Louisiana Registered Agent
What is a Louisiana registered agent?
A Louisiana registered agent is a person or entity that receives important state and legal mail on behalf of your business. Then, they make sure you receive this mail as soon as possible. All Louisiana businesses must have a registered agent listed on state record at all times.
The Purpose of Louisiana Registered Agents
The purpose of a Louisiana registered agent is to be a reliable point of contact between businesses and the legal system. If the state needs to contact you, or a lawsuit is filed against your business, your registered agent will secure that paperwork and send it to you.
Louisiana Registered Agent Requirements
Louisiana registered agents must meet a few state requirements:
- Louisiana Physical Address: All registered agents must have a physical street address in Louisiana. PO boxes and virtual office addresses are not acceptable. Legal documents must be able to be received in person at this address.
- Availability During Normal Business Hours: All registered agents must be physically present at their listed address Monday through Friday during normal business hours, typically 8 AM – 5 PM local time. Federally recognized holidays excluded.
- Signed Consent to Serve: Your registered agent must agree to serve your business in this capacity. If filing your business paperwork by mail, your registered agent must provide signed consent. If filing online, your registered agent must respond to a state email to provide signed consent digitally.
Whoever you choose to be your registered agent, make sure they will be present at a safe and reliable Louisiana address to receive your important legal mail.
Who can be a registered agent in Louisiana?
Any adult over the age of 18 who has a physical address in Louisiana can be a registered agent. This person can be a family member, a friend, or a member of your business.
You can also choose an entity, like a commercial registered agent service, that is registered with the state to act in this capacity. There will most likely be a fee for their services, but they offer business expertise and a high level of reliability that an individual may not.
Can I use myself as a registered agent?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent. This can save you money and simplify the business formation process in the short term.
However, your full name and Louisiana physical address would be listed on the public record. This means all kinds of junk mail, solicitors, and fraudsters would have access to your contact information. You would also be required to physically be at your Louisiana address during normal business hours.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in Louisiana?
There are a few ways you can find a registered agent in Louisiana. Remember that no matter how you find your agent, they’ll need to agree to the appointment before you can list them on your LLC formation documents.
- Louisiana Business Name Search – You can find active registered agents serving other Louisiana businesses on the Louisiana Secretary of State business search website. Search for the name of any Louisiana business to see the contact information of their registered agent.
- Louisiana Legal Services Section – Call this section of the Secretary of State’s office at (225) 925-4704 for a list of names and addresses of registered agents. Or, email them a message requesting a list of agents for service using their contact form.
- Ask a Friend of Family Member – If you’re looking for an individual, instead of an entity, to serve as your agent, make sure they have a physical Louisiana address and agree to have their full name and address listed on public record.
You can also do a basic internet search for “Louisiana registered agent” and get a list of business ready to serve as your registered agent. When you reach out to them, ask them about what they can offer your business besides registered agent service.
Why Should I Hire Registered Agents Inc?
Registered Agents Inc offers you more than just registered agent service. We’re a national company that still provides expert local services. This means we’ll support your business with:
Same Day Document Uploads
Our Louisiana team will scan and upload your legal mail minutes after we receive it. We never send documents out of our office for processing. Your mail will be waiting for you in your secure online account.
Instant Notifications
When we upload a document to your account, you’ll receive an email notification right away. You’ll never experience a gap between your mail arriving and your access to it.
Annual Report Filing
All Louisiana businesses are required to file an Annual Report by their anniversary date each year. Annual report filing is included with our registered agent service.
Secure Online Account
We provide all our clients with their own secure online account. All state and legal mail is uploaded to this account where you can access it anytime, anywhere. You can also use this account to add new services and find free state-specific resources.
Expert Assistance
Our customer support team works closely with the Secretary of State’s office to give you the most up to date filing information possible. When you need help or have questions about your state paperwork, they are here for you.
If you’re interested in offering registered agent services to others, take a look at our Wholesale Program.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Louisiana
The method of appointing a registered agent in Louisiana depends on your entity type:
- For LLCs: Complete the registered agent information on the initial report page. When forming a Louisiana LLC, an initial report must be submitted with your Articles of Organization.
- For Corporations: Complete the registered agent information on the Articles of Incorporation. When forming a Louisiana corporation, no initial report is required.
The registered agent’s signature must be notarized on mailed-in applications. If submitted online, the state will email the registered agent for their consent to serve.
How much does it cost to change my Louisiana registered agent?
If you already have a registered agent listed with Louisiana, and want to appoint a different one, you’ll need to file a Change of Registered Office or Agent form with the Secretary of State. It costs $25 to file and can take the state 3-5 business days to process.
This form can be filed by mail, fax, in person, or online. If filed by mail, fax, or in person, the new registered agent’s signature must be notarized. If filed online, the state will email the new registered agent for their consent to serve.
Want to save some money? Update your registered agent information when you file your Louisiana Annual Report. All businesses must submit an Annual Report on the anniversary date of their formation or registration in Louisiana and pay the $30 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Louisiana?
The cost for a registered agent service in Louisiana can vary from $50 to over $500. At Registered Agents Inc, our premium registered agent service is $200 per year.
How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Louisiana?
Filing the Articles of Organization to form your LLC in Louisiana costs $100. You can file this by mail, by fax, in person, or online. The state’s processing time is 3-5 business days if filed online, or 2-3 weeks if submitted by mail, fax, or in person. Expedited processing is available for an extra fee.
How much does it cost to register a Foreign LLC in Louisiana?
Filing the Application of Foreign Limited Liability Company costs $150. The state’s processing time is 3-5 business days if filed online, or 2-3 weeks if submitted by mail, fax, or in person. Expedited processing is available for an extra fee.
Do I need to live in Louisiana to register my business?
No, you do not need to live in Louisiana to register your business there. The only physical Louisiana address you will need is that of a registered agent.
How can I contact the Louisiana Secretary of State?
You can contact the Louisiana Secretary of State in the following ways:
- Phone: (225) 925-4704
- Fax: (225) 922-0452
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address:
PO Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9125
- Physical Address:
8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
