Registered agent services: what you really pay per year
Every LLC needs a registered agent: a person or company with an address in the state that accepts legal papers and official mail on the LLC's behalf. It is a cost that comes back every year, and prices range a lot more than formation packages do. Below: each service's price after any first-year offer, and the 3-year total.
| Service | Per year after | 3 years | Includes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MC MyCompanyWorks checked Oct 28, 2026 | $119/year | $357 | mail alerts, compliance alerts, privacy (their address on the public record, not yours) | Visit site |
 Northwest Registered Agent checked Oct 28, 2026 | $125/year | $375 | mail scanning, privacy (their address on the public record, not yours) | Visit site |
 Bizee checked Oct 28, 2026 | $149/year | $447 | mail scanning, compliance alerts | Visit site |
 ZenBusiness checked Oct 28, 2026 | $199/year | $497 | mail scanning, mail alerts | Visit site |
 Tailor Brands checked Oct 28, 2026 | $199/year | $597 | mail scanning, mail alerts, compliance alerts | Visit site |
LZ LegalZoom checked Oct 28, 2026 | $249/year | $747 | mail scanning, mail alerts, compliance alerts | Visit site |
 Firstbase checked Oct 28, 2026 | $299/year | $897 | compliance alerts, annual report filing | Visit site |
 Swyft Filings checked Oct 28, 2026 | $149/quarter | $1,788 | mail scanning, mail alerts | Visit site |
- Northwest Registered Agent: $100/year per state for five or more states.
- Bizee: Free first year with an LLC formation.
- ZenBusiness: first year $99 with a new LLC formation (50% off the first year).
- LegalZoom: Auto renews, cancel anytime.
- Firstbase: Per state; includes state annual report and franchise tax filings (state fees paid separately).
- Swyft Filings: Billed quarterly: about $596 per year.
"Includes" lists only what each company states on its own registered agent page. Ranked by 3-year cost only. Prices exclude state fees.
Formation packages that include an agent
- Bizee Basic: first year included, then renews
- Bizee Standard: first year included, then renews
- Bizee Premium: first year included, then renews
- doola Starter: included while you keep the plan
- doola Tax and Compliance: included while you keep the plan
- doola Business-in-a-Box: included while you keep the plan
- Inc Authority Free LLC: first year included, then renews
- MyCompanyWorks Entrepreneur: first year included, then renews
- MyCompanyWorks Complete: first year included, then renews
- Northwest Registered Agent Northwest LLC: first year included, then renews
Being your own registered agent
You can usually act as your own registered agent, or name a friend or relative, if there is a physical street address in the state (not a P.O. box) where someone is present during normal business hours to accept legal papers. It costs nothing.
The trade-offs: that address is on the public record, you have to be reachable there during business hours, and if you move or travel the LLC still needs someone at that address. A registered agent service mainly buys privacy and convenience. Rules differ per state, so check your state's own page before deciding.
FAQ
How much does a registered agent cost?
Among the 8 services we checked, a registered agent costs $119 to $596 per year after any first-year offer. Over 3 years the cheapest is MyCompanyWorks at $357.
Can I be my own registered agent?
In general yes, if you have a physical street address in the state where the LLC is registered and someone is there during normal business hours to accept legal papers. That address becomes part of the public record. Check the exact rules with your state.
Do I need a registered agent if I use a formation service?
Every LLC needs a registered agent. Some formation packages include one for the first year only; after that it renews at the price in the table above unless you switch or act as your own.
Facts and prices only, not legal advice.