10 Best Registered Agent Services in Washington in 2025
According to the Office of Advocacy, in Washington, there are 644,868 small businesses, representing 99.5 percent of all businesses in the state, with the majority being LLCs.
Based on the insights from the Office of Advocacy, employment in Washington's small businesses, including numerous LLCs, grew by 26.4 percent between 1996 and 2020, surpassing the national average for small business employment growth. This increase underscores the importance of registered agents, especially in LLC formations.
Navigating legal requirements and compliance complexities can be a task load for Washington entrepreneurs. This is where the value of a reliable registered agent becomes unmistakable.
Working with my team of legal experts, we professionally tested each Washington registered agent service based on essential criteria, such as pricing, customer support services, and turnaround time.
| 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 | 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 | Same-Day document access, email notifications, annual report notifications to stay compliant. | No | Yes | No |
| Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium) | $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) |
| 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 |
| LegalZoom | $249/year | Alerts & reminders, documents scanned and uploaded, unlimited cloud storage for business documents. | 60 days | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
| Swyft Filings | $199/year | Get notified of all incoming mail and upcoming government deadlines for tax filing and annual reports. | 60 days | No | No |
| Incorp | $129/year ($87/year with purchase of multi-year service) | Important notices sent directly to your business location. | 60 days, minus $29 fee | Yes | Yes |
| SunDoc Filings | $159 | Immediate forwarding of service of process, scan all of your documents before forwarding them. | Order refundable before state payment | Yes, A+ | No |
NorthwestTop 10 Registered Agent Services in Washington (September 2025)
1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- Safeguards your address from public records, unique in the Northwest.
- Tailor services to your business's specific requirements.
- Exceptional customer support is known for responsiveness and expertise.
- Exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers leads to savings.
- A 25-year track record in business reflects reliability.
- Refunds are available only through phone support, potentially inconvenient.
- Initial services are affordable, but add-ons can be expensive.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Businesses needing extensive privacy and expert support.
Who is it not for?
- Those looking for budget services.
The Verdict
Ideal for companies prioritizing privacy and expert assistance, with a strong customer support system.
Northwest Registered Agent Service is a leading registered agent with complete service features matched with customer-centric solutions.
Upon subscribing to their services, Northwest Registered Agent provided the street address for our business and received the Service of Process on our behalf.
Plus, they scanned and forwarded our business documents as soon as they received them.
Northwest Registered Agent will send you reminders via email before your annual reports are due, and help you get a credit card for your business under better terms.
We loved strong privacy and data protection, but we did find their add-ons to be pricey.
We appreciate that their excellent customer service is supported by a US-based support team comprising former attorneys, accountants, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Includes registered agent representation, a business address for service of process, mail scanning and digital forwarding, and privacy protection to keep your personal address off public records. Free for the first year when you form an LLC with Northwest.
- LLC Formation ($39 + $250 State Fee): Includes all necessary paperwork for LLC formation, including name searches, registration, and document submission. Comes with one year of registered agent service, a business address, free digital mail forwarding, LLC operating agreement, instant domain registration, website, email, phone number, and Privacy by Default®.
2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Embraces social responsibility, engages with the community actively.
- Offers valuable services and grants to support small businesses.
- Streamlined, fast, and hassle-free purchase procedure.
- Transparency: Business formation plans lack a registered agent, allowing customization.
- Additional cost for annual report filing and compliance services.
- Customer support has limited availability hours.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small businesses seeking cost-effective, comprehensive services.
Who is it not for?
- Large corporations needing specialized agent services.
The Verdict
Great for startups and small businesses, offering a good balance of affordability and service.
If you’re a business owner looking for one of the best essential services in Washington registered agent, ZenBusiness is one of the best-registered agent services for an LLC.
When we first registered with this Washington registered agent company, we accessed a wide array of services, including invoicing tools and operating agreement forms.
After registering, we also received a comprehensive accounting assessment of our business from one of their expert accountants.
We loved ZenBusiness's low-cost LLC formation plans, but the Washington registered agent service could be included for complete service. We recommended them to those who want their LLC set by professionals for free.
Service Features:
-
Registered Agent Service ($99 for the first year + $199/year renewal): Includes registered agent representation, mail scanning and digital forwarding, privacy protection, and access to Corporate Guides support. Enjoy 50% off when you form an LLC with ZenBusiness.
-
LLC Formation ($0 + $250 State Fee): Offers standard filing service, a 100% accuracy guarantee, Worry-Free Compliance for the first year (renewing at $199/year), a business address with free digital mail forwarding, LLC operating agreement, and the option for rush filing in the Pro and Premium Packages, which also provide domain privacy, AI website builder, and premium support.
3 - Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Swift and efficient compliance handling.
- Cost-saving options for contracts.
- Access to expert consultations.
- Wide array of services.
- Premium pricing can be a concern.
- Variable customer service experiences.
Harbor Compliance is well-known for its great customer service.
This commercial registered agent company offers discounts for businesses that purchase multi-year subscriptions.
Plus, if you have plans to expand your LLC outside Washington, Harbor Compliance has a nationwide registered agent service that delivers superior security.
Their representatives are true professionals who, from our experience, will have an answer to every question. They will answer within 24 hours and won't outsource a third party to solve your problems.
What we love about Harbor Compliance is how serious they are about privacy.
They will never auto-bill you, sell your data to a third party, or anyhow store your payment information. You can expect an annual invoice.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($99 for the first year, $149/year renewal): Includes same-day delivery of scanned documents, annual report reminders, and compliance software.
- LLC Formation ($99 + state filing fees): Includes name availability check, preparation, and filing of Articles of Organization, and expedited filing options.
4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Provides an extensive array of legal resources.
- Document Defense® adds security to contracts.
- Streamlined document creation process.
- Access to free consultations with legal experts.
- Complaints about hidden charges.
- Billing confusion during the free trial.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Companies needing broad legal services in addition to agent duties.
Who is it not for?
- Those only seeking basic registered agent services.
The Verdict
Suitable for businesses that might also need legal services, providing good value with legal expertise.
Rocket Lawyer gives you access to great LLC formation services in Washington, and some of the best legal services.
They will provide you with a Washington registered agent service if you sign up for a premium registered agent plan, and assist whenever you need any legal and business advice.
Rocket Lawyer let us test their premium services for seven days, completely free.
If you get a membership, they will give you a 25% discount on their registered agent service.
From our experience, make sure that you keep track of a trial period, as they will auto-bill your registered agents' services. We recommend Rocket Lawyer to those who need frequent legal advice.
Furthermore, if you decide to cancel your registered agent membership within 60 days of purchase, you will receive a full refund.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($124.99/year with Rocket Legal+ membership, $249.99/year full price): Includes handling legal and official documents, privacy protection to keep your personal address off the record, and compliance reminders.
- LLC Formation (with Rocket Legal+ membership): First LLC registration qualifies for free filing (state/government fees excluded). Additional filings are 50% off. Membership provides discounts on Registered Agent, EIN, and trademark filings, along with access to legal documents and attorney support. The annual membership costs $239.88/year, or $39.99/month.
5 - Bizee
Pros and Cons
- 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.
- Occasional delays in document scanning.
- Customer support is available only on weekdays.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Startups and small businesses looking for affordable service.
Who is it not for?
- Businesses that require more hands-on customer service.
The Verdict
Offers essential services at a low cost, making it a good entry point for new companies.
Bizee (formerly Incfile) stands out as the most affordable option for registered agent services in Washington, particularly appealing to new businesses due to its cost-effectiveness.
This feature makes Bizee an ideal choice for startups and entrepreneurs looking to minimize initial costs.
They are among the best web services to use when starting an online business, according to our research. We decided to test them, and we were happy we did.
They gave us a full year of guaranteed free registered agent service for a great rate.
For this kind of registered agent service, their rate was among the best, and their customer service was friendly and helpful, making our entire experience with them positive.
One downside we discovered throughout our research is that Bizee does not have a customer support team on weekends, which is a huge letdown, especially for business owners who work full-time and may want urgent advice or help on weekends.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service (Free for the first year with LLC formation, $99/year renewal): Handles service of process and compliance notices, keeps your personal address private, and helps maintain good standing with the state.
- LLC Formation ($0 + state fee): Includes preparing and filing Articles of Organization, free first-year registered agent service, and a free first month of virtual address service. The Premium Plan includes domain registration, business email, and additional compliance features.
6 - LegalZoom
Pros and Cons
- Provides expert legal advice and assistance.
- Effortless document storage through cloud service.
- Extensive library of free business templates.
- Comprehensive legal support for diverse cases.
- LLC services come at a higher cost.
- Leads in registered agent service pricing.
- Persistent attempts to upsell extra services.
When you work with LegalZoom, you have the benefit of having a big company on your LLC's side as a statutory agent or registered agent in Washington.
As an experienced LLC service provider, LegalZoom delivers one of the most highly reliable Washington registered agent services and has a reputation for following through on whatever promises they make.
Their registered agent service is one of the most expensive and their add-ons tend to get costly, but it compensates with various legal services, professional customer support, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee with a 60-day refund.
We loved their Compliance Calendar which helped us stay on top of important filing deadlines, but overall we wouldn't recommend them to anyone who is on a very tight budget.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($249/year): Provides registered agent representation, compliance maintenance, privacy protection, and mail handling for legal documents.
- LLC Formation (Starts at $0 + State Filing Fees): Includes Articles of Organization, name check service, and a tax consult. The Pro Plan adds an operating agreement, EIN, unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations, and access to 150+ legal documents, while the Premium Plan includes bookkeeping tools, customizable proposals, and income tracking.
7 - Swyft Filings
Pros and Cons
- Offers flexible pricing structures.
- User-friendly website for easy navigation.
- Consistently earns high ratings on Trustpilot and Sitejabber.
- Excludes registered agent services.
- Registered Agent fees rise after the first year.
Using Swyft Filings as your Washington registered agent will save you from dealing with the complications and inconveniences of paperwork.
While pricing is not the best for their registered agent service, Swyft Filings has some advantages.
Our journey with Swyft Filings was quite insightful. While we initially had reservations due to their pricing, we were pleasantly surprised by the flexibility they offered.
The option to pay in installments was a lifesaver for our startup, allowing us to manage our cash flow better.
Their customer service team was always ready to assist, answering our queries promptly and ensuring we understood every step.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Service ($199/year): Provides legal requirement compliance, mail forwarding, and privacy protection for your LLC.
- LLC Formation (Starts at $0 + state fee): Includes state filing, lifetime customer support, and secure online portal access. The Standard Plan adds EIN filing, LLC operating agreement, and 1-month free business address, while the Premium Plan includes same-day processing, a professional website, domain, and additional branding tools.
8 - InCorp
Pros and Cons
- Recognized for exceptional customer satisfaction.
- Price matching and volume order discounts.
- Prioritizes security with robust measures.
- Excludes Registered Agent in LLC formation.
- Unfriendly website layout with outdated content.
InCorp is best known for its registered agent online services and is the fourth-largest national registered agent service in America.
They also provide assistance with Washington business services such as corporation or LLC formation, business license service, and annual report reminders.
While it is not our best pick for the best registered agent in Washington, one of its unique features that we love is its Entity Management System app for iOS devices.
This app allows you to manage your business, pay fees, and access all of your stored business documents, including service of process, among other things.
We loved their price (you will, too, especially if you opt for a long-term subscription), and we recommend them to those who don't feel comfortable using their own registered agents.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services (Starts at $129/year): Legal notifications for important documents such as your annual report filing notices, SOP, and a physical address to receive these documents during regular business hours. Discounts for multi-year service orders.
- Washington LLC Formation Plan ($99 + $200 State Fee): Similar to their registered agent business, their formation prices start at $99 per year, and they provide discounts for multi-year service orders.
9 - SunDoc Filings
Pros and Cons
- Provides a wide range of business formation services.
- Offers customer support via phone, email, and chat.
- Extensive knowledge of California's specific filing requirements.
- Premium services can be costly for small businesses.
- Website lacks comprehensive educational content.
- Limited international service options.
SunDoc Filings has got the affordability and confidence to represent your Washington LLC.
Its Washington registered agent services include all the essential services you need from a professional registered agent.
They have a solid reputation and considerable online reviews, but they are not as big as Northwest Registered Agent is, but they are still a significant name in the industry.
To stand for their features, they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee (we didn't have to use it, as everything went smoothly).
We liked their formation plan fees, but we did find their website to be not so user-friendly, although it is packed with information.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($159/year): Covers corporate tools, handling of business documents, mail forwarding, handling service of process documents, and 24/7 online access. If you buy the LLC formation from them, you will get a $10 discount to get your own registered agent.
- LLC Formation Package ($79 - $279 + State Fee): The Washington LLC Formation Package offers three plans: the Basic Plan includes essential filing services; the Key Plan adds state name availability, a business license summary, and email delivery; and the Premier Plan includes all the features of the Key Plan, along with a federal tax ID (EIN) and an LLC Kit & Seal.
10 - Washington Registered Agent
Pros and Cons
- Has a fixed rate every year for your own registered agent
- No hidden fees
- No per-piece mail charges
- Very few customer reviews online
- Has a complicated website
Washington Registered Agent is a commercial registered agent that is an expert in everything about Washington business, from corporate filings, business licensing, municipality permits, and MBLs to entity taxes, annual reports, and business compliance.
Privacy is a significant concern for many businesses, and Washington Registered Agent addresses this head-on. We were drawn to their unique package alternatives designed to keep personal information away from public records.
This was a huge selling point for us as an LLC concerned about identity theft and data breaches. Their team was knowledgeable about privacy regulations and provided us with tips and resources to further safeguard our business.
So, if you own an LLC, don't want to be bothered by telemarketers, and are concerned about identity theft, Washington Registered Agent is the way to go.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($59/year): Offers total compliance monitoring for a whole year, a free 60-day trial of a virtual phone number for your business, dependable annual license renewal reminders, fast and reliable business document forwarding, and an online account with digital document storage.
- Washington LLC Formation ($359 + $200 State Fee): Their LLC formation package includes the incorporation service and 1-year Registered agent service.
Why Should You Trust Us
Count on Venture Smarter for your LLC formation needs in Washington, where our commitment extends beyond simple endorsements—we immerse ourselves in the services we assess. Our team, consisting of legal experts and business professionals, diligently evaluates and tests the leading LLC services in Washington to provide you with reliable recommendations.
Our dedication to your business's prosperity is reflected in our exhaustive review process. We interact anonymously with each service provider, allowing Venture Smarter to leverage our independent review team's findings to deliver unbiased, evidence-based advice, specifically tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Washington.
Recognizing the critical role of choosing the appropriate service for your business's foundation, the Venture Smarter team offers reviews rooted in direct experience and legal insight. Our impartial, in-depth analyses rise above generic advice, showcasing our commitment to your business's growth and legal conformity.
With a focus on nurturing your business's development and ensuring compliance with legal standards, we carefully examine each service's attributes, customer support, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency. Venture Smarter's recommendations are guided by the specific legal mandates and business climate of Washington, guaranteeing solutions that uphold the stringent requirements essential for your business's flourishing in the state.
How We Picked And Tested The Best Registered Agent Services in Washington
Our team conducted an in-depth review to pinpoint the best registered agent services in Washington. We rigorously tested 15 companies, using their services in real-world scenarios for a genuine assessment.
We thoroughly investigated, examining feedback from numerous entrepreneurs and analyzing online client reviews. We also checked each service's compliance performance, crucial for smooth business operations. Here's our selection criteria:
Reliability
For registered agent services, reliability is key. Businesses need agents who handle legal documents and notifications promptly. We looked for services with a solid reliability record. Bizee stood out with high ratings and positive feedback, while InCorp had mixed reviews and some unresolved complaints.
"Finding the 'best' registered agent service in Washington requires a balanced approach. While cost is a factor, prioritize a provider with a proven track record of reliable service and secure document management."
- Delina Yasmeh, J.D./Tax LL.M, Distinguished Expert in Mergers & Acquisitions
Cost-Effectiveness
Price is crucial in choosing a registered agent. We focused on those offering great value. Northwest Registered Agent has a basic plan at $39 plus state fees. Bizee offers a free first-year service. ZenBusiness starts at $0 plus fees, with a compliance feature. LegalZoom, at $299/year, might not suit tight budgets.
Customer Support
Good customer support means timely help and problem-solving. We evaluated support availability, response time, and communication methods. Northwest Registered Agent excelled with a US-based team and extended support hours. Bizee, however, lacks weekend support.
Experience and Expertise
Understanding Washington's business laws is vital. We preferred services with experienced, knowledgeable teams. Harbor Compliance showed strong local law expertise.
User-Friendly Interface
A simple online interface is essential. We favored services with easy-to-use platforms. Rocket Lawyer had an intuitive interface, while Swyft Filings was more complex.
Comprehensive Services
The best services offer more than just document handling. We looked for extras like compliance alerts and annual report reminders.
How Much Do Registered Agent Service Providers Cost in Washington?
The cost of registered agent service providers in Washington can vary widely depending on the level of service and the features offered by the provider. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $400 per year for registered agent services in Washington.
It’s important to assess what specific needs your business has and whether a provider can offer packages that meet these needs effectively.
However, it's important to note that you can also serve as your own registered agent for free.
Choosing to serve as your own registered agent can save money but requires you to manage all legal and official documents yourself, which can be a significant responsibility. Providers like Northwest Registered Agent, LegalZoom, and Incfile offer various service tiers to meet different needs, with professional handling ensuring no critical legal notices are missed.
Requirements For a Washington Registered Agent
Here are the specific requirements that must be met for someone to serve as a registered agent in Washington:
Physical Presence
The registered agent must have a physical street address in Washington State (known as the registered office). This cannot be a P.O. Box or a private rented mailbox.
Availability
The registered agent must be available at the registered office during normal business hours to receive service of process and other important documents on behalf of the business.
Listing in Formation Documents
The registered agent's name and address must be included in the business’s formation documents filed with the Washington Secretary of State.
Consent to Serve
The registered agent must formally consent to serve in this capacity. This consent is typically documented through the business formation process or a change of agent form.
Capacity to Serve
The registered agent can be an individual resident of Washington or a business entity authorized to do business in Washington. If the agent is a business, it must specifically be authorized to provide registered agent services.
Related Article: Best Registered Agent Services in Washington DC
FAQs
Does One Need a Registered Agent for an LLC?
Yes, one needs a Washington registered agent for an LLC. This is a requirement imposed by the Washington SOS on every business entity formed and registered with the state.
Can You Act as Your Registered Agent in Washington?
Yes, you can act as your registered agent in Washington if you meet all the state requirements for being a registered agent.
Can I Use a PO Box as My Registered Agent’s Office Address in Washington?
No, you can't use a PO box as your registered agent’s office address in Washington. Your registered agent’s address, which will receive all of your mail, must be a physical street address in Washington. Otherwise, the Washington SOS will reject your filing.
Our Verdict on the Best Registered Agent Service In Washington
Appointing the right registered agent service for your business is essential in creating your WA LLC. Aside from the fact that it is required by state law, it helps your LLC maintain good standing with the Secretary of State in Washington.
So, to help you achieve that, we recommend using Northwest Registered Agent for your LLC in Washington. As a customer-centered registered agent service, they scanned and emailed our corporate files as soon as they acquired them.
Our personal experience with Northwest Registered Agent underscores their commitment to excellence.
Their prompt document handling, coupled with their solution-focused approach, swiftly addressed our unique business needs, ensuring we remained in good standing with the Washington Secretary of State.
Overall, Northwest Registered Agent will deliver a high-quality service worth your time and investment.
Our #1 Recommendation
Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)
- Safeguards your address from public records, unique in the Northwest.
- Tailor services to your business's specific requirements.
- Exceptional customer support is known for responsiveness and expertise.
- Exclusive discount for Venture Smarter readers leads to savings.
- A 25-year track record in business reflects reliability.
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Refunds are available only through phone support, potentially inconvenient.
- Initial services are affordable, but add-ons can be expensive.
