New York Registered Agent

New York registered agents provide a physical address in the state to businesses for receiving service of process. All corporations and LLCs must maintain a registered agent for notices and legal mail on state records according to NY Laws in Article 3, sections 302 and 305. Proper handling of these documents is essential to avoid missed deadlines and keep your business in good standing.

Learn more:


What Is The Role of a New York Registered Agent?

A New York registered agent will be your primary contact for the state. Registered agents are responsible for accepting all legal notices and Department of State notices on behalf of your business and forwarding them to you.

They notify you of any impending action which may require a response and sometimes offer additional useful services. Using a registered agent address can keep your address off public records and determine the county of publication for LLCs.

Is an Agent for Service of Process the same as a Registered Agent?

Yes. The New York Department of State is automatically designated as the agent for service of process for businesses in the state, which means that legal documents will be directed to the state for process.

This can lead to serious consequences for your business since service is completed when documents are delivered. Since the state forwards documents via certified mail, appointing a professional registered agent to process your documents can provide faster document forwarding and notifications.


What is Necessary for New York Registered Agents?

New York recognizes individuals, corporations, and LLCs as registered agents. All types of registered agents must:

  • Be 18 years or older.
  • Have a physical address in New York where documents can be delivered by mail or in person. This cannot be a P.O. Box.
  • Be available Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM for acceptance of service of process.
  • Forward service of process and state correspondence to the appointing business.

Can I use myself as a registered agent?

Yes. You can be your own registered agent in New York if you meet the requirements listed above. If you don’t meet these requirements, you can designate the state or even hire a professional registered agent.

How do I find a New York Registered agent?

Check the Department of State’s Corporation and Business Entity Database to search for businesses by legal or assumed name. Every entity profile includes contact details for the registered agent on file. This address can accept documents and notices on the company’s behalf.


Does Registered Agent Location Matter?

This depends on where you utilize your registered agent address. New York requires new LLCs to publish ads in a local daily and weekly publication to fulfill state requirements and the primary business address determines where you need to run these ads.

Many business owners seek registered agents in Albany County since it has the cheapest publication methods available. Despite having a luxury zip code and associations with businesses, New York City has the most expensive publication options by comparison.


Can I Change My Registered Agent in New York?

You can change your registered agent by filing a Certificate of Change of Domestic LLC or Certificate of Change of Domestic Corporation form which can be completed and submitted via fax to 518-473-2492 or the mailing address below:

New York Department of State
Division of Corporations
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12231

What payment methods are accepted for this filing?

The Department of State charges a $30 filing fee to change registered agents in New York. Payments must be processed by credit or debit card for faxed forms using the Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form. Mailed forms can include the card authorization form or a check made to the “Department of State”.


Why Hire Registered Agents Inc in New York?

Registered Agents Inc provides stellar registered agent service with a variety of benefits for your business:

  • Secure Documents
    Documents are scanned in our local office same-day and uploaded to your secure online account as soon as possible.
  • Instant Notifications
    Our automated email notifications sent to you and your attorney let you know when new legal documents are available.
  • Filing Forms
    You can find the most commonly requested state forms in your online account under the Forms Library for convenience.
  • Comprehensive Services
    Our registered agent service includes biennial report reminders and optional standalone products to grow your business.
  • Local Offices
    We have offices in 52 jurisdictions and can help you in New York and beyond when your company expands to new markets.
  • Real Relationships
    You’re never a number with Registered Agents Inc and we provide solutions tailored to your exact business needs.

Have you heard about our Wholesale Service program? Partners can provide high-end registered agent service to clients nationwide with our guaranteed support for a great cost.


Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have a registered agent in New York?

Registered agent service prices vary widely starting around $50 and reaching $300. Our yearly $200 fee includes premium registered agent and biennial report filing services.

Do I need to live in New York to operate a business there?

No. The state requires all businesses to provide a primary business address in the state. A registered agent address in the state can satisfy this requirement.

Do businesses in New York have to file biennial reports?

Yes. All corporations and LLCs must file a biennial statement every other year at the end of their anniversary month. These reports can only be submitted online using the E-statement Filing System for $9.

Should I hire a registered agent before I form my business?

Yes. Choosing your registered agent before formation allows you to provide their contact details in your initial filing so they can accept your documents from day one.