Maryland Registered Agent
What is a Maryland registered agent?
A Maryland registered agent (aka: resident agent) is an individual or organization designated to receive crucial state and legal correspondence for your business. They ensure that you get this mail promptly. Every Maryland business must consistently have a registered agent listed on state record.
The Purpose of Maryland Registered Agents
The purpose of a Maryland registered agent is to act as a dependable intermediary between businesses and the legal system. If the state needs to contact you or if your business is being sued, your registered agent will receive the necessary documents and ensure they are promptly delivered to you.
Maryland Registered Agent Requirements
There are a few requirements all Maryland registered agents must fulfill:
- Maryland Physical Address: All Maryland registered agents must maintain a physical street address in Maryland. PO boxes and virtual office addresses do not count. There must be a real person at this address to receive your legal documents.
- Availability During Normal Business Hours: All Maryland registered agents must be present at their listed physical address Monday through Friday 8am-5pm local time. Federal holidays excluded.
- Signed Consent to Serve: Your Maryland registered agent must agree to serve your business as the registered agent. If filing your business paperwork by mail, your registered agent must sign their consent. If filing online, you provide the state with your registered agents name and address, then check the “registered agent certification” box to confirm.
When shopping for a registered agent, make sure they will be personally available at a secure Maryland address to receive your legal business mail.
Is a Registered Agent different from a Resident Agent?
There is no difference between a registered agent and a resident agent. They both do the same thing for your business and the terms are often used interchangeably. Other names for a registered agent are: statutory agent, process agent, or agent for service of process.
Who can be a registered agent in Maryland?
Anyone over the age of 18 who is present during normal business hours at a physical Maryland address can be your resident agent. This includes family, friends, other members of your business, or even yourself.
If you would like to keep your name and address away from public record, you could choose a registered agent business for this position. Though they will charge a fee for this service, they can offer you professional support and other business services that a family member or friend may not.
Can I use myself as a registered agent?
Yes, you can serve as your own Maryland resident agent.
However, you would be required to list your full name and physical Maryland address on state public record. Also, you would be required to be present at this address throughout the whole business day.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in Maryland?
To find a registered agent in Maryland, first choose the type of agent you want: individual or entity.
If you want an individual to serve as your resident agent, talk to the people you know in Maryland. Make sure you know and trust this person to receive your state and legal mail for your business.
Hiring an entity, like a professional registered agent service, can have benefits for your business that an individual may not offer. For example, Registered Agents Inc offers you complete information privacy, access to Maryland business experts, and annual report filing all for just $200 per year.
Why Should I Hire Registered Agents Inc?
You should hire Registered Agents Inc because of all the extras you get with our service. We are a national company that has local experts in every state. This means we can support your business with:
Same Day Document Uploads
Our local Maryland team scans and uploads all your legal mail when we receive it. We always process your mail in house to maintain the best security. Your mail will be waiting for you in your online account that’s accessible 24/7.
Instant Notifications
We email you right away when we receive and upload your mail. You’ll have access to your mail in real time.
Annual Report Filing
All Maryland businesses are required to file an annual report by June 17th each year. When you hire us, annual report filing is included with our Registered Agent service. All you pay is the state fee.
Local Offices Nationwide
Registered Agents Inc has offices in all 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. So when your Maryland business is ready to expand into Delaware or Pennsylvania, we’ll be there to help you.
Secure Online Account
A free secure online account is created for all our clients upon sign-up. All state and legal mail is uploaded to this account for you to access at your convenience. This account can also be used to add new services and utilize free state-specific resources.
Expert Assistance
Our Maryland customer support team assists clients with their business filings every day. They work closely with the Secretary of State’s office to give you the most accurate information possible. They are here to answer your calls and emails when you have questions about your business.
If you’d like to learn about offering registered agent services to others, take a look at our Wholesale Program.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Maryland
The method of appointing a registered agent in Maryland depends on how you’re planning to file your business formation paperwork: by mail or online. Keep in mind that “resident agent” is just another name for registered agent.
- For Mailed-in Filings: Fill in the resident agent information in section 4 of the LLC Articles of Organization application, and have your chosen agent sign in section 6. For corporations, resident agent information is section 5, with the signature required at the bottom of the Articles of Incorporation. The signature does not need to be notarized.
- For Online Filings: Complete the resident agent information when prompted by the Maryland Business Express online business application wizard. Make sure you enter your agent’s information accurately to prevent an application rejection.
How to change my Maryland registered agent?
To change your registered agent in Maryland, you must complete the Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent form and send it by mail or in person to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Charter Division. A check or money order for $25 made out to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation must accompany this filing. It can take the state 4-6 weeks for processing unless an extra expedited fee is paid.
You can also file online through the Maryland Business Express portal. All online filings are considered “expedited” and will be processed within 7-10 business days for no extra fee.
How much does it cost to change registered agent in Maryland?
It costs $25 to change your Maryland registered agent. If you choose to mail in or submit this filing in person, you can pay an extra $50 to have your filing expedited. Online filings are automatically expedited for no extra fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Maryland?
The cost for registered agent (aka: resident agent) service in Maryland can vary from $50 to more than $500. At Registered Agents Inc, our professional registered agent service is just $200 per year.
How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Maryland?
The cost to set up a Maryland LLC depends on how you submit your filing. When mailed in or submitted in person, the cost is $100 with a 6-8 week processing time (expedited processing available for an additional fee).
Online filings are automatically expedited and cost $155 (this price includes the 3% payment card processing fee). Online filings are processed in 7-10 business days.
Visit the Maryland Business Express Fee Schedule page to see a list of all state business filing fees.
How much does it cost to set up a Foreign LLC in Maryland?
It will cost $100 to foreign register your LLC into Maryland by mail or in person. Online filings are treated as expedited and cost $155 (this includes the 3% payment card processing fee).
Do I need to live in Maryland to register my business?
No, you do not need to live in Maryland to register your business there. All you need to do is acquire a physical Maryland address for the resident agent section of your registration paperwork. Most people who do not live in Maryland choose to hire a registered agent service for this reason.
If you’re interested in opening a business location in Maryland, the Maryland Business Express Pick a Location tool is here for you.
How can I contact the Maryland Secretary of State?
All the Maryland Secretary of State contact information is below:
- Phone: (410)767-1340
- Fax: (410)333-7097
- Email: [email protected]
- Physical & Mailing Address:
301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201-2395
