10 Best Registered Agent Services in Washington in 2025

Jon Morgan
Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Last updated: February 16, 2025
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

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)
$88-$99 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) $119/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 $149 every 3 months 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

Top 10 Registered Agent Services in Washington (February 2025)

1 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)

Rated 4.97/5
Northwest logo with an office person in the background
4.9
Support
4.9
Price
5.0
Privacy and Security
5.0
Compliance Alerts
5.0
User Ratings
5.0
Features
Sign Up To Northwest Registered Agent

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • 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.

Would you recommend Northwest Registered Agent (Best Overall)?

Northwest Registered Agent is one of the most recommended services for forming a business online.

We used this well-known company to assess the process of starting an LLC, and based on our trial, you’ll get continuous support from expert agents assigned to your account.

Northwest offers a special LLC creation package for just $39, which comes with a free registered agent service for the initial year. This promotion is available when you enroll via our link.

During our use, their service guided us filing all the necessary LLC setup paperwork, and their employees made us feel well-informed at all step of the process.

We felt secure knowing that Northwest Registered Agent respects customer privacy and operates with a secure online platform that doesn’t share client data to third-party organizations.

While Northwest provides a comprehensive range of business services, their plans at this time don’t include an EIN, which we think could enhance their value even further.

Service Highlights:

  • Registered Agent Service ($125/year): The 1st year of registered agent service is free when Northwest manages your LLC formation. This service provides mail forwarding, expert corporate guides, and privacy-first protections.
  • Full-Service LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $200 State Fee): This complete package provides quick filing, a full year of registered agent service, an LLC operating agreement, free features like a domain, website, email, and business phone, and built-in privacy practices.

2 - ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)

Rated 4.88/5
A ZenBusiness logo with a working entrepreneur in the background
4.8
Support
4.8
Price
4.9
Privacy and Security
4.9
Compliance Alerts
5.0
User Ratings
4.9
Features
Sign Up To ZenBusiness

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • 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.
Cons
  • 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.

Would you recommend ZenBusiness (Best Essentials)?

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 Services Basic Plan ($199): This registered agent service plan offers access to your online account, full coverage of their business registered agent service, and a dedicated customer care representative. It is $199 each year.
  • ZenBusiness Starter Plan ($0 + $200 State Fee): The Starter Package assists in launching your LLC in 7 to 10 days, plus offers a free month of banking. For extra services on a budget, it's a solid choice. You get worry-free compliance for the first year at no extra cost. Then, it's $199/year. With this feature you will meet all of your deadlines. Moreover, if you miss a deadline, they will instant assist you to get back into compliance.
  • ZenBusiness Pro Plan ($199 + $200 State Fee): The Pro Package improves the Starter choice, completing paperwork in 1 business day. Alongside a faster start, Pro provides an EIN for legality and an operating agreement defining roles, ensuring organized operations. For a free month of banking, bank account, and bookkeeping you will get to test tools that can help you manage your finances more easily.
  • ZenBusiness Premium Plan ($299 + $200 State Fee): The Premium Package expands Pro features, with 1 day processing, and handy business document templates for easier communication and consistency. Plus, try the website builder for a month, boosting your online presence. It offers user-friendly designs, improved search engine visibility, and scheduled social media posts.

3 - Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable)

Rated 4.70/5
Two businessmen talking while looking to a gadget
4.7
Support
4.6
Price
4.8
Privacy and Security
4.5
Compliance Alerts
4.9
User Ratings
4.7
Features
Sign Up To Harbor Compliance

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Swift and efficient compliance handling.
  • Cost-saving options for contracts.
  • Access to expert consultations.
  • Wide array of services.
Cons
  • Premium pricing can be a concern.
  • Variable customer service experiences.
Would you recommend Harbor Compliance (Most Affordable)?

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 Services ($89 to $99/year): This registered agent plan covers same-day electronic delivery of paperwork in Washington, annual report notifications, and a physical street address in Washington where someone is ready to accept Service of Process (SOP) during normal business hours. Plus, free compliance guides and whitepapers.
  • Washington LLC Formation Plan ($99 + $200 State Fee): Their basic formation package includes all necessary formation documents, a free year of registered agent service, and costs $399 plus state fees.

4 - Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium)

Rated 4.55/5
RocketLawyer with an office worker using a laptop in the background
4.6
Support
4.6
Price
4.4
Privacy and Security
4.7
Compliance Alerts
4.5
User Ratings
4.5
Features
Sign Up To Rocket Lawyer

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Provides an extensive array of legal resources.
  • Document Defense® adds security to contracts.
  • Streamlined document creation process.
  • Access to free consultations with legal experts.
Cons
  • 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.

Would you recommend Rocket Lawyer (Best Premium)?

Rocket Lawyer is a reliable solution for businesses looking for high-quality registered agent services. Their extensive range of business solutions is thoughtfully tailored to address the unique requirements of business owners, guaranteeing smooth LLC creation and legal compliance.

They offer multiple LLC creation and attorney services, managing paperwork and filings with efficiency. Additionally, they provide a free trial, so you can experience their features before signing up.

Rocket Lawyer’s attorney services simplified the task of managing our paperwork and filings. The free trial was an excellent way to try out their offerings without commitment.

Their easy-to-navigate list of premium services and pricing enabled us to compare options and choose the ideal plan for our requirements.

For more information about this provider, we suggest reading our Rocket Lawyer review.

Service Highlights:

  • Registered Agent Service ($249.99 for non-members): For Rocket Legal+ members, this service is available to $124.99/year, with a membership cost of $19.99/month (billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial).
  • LLC Formation Package ($0 + $200 State Fee): Register your first LLC for FREE when you subscribe to Rocket Legal+ ($19.99/month billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day trial).

5 - Bizee

Rated 4.52/5
bizee
4.4
Support
4.5
Price
4.7
Privacy and Security
4.5
Compliance Alerts
4.4
User Ratings
4.6
Features
Sign Up To Bizee

Pros and Cons

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

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

  • 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.

Would you recommend Bizee?

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 Services ($119/year): Free Washington registered agent service for the first year when purchased with their formation package. Charges a flat rate when purchased separately, which includes a digital dashboard, email and SMS notifications, and automatic mail forwarding of legal documents.
  • Silver LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $200 State Fee): This Basic plan is free of charge, you only have to pay the $180 (by mail) or $200 (online) filing fee due to the Washington Secretary of State.
  • Gold LLC Formation Plan ($199 + $200 State Fee)This registered agent plan includes EIN, an Operating Agreement, and lifetime company alerts to make sure that you stay on track with your documents. Instant access to an online account is also included. 
  • Premium LLC Formation Plan ($299 + $200 State Fee)Platinum Plan includes features from the Gold plan and adds free next-day filing and business contract templates. For a better professional presence, this plan also offers a domain name and business email providing the right set for an online brand.

6 - LegalZoom

Rated 4.48/5
Legalzoom logo with an office worker in the background
4.4
Support
4.5
Price
4.6
Privacy and Security
4.5
Compliance Alerts
4.3
User Ratings
4.6
Features
Sign Up To LegalZoom

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Provides expert legal advice and assistance.
  • Effortless document storage through cloud service.
  • Extensive library of free business templates.
  • Comprehensive legal support for diverse cases.
Cons
  • LLC services come at a higher cost.
  • Leads in registered agent service pricing.
  • Persistent attempts to upsell extra services.
Would you recommend LegalZoom?

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 Services ($299/year): The initial cost for their registered agents is $249, with subsequent renewals priced at $299. As a subscriber, you will receive identity theft protection for up to $1 million, unlimited cloud storage, a Compliance Calender, and email notifications.
  • Basic LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $200 State Fee): The commercial registered agent package comprises an all-inclusive name search, a website that can be tailored to your preferences, and a thorough digital welcome packet for your LLC. Additionally, you will be provided with the necessary articles of organization.
  • Pro LLC Formation Plan ($249 + $200 State Fee): It encompasses all the features of the Basic package along with an operating agreement. Additionally, it provides you with a thorough guide on business licensing, consultations on tax and insurance, and an EIN.
  • Premium LLC Formation Plan ($299 + $200 State Fee): It offers all Pro package features. Additionally, it offers a half-hour of unlimited consultations with a legal expert on new legal matters and modifications to your LLC document during the first three months of your subscription. Moreover, the package provides valuable guidance from a seasoned business attorney based in Washington.

7 - Swyft Filings

Rated 4.43/5
Swyftfilings logo with two office people working in the background
4.4
Support
4.5
Price
4.5
Privacy and Security
4.5
Compliance Alerts
4.3
User Ratings
4.4
Features
Sign Up To Swyft Filings

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Offers flexible pricing structures.
  • User-friendly website for easy navigation.
  • Consistently earns high ratings on Trustpilot and Sitejabber.
Cons
  • Excludes registered agent services.
  • Registered Agent fees rise after the first year.
Would you recommend Swyft Filings?

When I was on a tight deadline while establishing my third business, Swyft Filings became a lifesaver. They managed all my filing requirements promptly, freeing me up to concentrate on other important aspects of my business.

Swyft Filings features 24/7 mail access and provides helpful reminders for critical due dates and deadlines. This ensures you stay organized and that your business remains in line with regulations.

This is very important in states where the unemployment rate was at a notable 3.5% in 2024, according to the Department of Commerce. This highlights the state’s economic stability and business potential for entrepreneurs.

Although Swyft Filings is relatively new to the registered agent service industry, they’re making their mark as one of the leading providers, backed by impressive customer reviews.

Service Highlights:

  • Registered Agent Service ($149 every 3 months): Swyft Filings bills a quarterly fee for this critical service.
  • Basic Plan ($0 + $200 State Fee): Includes the preparation of your articles of incorporation and LLC creation.
  • Standard Plan ($199 + $200 State Fee): This enhanced LLC package includes the basic plan, adding a Federal Tax ID (EIN) and necessary documents like an operating agreement, banking resolution, and organizational minutes.
  • Premium Package ($299 + $200 State Fee): Includes all basic and standard services plus premium features such as free domain registration, hosting for your business website, a customized digital corporate kit, and FedEx delivery with a tracking number for your authorized articles.

8 - InCorp

Rated 4.38/5
Incorporating new files into the old ones
4.3
Support
4.5
Price
4.4
Privacy and Security
4.2
Compliance Alerts
4.4
User Ratings
4.5
Features
Sign Up To InCorp

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Recognized for exceptional customer satisfaction.
  • Price matching and volume order discounts.
  • Prioritizes security with robust measures.
Cons
  • Excludes Registered Agent in LLC formation.
  • Unfriendly website layout with outdated content.
Would you recommend InCorp?

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

Rated 4.30/5
SunDoc logo with business people in the background
4.3
Support
4.3
Price
4.5
Privacy and Security
4.1
Compliance Alerts
4.2
User Ratings
4.4
Features

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Provides a wide range of business formation services.
  • Offers customer support via phone, email, and chat.
  • Extensive knowledge of California's specific filing requirements.
Cons
  • Premium services can be costly for small businesses.
  • Website lacks comprehensive educational content.
  • Limited international service options.
Would you recommend SunDoc Filings?

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.
  • Washington Basic LLC Formation Plan ($79 + $200 State Fee): Their base package is $79 plus state fees, their key bundle is $99 plus state fees, and their premier bundle is $279 plus state fees.
  • Washington Key LLC Formation Plan ($99 + $200 State Fee): This plan includes the basic features and adds state name availability as well as business license summary and email delivery.
  • Washington Premier LLC Formation Plan ($99 + $200 State Fee): Premier Plan adds on Key Plan and offers additional features such as federal tax ID (EIN) and LLC Kit & Seal.

10 - Washington Registered Agent

Rated 4.27/5
Three co-leagues reading a single article in a clipboard
4.3
Support
4.3
Price
4.5
Privacy and Security
4.1
Compliance Alerts
4.2
User Ratings
4.2
Features

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Has a fixed rate every year for your own registered agent
  • No hidden fees
  • No per-piece mail charges
Cons
  • Very few customer reviews online
  • Has a complicated website
Would you recommend Washington Registered Agent?

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

Two people sitting while talking about West Virginia's LLC selection process

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.

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)

Northwest logo with an office person in the background
Rated 4.97/5
4.9
Support
4.9
Price
5.0
Privacy and Security
5.0
Compliance Alerts
5.0
User Ratings
5.0
Features
Pros
  • 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 February
Cons
  • Refunds are available only through phone support, potentially inconvenient.
  • Initial services are affordable, but add-ons can be expensive.

About The Author

Venture Smarter | 10 Best Registered Agent Services in Washington in [y]
Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
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Venture Smarter | 10 Best Registered Agent Services in Washington in [y]
Growth & Transition Advisor
LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
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