Pennsylvania Registered Agent
What is a Pennsylvania registered agent?
Pennsylvania requires businesses to designate a registered agent who is authorized to accept legal paperwork, including service of process, on the business’ behalf. The agent can be either an individual or a business. You can act as your own registered agent if you meet the requirements, or you can hire someone else to do the job instead.
The Purpose of PA Registered Offices
The purpose of a Pennsylvania registered agent is to act as the legal point of contact for a business. The registered agent must maintain a registered office where they receive legal documents (sometimes in person) if someone files a lawsuit against the business they serve. The agent must then promptly send the documents along to the business that’s being sued so the business can take appropriate action.
In addition, registered agents also receive official notifications from the Department of State.
Pennsylvania CROP offices
Another option is hiring a Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP). This is just a registered office service, rather than an individual. But whether you choose to hire a CROP or appoint an individual, state law requires you to list a registered office address with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Pennsylvania Registered Agent Requirements
A registered office address in Pennsylvania must be either a street address or a rural route box number. The state won’t accept PO boxes.
All businesses operating within Pennsylvania state lines must have a registered office address. Any business can use a CROP, but it’s especially useful if you don’t have a physical location within the Keystone State.
CROPs must be registered with the state. You also can’t list any random CROP if you don’t actually have a contract with them. If you do, you could face both civil and criminal penalties.
Can I be my own registered office in PA?
Yes, but only if you live in the state and are willing to list your address on formation paperwork that will become part of the public record. If those conditions aren’t acceptable, it’s best to hire a CROP.
Finding a Pennsylvania Registered Office
If you have a business associate, friend, or someone else you trust, you can designate their address as your registered office. But be sure you’re comfortable with this person handling sensitive legal documents when they act as your registered agent.
If you’d rather be represented by an entity, your best option is hiring a CROP, although you can also hire another business entity that doesn’t specialize in registered office services. The state maintains a list of CROPs authorized to do business in Pennsylvania.
How to Appoint a PA Registered Office
You must designate a registered office when you file your Pennsylvania LLC or corporation formation paperwork. You can file online using Pennsylvania’s Business Filing Services portal. You can also mail your paperwork to the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations at the below address.
PA Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
PO Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
How to Change a PA Registered Office
If you want to switch from one registered office to another, fill out a Change of Registered Office form and pay a $5 filing fee. The form can be submitted online or via mail.
Reasons to Hire Registered Agents Inc
When you hire Registered Agents Inc as your Pennsylvania registered office, you’ll get the perks of a national operation along with the in-depth knowledge of a local business. You’ll receive:
Same-day document uploads
When we accept legal mail on your behalf, we’ll immediately begin scanning and uploading it to your secure online account. We do the work in-house.
Annual report filings
As of 2025, most Pennsylvania business entities are required to file an annual report or risk administrative dissolution. When you hire us to act as your registered office, we’ll also take care of the annual report filing. You only pay the state fee.
Secure online account
We’ll provide access to your online account as soon as you hire us. You’ll use this to manage and add services, view documents, and access state-specific forms to help you run your business.
Immediate notifications
You won’t have to wonder when you get a new document uploaded to your account, because we’ll send you an email notice the minute it’s ready to view.
Local offices in 50 states
Ready to expand your Pennsylvania office to a neighboring state like New York? We can help you do that. That’s why we keep offices in all fifty states, plus Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.—we’re ready to help you grow wherever you go.
Business expertise
Our customer support squad understands the particulars of business filings in Pennsylvania. If you have a question about state paperwork or something else in your account, they’re eager to help.
Interested in providing your own registered agent services to your own clients? Take a look at our Wholesale Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a registered office cost in PA?
In Pennsylvania, registered office service typically costs between $50 and $300 a year. Our premium registered office service costs $200 per year.
Does PA require a registered agent?
Yes, Pennsylvania law requires a registered agent who has a registered office address.
How much is it to start an LLC in PA?
The document that officially forms your Pennsylvania LLC is known as a Certificate of Organization, and filing it costs $125.
What’s the difference between a registered agent and a registered office?
Pennsylvania state law mentions registered offices and defines them as a physical address where service of process is delivered. The registered agent should be available at the registered office during regular business hours Monday through Friday.
