What Is a Registered Agent in Delaware?

A registered agent is a person or business entity authorized to receive legal documents, service of process, and official government correspondence on behalf of your Delaware business. Delaware law requires every LLC, corporation, and limited partnership to designate a registered agent with a physical address in the state.

For $99 per year, Delaware Registered Agent provides professional registered agent service with reliable document handling, compliance alerts, and privacy protection.

What Does a Registered Agent Do?

Your registered agent serves as your business's official point of contact for important legal and government documents:

Service of Process If your business is named in a lawsuit, court documents will be served to your registered agent. This includes summons, complaints, subpoenas, and other legal notices.

State Correspondence The Delaware Secretary of State sends official notices, filing confirmations, franchise tax reminders, and other government correspondence to your registered agent address.

Tax Notices State agencies send tax-related documents and notifications to your registered agent.

Legal Notices Various legal notifications related to your business operations, regulatory matters, or corporate actions are delivered through your registered agent.

Delaware's Registered Agent Requirements

The Delaware Secretary of State has specific requirements for who can serve as a registered agent:

For Individual Registered Agents:

• Must be a Delaware resident
• Must be available during normal business hours at the registered office address

For Entity Registered Agents:

• Must maintain a business office in Delaware
• Must be available during normal business hours

Self-Appointment Delaware is one of the more permissive states regarding registered agents. An entity can serve as its own registered agent if it has a physical Delaware address. This is different from many states that don't allow self-appointment.

Delaware requires a physical street address for the registered office. PO boxes and virtual offices don't satisfy this requirement. The agent must be generally present during normal business hours to receive documents.

Who Needs a Registered Agent?

Delaware law requires the following business types to maintain a registered agent:

• Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
• Corporations (C-corps and S-corps)
• Limited Partnerships (LPs)
• Nonprofit corporations
• Out-of-state businesses registered to do business in Delaware

When you form a new business or register a foreign entity in Delaware, you'll designate your registered agent on your formation or registration documents.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?

Delaware allows businesses to serve as their own registered agent if they maintain a physical Delaware address. This is more flexible than many states that don't permit self-appointment.

However, most businesses choose a professional registered agent service for practical reasons:

Privacy Concerns Your registered agent's address appears on public business records accessible through the Delaware Secretary of State's website. Using your home or office address means your personal information is publicly searchable. A professional service keeps this information private.

Availability Requirements You must be generally present during normal business hours to accept service of process. If you travel, work remotely, or operate your business outside of Delaware, you may miss important documents.

Professional Image Many businesses prefer to project an established image by using a professional registered agent with a dedicated commercial address.

Out-of-State Operations If your business is incorporated in Delaware but operates primarily in another state, maintaining a Delaware presence solely for registered agent purposes can be impractical.

Benefits of Using a Professional Registered Agent Service

Same-Day Document Handling We scan and email documents the same day they arrive, so you're immediately aware of lawsuits, compliance notices, or other time-sensitive matters. Original documents are forwarded to your preferred address.

Privacy Protection Our Dover address appears on your public business filings instead of your home or office, shielding your personal information from public databases.

Compliance Reminders We monitor Delaware's filing deadlines and send alerts about your annual franchise tax and other requirements. This helps you avoid penalties and maintain good standing with the state.

Reliable Availability We're here during business hours every day to accept service of process and legal documents. You don't have to worry about missing important deliveries.

Professional Address Our Delaware address satisfies state requirements and provides a consistent point of contact for legal and government correspondence.

Delaware Registered Agent Service — $99 Per Year

We provide professional registered agent service in Delaware with straightforward pricing. Your $99 annual subscription includes:

• Registered office address in Delaware
• Same-day document scanning and forwarding
• Compliance reminders and alerts
• Online document portal
• Privacy protection — our address on public filings

No hidden fees. No per-document charges. Simple service that keeps your business compliant.

Get Started Today

Whether you're forming a new Delaware LLC, switching from another registered agent, or registering a foreign entity to do business in Delaware, the process is straightforward. If you're changing agents, you'll file a change form with the Delaware Secretary of State (the state charges a $50 filing fee), and we'll immediately start receiving documents on your behalf.

Ready for simple, reliable registered agent service? Get started for $99 per year.

Legal Disclaimer This is not legal advice. Delaware Registered Agent is not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal guidance.