent customer service.
They also have a few poor reviews, but their overall rating is still very high.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199): You will receive this service for no charge for the first year if you choose the LLC formation package. After a year, the renewal will run you $199 per year.
- Silver Package ($0 + $100 State Fee): Starting an LLC in Virginia with IncFile can give you a year of free registered agent services with all the features on offer. This package also includes unlimited phone and email support, next to unlimited name searches.
- Gold Package ($199 + $100 State Fee):Â An EIN, an IRS Form 2553, and a banking resolution are included in the Gold Package, which also includes the Silver Package. This package also provides access to a dashboard for online access and automating procedures.
- Platinum Package ($299 + $100 State Fee): The features of the Gold Package are included in this plan, along with free next-day filing and sample company contracts. This Platinum Package provides a domain name and business email for a more visible online presence.
- Outstanding online portal
- Free registered agent services included with formation package
- Orders are processed quickly
- No extra costs unstated
- Client support availability could be better
4 - Rocket Lawyer Registered Agent Service
With its powerful estate planning software, Rocket Lawyer is a major player in the legal space in simplifying and streamlining documents.
They tailor their services to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations. They cover you, from forming an LLC to acting as a registered agent.
Rocket Lawyer also provides an array of legal services, including legal document review and filing and access to a network of experienced attorneys.
Rocket Lawyer offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Their experienced team of attorneys and legal professionals serves over 80,000 business entities.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($149.99): For non-members, you’ll pay $149.99 and get access to their online document repository and the ability to submit the Virginia Certificate of Formation. For $39.99 monthly you will get a membership and with it a 25% discount.
- Formation Package ($99.99 + $100 State Fee): This Virginia registered agent service package offers a first year of free unbeatable registered agent services. If you get membership access you will ripe the benefits of free legal documents and attorney services.
- 24/7 access to legal documents and support
- Have a team of experienced attorneys
- Simple and transparent pricing structure
- Subscription-based Virginia registered agent service
- More expensive than some of its competitors
5 - LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an all-in-one legal services provider similar to Rocket Lawyer.
They have an established reputation in the registered agent industry, making their pricing more expensive than competitors’ registered agent companies on the list.
While LegalZoom specializes in business formation, their Virginia registered agent service provides extensive features to help your limited liability company maintain up-to-date paperwork and keep a good standing in the state.
Their Virginia registered agent service options include a compliance calendar, company data security, and unlimited cloud storage.
You can upgrade your privacy with a premium feature that provides up to $1 million of identity theft protection, an investment we deemed well worth the price.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($299): For just $299 a year you will get a registered agent service package that supports your LLC. If you opt to hire LegalZoom to form your LLC you will pay $249 for this service for the first twelve months. Good to know: No fees until your docs are submitted to the state.
- Economy Package ($79 + $100 State Fee): Economy Package includes name search, business entity filing, and tax advice as part of the first stage. This package's features include a customizable Wix-powered site and an entrepreneur's business newsletter.
- Standard Package ($329 + $100 State Fee):Â Standard Package contains all of the benefits of the Economy Package along with a personalized notebook, the Founder's Package, and a five-day priority process.
- Express Gold Package ($349 + $100 State Fee): Express Gold Package includes new features in addition to the benefits of the Economical and Standard plans. This package has been improved with the quickest processing and shipping times.
- Offer a comprehensive suite of services
- Offer a free 30-day trial
- Good customer reputation
- Expensive pricing structure
- Some specific services in Virginia are limited
What Are the Benefits of Working With the Best Registered Agent Service in Virginia?
Partnering with a Virginia registered agent service not only ensures compliance but also comes with additional benefits that add to its value [1].
Here are some of them:
1. It Is Convenient for Your Business
Virginia registered agents will take care of the tedious paperwork of submitting legal requirements and meeting deadlines to keep you in compliance with the state.
Most of the time, they will provide you with an all-in-one secure online account. This account will store your company's documents and files, giving you quick and easy access whenever you need them.
So, while you're busy scaling your business, the best registered agent service handles all the legal tasks.
2. It Is a Long-Term Investment
Using a Virginia-registered agent service will help you save bucks. They prevent additional expenses such as late and penalty fees on your LLC.
Additionally, it can be challenging to track the submission dates for documents and payments for state filing fees if you have multi-state LLCs.
With registered agent services, you can rest assured that all your LLCs will comply with the state of Virginia.
3. It Helps Maintain LLC Owners’ Privacy
Instead of listing your private address on the Virginia public record, the agent will give the physical street address for your LLC.
This will help you prevent exposing your personal address, plus all legal documents, including lawsuits, are delivered and accepted at the registered office address [2].
4. Highly Dependable
If your LLC encounters issues involving state or corporate law in Virginia, a registered professional agent can assist you based on their working experience with other businesses.
Other service companies provide personalized, online legal solutions outside registered agent services.
How Much Do Registered Agent Services Cost?
In Virginia, the registered agent service costs an annual fee from $50 to $300, which generally includes annual reports, monitoring due dates, and other tedious paperwork and administrative tasks.
Additionally, many Virginia registered agent service companies offer free registered agent services by purchasing an LLC formation package.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
In Virginia, any entity or individual over the age of 18 can be a registered agent for a Virginia business. This includes corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and even individuals.
The registered agent is required to have a physical address in Virginia. Additionally, they must be available during regular working hours to receive service of process, tax and all legal documents on behalf of the LLC.
These are the four options available when appointing a registered agent for your Virginia LLC:
- Option 1: Appoint an individual Virginia resident. This option is ideal if you have a trustworthy friend or family member who is a Virginia resident. The individual must possess a physical address in Virginia where legal documents can be delivered.Â
- Option 2: Appoint a Virginia-registered corporation or LLC. You can choose this option if you already have a corporation or LLC in Virginia that can serve as your registered agent.Â
- Option 3: Appoint a commercial registered agent. This option is ideal if you don't have a Virginia resident or corporation/LLC that can serve as your registered agent.Â
- Option 4: Appoint yourself as your own registered agent.Â
FAQs
Do I Need a Registered Agent for My LLC?
Yes, you need a registered agent for your LLC. A registered agent is an essential part of forming an LLC, mainly to prevent rejection of filing by the Secretary of State.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Registered Agent?
The responsibilities of a registered agent are to receive and manage important documents on behalf of your LLC. These documents may include legal notices, service of process, and other documents related to the client's business.
Can I Act as My Registered Agent in Virginia?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Virginia. To act as your registered agent, you must be a resident of Virginia and be available to receive legal notices on behalf of your business during normal business hours. You will also need to provide a physical address in Virginia.
How Do I Choose a Good Virginia Registered Agent?
You can choose a good Virginia registered agent by researching their reputation and qualifications. Make sure they are licensed to practice law in Virginia and have a good track record of providing reliable services. Ask for references and read reviews to get an idea of their expertise and customer service level.
Can I Use the Registered Agent Office Address as My Business Address?
No, you can't use the registered agent's office address as your business address. The registered agent's office address is solely for receiving legal documents and notices on behalf of your business. It is not suitable for use as your business address, as it is not a physical location where you conduct business.
Can I use a PO Box for my LLC in Virginia?
Yes, you can use a PO Box for your LLC in Virginia. This is a great option if you want to keep your address confidential. Contact your local post office to obtain a PO Box. Then, provide the PO Box address to the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
And the Best Registered Agent Service in Virginia is...
If you are looking to partner with the best registered agent service provider that will ensure your Virginia business remains in good standing, we recommend choosing Northwest Registered Agent.
We were impressed when we signed up for their feature-rich service.
The customer-centered support, legal document management, filing fee notifications, and prioritization of privacy protection are hard to beat.
Northwest Registered Agent have over 20 years of experience in the industry, and many client testimonials confirm their value. They will save additional stress when forming Virginia LLC and help your business thrive.
Our #1 Recommendation
Northwest Registered Agent Service
- Protection of data privacy
- Over 20+ years of experience
- Great reputation for customer service
- Fair and transparent costs
- Huge first-year discount
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of March
- The pricing structure is more costly than other providers
