10 Best Registered Agent Services in Washington in 2024
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.
NorthwestTop 10 Registered Agent Services in Washington (September 2024)
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 Services ($125/year): Offered for free for the first year when purchased with LLC formation, then it renews annually at its standard price.
- Basic LLC Formation Plan ($39 + $200 State Fee): This Washington registered agent plan includes essential LLC formation documents and tools and a registered agent in Washington. Plus, free mail forwarding and scanning on the same day of receiving the documents.
- Full Service LLC Formation Plan ($225 + $200 State Fee): With the Full Service Plan you will get a same-day filing, operating agreement, and free limited mail forwarding. If you form an LLC with them, you will get a full year of registered agent service. For stronger business knowledge this plan is packed with free forms and tools.
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 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 2 to 3 weeks, 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 to 2 business days. 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 ($349 + $200 State Fee): The Premium Package expands Pro features, with 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 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
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 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.
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 Services (starts at $149.95/year): Their basic registered agent package includes legal and tax compliance alerts, a physical registered office business address, and more.
- Washington LLC Formation Plan ($99 + $200 State Fee): When you sign up as a member, you will have access to professional legal assistance as well as business formation tools and services for $39.99 per month. Non-members, on the other hand, receive standard pricing for their LLC formation service and other features.
5 - 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.
Sign Up To LegalZoomPros 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.
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.
6 - Harbor Compliance
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.
Sign Up To Harbor CompliancePros 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.
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.
7 - Swyft Filings
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.
Sign Up To Swyft FilingsPros 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.
Service Features:
- Registered Agent Services ($99 / 3 months): This registered agent package charges a flat rate that already covers 24/7 online access to important mail and alert messages for important due dates and deadlines.
- Washington Basic LLC Formation Plan ($0 + $200 State Fee): Offers three-level business formation packages with several add-on services that you can purchase at affordable prices.
- Washington Standard LLC Formation Plan ($199 + $200 State Fee): This plan builds on the Basic Plan adding an EIN, and mandatory documents to start your business, such as an operating agreement, banking resolution, and organizational minutes.
- Washington Premium LLC Formation Plan ($299 + $200 State Fee): Premium Plan contains features from Basic and Standard plans, including a free domain and business website. A customized digital corporate kit is also part of this plan, as well as the FedEx delivery of your approved articles with a tracking number.
8 - 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.
Sign Up To InCorpPros 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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
