Ohio Registered Agent
What is an Ohio registered agent?
An Ohio registered agent, also called a statutory agent, receives legal documents for your business and forwards them to you in a timely manner. Your statutory agent facilitates reliable communication between the legal system and your business.
What Does an Ohio Registered Agent Do?
Your Ohio registered agent arranges the acceptance and delivery of legal mail for your business. The legal system will serve lawsuit notices to your registered agent, who then forwards the notice to you right away. They guarantee to be available in person for this purpose at their Ohio physical address so you don’t suffer the consequences of missing important legal summons and notices.
What’s the difference between a statutory agent and registered agent?
The only difference is in the name. The Ohio Secretary of State uses “statutory agent” on business formation applications for LLCs and Corporations, but the function of this position is the same as a registered agent. The generally accepted name for this position in many states is registered agent.
Ohio Registered Agent Requirements
Ohio registered agents have a few state requirements:
- Ohio Physical Address – All Ohio registered agents must maintain a physical address within the state, often referred to as the registered office.
- Availability During Normal Business Hours – Your Ohio registered agent must be available at their listed address to receive your legal mail in person during normal business hours (typically Monday through Friday 8am-5pm).
- Consent to Serve – The person or business you appoint as your statutory agent must sign your business formation application to give their consent to serve.
Who can be a registered agent in Ohio?
Your Ohio registered agent can be an individual or a company. Individual registered agents must be residents of Ohio over the age of 18. They must also be able to provide a physical Ohio address to list as their official registered office to receive your legal mail.
If you choose to hire a registered agent company, they must be authorized to do business in Ohio and have a physical address there.
Can I use myself as a registered agent?
Yes, you can be your own Ohio statutory agent as long as you are a resident of Ohio and don’t mind listing your full name and physical address on public record. Many people don’t like sharing their personal information this way, so they hire a registered agent service instead.
How Do I Find a Registered Agent in Ohio?
To find a registered agent in Ohio, first decide if you want to appoint an individual or an entity, like a registered agent service.
If you decide to appoint an individual, speak to them and make sure they understand the requirements of this legal appointment. For example, make sure they know their full name and physical address will be displayed on public state record.
If you decide to hire a professional registered agent service, a quick internet search will reveal dozens of companies offering this service in Ohio. As you review each one, select one that combines other supportive services with Registered Agent Service. At Registered Agents Inc, many extras are included with our Registered Agent Service for just $200 per year. For instance, we can help get your business online with a business domain and website.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Ohio
To appoint your chosen Ohio registered agent, they need to complete and sign the Appointment of Statutory Agent page of your business entity application. If you are forming an Ohio LLC, your agent will complete and sign page 3 of the Articles of Organization for a Domestic LLC. If you are forming an Ohio corporation, your statutory agent completes page 3 of the Initial Articles of Incorporation.
If you choose to file your business formation online, you will enter your statutory agent’s name and physical address in the online form. The address you enter will be validated by the online form before you move on with the application.
If you wish to form a different kind of entity other than an LLC or corporation, check out the Ohio State Filing Forms & Fee Schedule page for other entity applications.
How to Change My Ohio Registered Agent
To change your Ohio statutory agent information, you will need to file the Statutory Agent Update form online or by mail. This form can be used by both domestic and foreign Ohio entities.
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in Ohio?
TIt costs $25 to file the Statutory Agent Update form with the Ohio Secretary of State. This fee can be paid by check or money order if filed by mail, or online with a credit or debit card.
Why Should I Hire Registered Agents Inc?
At Registered Agents Inc, we are prepared to support your business through every stage and every filing. We are a national company with years of experience that still offers local professionals in each state to answer your questions. Our Ohio Registered Agent Service gives your business:
Same-day document uploads:
Our local Ohio team gets your legal mail uploaded to your account within the hour it’s received. View your mail at your convenience by phone or computer.
State report reminders & filing:
Some Ohio entities are required to file either a biennial or annual report. We’ll help you keep track of your state reporting due date and get it submitted for you on time (you pay only the state fee).
Secure online account:
All clients are issued a secure online account where state and legal mail is uploaded. Here you’ll manage your services, view documents, and explore our free state-specific resources.
Instant notifications:
Immediately after your mail is uploaded to your private account, we let you know via email. No more guessing when or if you’ve got mail!
Expert assistance:
Our Nebraska customer support team assists clients with state business filings every day. We welcome any questions you may have about your business—just give us a call.
Want to offer registered/statutory agent services to others? Check out our Wholesale Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered agent cost in Ohio?
You’ll find a variety of yearly fees for registered agent services in Ohio, anywhere between $50 and $500 per year. The trick is to find a service that offers more than just a statutory agent name and address.
Registered Agents Inc, for example, is just $200 per year and includes many extra services to support your business as it grows. Check out our domain registration and website service that will give your business an online boost!
How much does it cost to set up an LLC in Ohio?
The cost to set up an Ohio LLC is $99 online or by mail. The Ohio Secretary of State offers a complete list of business forms and fees for your convenience.
How much does it cost to set up a Foreign LLC in Ohio?
The Ohio Registration of a Foreign LLC form costs $99 to file by mail or online.
Do I need to live in Ohio to register my business?
No, you do not need to live in Ohio to register your business. However, you will need to find an Ohio resident or registered entity with an Ohio physical address to serve as your statutory agent there.
How can I contact the Ohio Secretary of State?
If you need to contact the Ohio Secretary of State with your questions, here’s how:
- Phone: 614-466-3910
- Email: Use the Ohio Secretary of State Business Contact Form
- Physical address:
Business Services Division
180 E. Broad St., 16th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
- Mailing address:
Business Services Division
P.O. Box 250
Columbus, OH 43216
