New Jersey Registered Agent
What is a New Jersey registered agent?
The primary responsibility of a New Jersey registered agent is to accept legal mail for your business and forward it to you right away. The agent must have a physical address in New Jersey, called the registered office, where they receive your legal mail in person.
Why You Need a New Jersey Registered Agent
New Jersey registered agents provide dependable communication between the legal system and your business. They are legally required to be present at their registered office location to receive service of process in person on your behalf. Your New Jersey agent will also make sure any legal notices received are forwarded directly to you right away. This service gives business owners the freedom to run errands without risk of missing any important legal document deliveries.
What is the difference between a registered agent and an “agent for service of process?”
There is no difference between a registered agent and agent for service of process. “Service of process” is the phrase that describes the legal process of delivering lawsuit documents to a person or business. So, an agent for service of process is in charge of receiving those documents and forwarding them to the intended entity.
You may see “agent for service of process” on some state business or tax paperwork in New Jersey, but not to worry! When you appoint a registered agent to serve your business, you are also appointing an agent for service of process.
New Jersey Registered Agent Requirements
All New Jersey registered agents must meet these state requirements:
- New Jersey physical address – All New Jersey registered agents must have a physical street address within the state (called the registered office). PO box mailing addresses can be used, but only if a physical New Jersey address is also listed. They must also have someone over the age of 18 available at the location to receive legal documents as they arrive.
- Keep normal business hours – Your New Jersey registered agent must be available at their registered office during regular business hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.
- Signed consent to serve – A New Jersey registered agent must consent to serve your business in this manner. Make sure your agent agrees to the appointment before listing them on state record.
Who can be a registered agent in New Jersey?
Any New Jersey resident over the age of 18 may serve as your registered agent. Any entity that is registered to do business in New Jersey, and that has a physical New Jersey address, can serve as a registered agent there as well.
Can I use myself as a registered agent?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in New Jersey as long as you are a resident of that state. You will also need to be willing to have your full name and physical address listed on public state record. In addition, you will need to be present at your physical address all day to receive legal mail in person.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in New Jersey?
There are a few ways you can find a New Jersey registered agent:
- Ask a friend, family member, or business associate: If you want to appoint an individual as your New Jersey registered agent, talk to the people you know there. Make sure they are familiar with the requirements of this legal appointment and comfortable with having their name and address on public record.
- Ask New Jersey DORES (Division of Revenue & Enterprise Services): You can ask for help in finding a New Jersey registered agent by emailing your request to DORES.
- Look no further, Registered Agents Inc is in New Jersey: If you’re looking for a reliable registered agent that offers a variety of other business support services, look no further! Not only will we be there to receive your legal mail, we’ll also file your annual report and get your business online with a business domain and website.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in New Jersey
All businesses report their initial registered agent’s name, physical address, and email address when they are first formed in New Jersey using the New Jersey Online Business Formation Service. This service walks you through the business formation process in six steps. Registered agent information is the second step.
How to Change My New Jersey Registered Agent
There are two ways you can change your New Jersey registered agent:
- File the correct Certificate of Change for your entity type: Domestic and foreign LLCs will file this Certificate of Change. Profit and nonprofit corporations, both domestic and foreign, will file the Corporation Certificate of Change. This is submitted to the New Jersey Department of Revenue (DORES) online, by mail, by fax, or in person. The filing fee is $25.
- Use your annual report: New Jersey is one of the few states that allows you to update your registered agent information on the annual report. You will need to include an extra $25 on top of your annual report fee to do this.
How much does it cost to change registered agent in New Jersey?
The cost for changing your registered agent in New Jersey is $25 for all entity types.
What Registered Agents Inc Can Do for Your Business
At Registered Agents Inc, we offer your business more than a New Jersey address. We’ve developed services that support your entire business through the life of your business. For $200 a year, our Registered Agent service includes:
Same-day document uploads
Our local New Jersey team will have your legal mail uploaded to your account as it is received. It will never be sent out of our office for processing.
Annual report filing
All New Jersey entities are required to file an annual report. When you hire us as your registered agent, we’ll file this for you—you just pay the state fee.
Secure online account
All our clients have 24/7 access to their own secure online account where your state and legal mail is uploaded. Use this account to add new services, like domain registration and business website hosting, and access free DIY state-specific filing resources.
Instant notifications
We email you right away when your mail is uploaded to your private online account. You will never have to guess when or if you receive important mail.
Expert assistance
Our New Jersey customer support works closely with DORES and the Secretary of State’s office to stay updated on business regulations and provide you with the most accurate information. When you have questions about your business, give us a call.
Registered Agents Inc also offers wholesale registered agent services. Look at our options to find the best solution for your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in New Jersey?
A registered agent in New Jersey can cost anywhere from $50 to $500 per year. At Registered Agents Inc, our fee is only $200 per year and includes a variety of services to support your business.
How much does it cost to set up an LLC in New Jersey?
The cost to set up a New Jersey LLC is $125 and is done using the New Jersey Online Business Formation Service. You will complete the LLC Certificate of Formation application online and download your approved LLC certificate from the confirmation email, or order a copy from the New Jersey Business Records Service.
How much does it cost to set up a Foreign LLC in New Jersey?
The cost to register a foreign LLC in New Jersey is $125. You can submit the Application for Certificate of Authority to the New Jersey Department of Treasury online, by mail, by fax, or in person.
Do I need to live in New Jersey to register my business?
No, you do not need to live in New Jersey to register your business there. You will only need a New Jersey physical address for the registered agent requirement.
How can I contact the New Jersey Secretary of State?
You can contact the New Jersey Secretary of State in the following ways:
- Phone: (609)292-9292
- Fax: (609)984-6851
- Email: Send email questions using their Contact page.
- Mailing Address:
Corporate Filing Unit
PO Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08646
- Physical Address:
33 West State Street, 5th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608
