Can I List Myself For Service Of Process?

What is Service of Process for an LLC?

Service of process is the action of informing an individual or entity that in that location's a awaiting lawsuit against him or her, or in this case, against 1'southward visitor.

This find, besides known as a summons, is presented to the individual or entity being sued. A summons is an official legal certificate that's brought before a judge or magistrate.

woman frowning after being served with a lawsuit

Last Updated: 2022-05-17

Registered Agents and Service of Procedure

The person you lot engage as your company's registered amanuensis will be responsible for accepting service of process. Information technology is then his or her responsibility to receive the service of process in person and accept activity toward a legal resolution.

If you lot decide to be your own LLC's registered amanuensis, these documents will be brought direct to your home or identify of business depending on which address you lot choose to provide.

To learn more near the role of a registered amanuensis, visit our What is a Registered Agent commodity.

Hiring a Registered Agent to Accept Service of Process

Another option is to hire an experienced registered agent service (commercial registered amanuensis) to guide you lot through the process.

Receiving a summons tin can be intimidating and worrisome. A commercial registered agent will be available throughout the week during regular business hours and so you won't accept to receive the summons yourself.

If you're because hiring a registered agent service, take a look at some of our top-rated options below to come across which would work best for you.

How to Choose a Registered Agent Service

In addition to having a legitimate role in the land of your LLC, we encourage you to find a national registered agent service with the following features:

Compliance management: reminders for filing annual reports and other important deadlines
Document management: local scanning of all official documents so you can access them from your online account
Availability: a reliable customer service team who can reply any questions you lot may have
Thorough coverage: the ability to provide registered agent services in all 50 states

For detailed reviews of registered agent services, visit The Best Registered Agent Services article past our friends over at Startup Savant.

Recommended Services

ZenBusiness Registered Amanuensis

ZenBusiness provides the about comprehensive registered amanuensis services y'all can get for the price. Not just is their service included with an LLC germination, but their fee is only $99 annually after the start year.

The Complete Registered Agent program includes ZenBusiness'due south Worry Gratis Compliance Guarantee. This feature includes almanac filing study alerts, documents submitted on your behalf, two free changes to your filings per year, and it covers the costs required to regain good standing if your company should miss a deadline.

Additionally, ZenBusiness offers a user-friendly, intuitive dashboard for all their services. You can go on track of important business documents in real fourth dimension for convenience.

Registered Agent Service

$99 Annual
(for those who already accept an LLC)

Get Started

LLC Formation + 1yr Free Registered Agent Service

$39 + State Fees
(Registered Agent: $119 after 1st yr)

Become Started

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest offers high-quality registered amanuensis services. There are no hidden fees or gimmicks. Plus, they'll include a full year of registered agent services for gratuitous.

Northwest's online certificate management system and regular compliance alerts brand working with them completely worry-free. They'll scan and upload all your essential legal documents and mail service you physical copies equally needed.

Northwest really stands apart for its splendid customer service. The representatives are known for beingness highly knowledgeable nigh business germination and concern maintenance.

Registered Agent Service

$125 Annually
(for those who already have an LLC)

GET STARTED

LLC Formation + 1yr Gratuitous Registered Agent Service

$49 + State Fees
(Registered Agent $125 after 1st year)

GET STARTED

Incfile Registered Agent

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Incfile has been helping entrepreneurs since 2004. They take established a reputation for providing high-quality services for a lower price than competitors such every bit LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer.

If you form an LLC with Incfile, they offer a free twelvemonth of registered agent services. As part of the service, Incfile will scan all documents to your online account and physically mail you important legal documents.

Incfile's expanded carte of actress options is particularly suited for entrepreneurs who desire additional features like banking offers, business contract templates, business organization website offers, and other physical items such as a corporate seal.

Registered Agent Service

$119 Annual
(for those who already have an LLC)

Get Started

LLC Germination + 1 Year Free Registered Amanuensis Service

$0 + Land Fees
(Registered Agent: $119 afterwards 1st year)

Get Started

Key Considerations

Remember that service of process means the same equally receiving a summons and existence "served papers."
Make sure you're clear about who your registered amanuensis is and the address you will use when y'all file.
Legally, a summons can be delivered if you're not available or at the given address even if you lot've moved.
The person who volition exist receiving service of process for your LLC will be the assigned registered agent (you, a fellow member or manager of your LLC, or a registered agent service).
If you chose to be your own registered agent and are beingness served papers, we recommend contacting an chaser. Yous should also talk to your chaser if you have any farther legal questions relating to your business organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Registered Agent?

A registered amanuensis is a person or business organisation that receives and sends legal documents on your LLC'due south behalf. In some states, a registered amanuensis is chosen a statutory agent, resident agent, or an agent for service of process.

Most states require that y'all engage a registered agent when yous course a limited liability visitor (LLC). To larn more about your state's requirements, visit our state-specific guides.

Who can exist a registered amanuensis?

Anyone can be a registered agent as long as the assigned person or entity is available on weekdays, during regular business hours (eight am- 5 pm), and at the given registered agent address. This is important in case of a lawsuit and to remain compliant with legal forms and deadlines.

Although you can be your own registered agent, we recommend yous consider hiring an experienced and reliable registered agent service like ZenBusiness, Incfile, or Northwest to handle this portion of your business needs.

How much does an LLC registered agent cost?

A registered agent service can cost anywhere from $50 to $300, just hiring a registered agent service will salvage yous time and money in the long-run.

How much does it cost to change my registered agent?

Changing your registered agent can cost from $0 to $50 per land depending on the number of states yous're registered in to practise business with your LLC.

What is a statutory agent?

A statutory agent is another name for a registered agent, a procedure of service agent, or a resident agent. Although well-nigh states use the name registered agent, different states utilise unlike titles.

What is a resident amanuensis?

A resident agent is some other name for a registered agent, a process of service agent, or a statutory agent. Although about states use the proper noun registered agent, dissimilar states use different titles.

What is a service of process agent?

A service of process amanuensis is another proper name for a registered agent, a resident amanuensis, or a statutory amanuensis. Although near states utilize the name registered agent, some states use unlike titles.

What does "service of process" mean?

Service of process means receiving legal documents, such as a summons. A summons is an gild to appear earlier a judge due to a awaiting lawsuit.

What is a commercial vs. non-commercial registered agent?

Most states require LLC owners to provide their LLC's registered amanuensis's name and address when forming your LLC. In some states, yous will be asked whether you lot are electing a commercial or non-commercial registered agent. Some states refer to the professional registered amanuensis every bit commercial agents and private agents as non-commercial.