--- title: Can I Be My Own Registered Agent? description: "An article that answers the question, \"Can I be my own Registered Agent?\" The piece also provides and overview of the Registered Agent requirement." image: https://resources.clasinfo.com/hubfs/Blog%20Banners/8.png --- [![CLAS Information Services](https://resources.clasinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Clasinfo-Jan2017/Images/CLAS-WW-LOGOW-e1453408877443.png?width=400&height=103&name=CLAS-WW-LOGOW-e1453408877443.png "CLAS Information Services")](http://clasinfo.com/) - [Place Order](https://cip.clasinfo.com/order) - [Log In](https://cip.clasinfo.com/) (800) 952-5696 - [Our Clients](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/) - [Solutions for Corporations](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/corporations/) - [Solutions for Financial Institutions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-financial-institutions/) - [Solutions for Legal Professionals](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-legal-professionals/) - [Solutions for Entrepreneurs](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-entrepreneurs/) - [Our Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/) - [Corporate Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/) - [Name Availability/Reservation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Entity Formation/Qualification](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Amendment/Merger/Conversion](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Annual/Biennial Report](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpFilings) - [Annual Report Management](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#AnnualReport) - [Entity Revivor](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/) - [Dissolution/Withdrawal](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Fictitious Business Name](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Trademark/Service Mark](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Apostille/Legalization/Authentication](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Good Standing/Status Certificate](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Corporate Document Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Tax Status](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#CorpResearch) - [Corporate and LLC Kits/Minute Books](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#BussManagement) - [Annual Corporate Minutes](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#BussManagement) - Call for Additional Services - [UCC, Lien & Litigation Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/) - [State Level UCC and Lien Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Online DIY Search System](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [UCC Filing](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCFiling) - [Online UCC eZFILE System](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCeZFILE) - [Patriot Act Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#OnlineDIY) - [Fixture Filing Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Federal/State Tax Lien & Judgment Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [State Court Search/Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [U.S. District Court Search/Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [U.S. Bankruptcy Court Search/Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Call for Additional Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/#UCCLien) - [Registered Agent Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Registered Agent Representation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Service of Process](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Free Change of Agent](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Entity Monitoring](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Online Client Services Portal](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Independent Director/Manger](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Springing Director/Manager](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Contract Agency Appointment](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Special Representation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - Call for Additional Services - [Real Property Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/) - [Ownership and Encumbrance Report](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Chain of Title Research](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Open Mortgage Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Owner Verification](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Environmental Lien Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Deed Retrieval](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#RealProperty) - [Document Recording and Publishing](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/#DocumentRecording) - Call for Additional Services - [International Corporate Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [International/Offshore Formation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Registered Office](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Company Secretarial Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Company Information Reports](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/#InternationalCorp) - [Our Technology](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/) - [CLAS InfoPro™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#cip) - [DIY Search System™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#diy) - [Online Patriot Act Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#ofac) - [UCC eZFILE® System](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/index.php/our-technology/#ezfile) - [Resources](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/clas-blog/) - [CLASNotes Blog](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/clas-blog/) - [Webinar Schedule](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/webinar-schedule/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Glossary of Terms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/glossary-of-terms/) - [State Links and Corporate Forms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/corporate-forms/) - [UCC Forms and Instructions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/ucc-forms-and-instructions/) - [California SOS Dates](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/california-sos-working-on-dates/) - [Delaware SOS Dates](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/delaware-doc-dates-2/) - [About](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/) - [Why Choose CLAS?](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#why) - [Our CEO](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#ceo) - [Our Philosophy](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#philosophy) - [Our Management Team](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/about/#management) - CLAS Holiday Schedule - [Contact](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/contact/) # Can I Be My Own Registered Agent? - [Home](http://clasinfo.com/) - Can I Be My Own Registered Agent? ![Blog-Banner.png](https://resources.clasinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Clasinfo-Jan2017/Images/Blog-Banner.png?width=960&name=Blog-Banner.png "Blog-Banner.png") Posted on April 26, 2018 by [admin](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/author/admin) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![8](https://resources.clasinfo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Banners/8.png?width=838&height=350&name=8.png) If you own or operate a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or limited partnership (LP), one of the main legal compliance steps you'll need to address is the appointment of a Registered Agent, also known as an agent for service of process (SOP). SOP is the procedure through which a person filing a lawsuit against a business provides that party with notice of the claim or dispute. Notice is provided to a Registered Agent, essentially an individual or business organization appointed by your business who is authorized to receive legal documents on the principal's behalf. But that's not all. A [Registered Agent](http://www.clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) deals with much more than the receipt of the summons or complaint. They are also the designated party to receive other important documents such as: - Wage garnishment orders - Compliance correspondence from the government for annual report and tax filings - Subpoenas for testimony or company records - Liens - Court summons As you can see, that's quite a bit of responsibility! Handled improperly, legal papers and other important documents like these can put your business at risk. **THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER HANDLING OF PROCESS** Handling the legal documents that are served on a business in an accurate, reliable and timely manner is critical to reducing the risk of default judgments. Other documents such as [annual reports](http://www.clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/) must be handled in a similar fashion to ensure you company maintains its good standing. [\>\> Watch our FREE on-demand compliance webinar, Corporate Good Standing: How to Maintain it; How to Regain it](https://resources.clasinfo.com/register-to-view-on-demand-good-standing-webinar) That's because the delivery of legal documents via SOP triggers important timelines and other legal obligations. If you fail to deal with these in a timely manner, there may be serious consequences for your business or the person for whom the document was intended. For example, failing to respond promptly to a summons and compliant can result in a costly default judgment being entered against the person being sued. A court may even punish an entity or person with contempt for failing to comply with subpoenas and other court orders. **WHO CAN RECEIVE SERVICE OF PROCESS?** A key part of organizing your business, whether as a corporation, LLC or LP, is the appointment of a Registered Agent. State law requires this person be maintained in the state in which your business is incorporated or formed, and in each state in which it is registered (aka qualified) to do business. A [Registered Agent](http://www.clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) can be an individual or an entity, such as a corporation. In a legal dispute, a plaintiff doesn't have to serve papers on the Registered Agent. SOP rules typically allow an officer, managing agent, general agent, or other persons authorized by your company or by law to receive SOP documents. That said, plaintiffs often prefer to serve a Registered Agent for two reasons:           1.  **A Registered Agent is easier to locate**. A plaintiff need only check the Secretary of State (or equivalent filing                office) records to find their name.           2.  **Serving a person other than the Registered Agent can be costly.** Time-consuming and expensive disputes                     can arise if there is any doubt as to whether the person served was authorized by the defendant to receive                           process on its behalf. **CAN I BE MY OWN REGISTERED AGENT?** This is a common question asked by businesses operating as corporations, LLCs or LPs. The answer is generally yes. (Note that in most states, the entity itself cannot act as its own Registered Agent, but it can name its owner, an officer, employee or other person associated with the entity.) **However, doing so is a risky move.** For example, if a process server comes to deliver a document and you are not there to receive it (or if you receive it and mishandle it), you face fines, penalties and legal repercussions. The same risks are introduced if that person leaves the business, dies, moves out of state, or otherwise can no longer serve as Registered Agent and the state is not notified and a new agent appointed. If you are in any doubt as to whether you can be your own agent for SOP, bear the following in mind: - Registered Agents must be physically present at the office during normal business hours, year-round. - Your business must have expert, trained professionals on staff who will recognize important documents and relay them to the correct individuals. The consequences of failing to meet these criteria can be devastating. Consider these scenarios taken from actual court decisions: - **Inbox Overflow** - An assistant receives documents and drops them into an inbox. The agent for SOP fails to check the inbox and a $150,000 default judgment is brought against the LLC. - **Out of Office** - An individual Registered Agent is out of the country for weeks. A $29,000 default judgment ensues. - **Mail Room Mix-Up** - A company receives documents, but legal counsel never saw them. With over $7.5 million in damages at issue, a default judgment is issued. These are just some of the risks inherent in choosing an individual to act as your Registered Agent. **BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A PROFESSIONAL REGISTERED AGENT SERVICE** At the end of the day, it's up to you to decide if you want to act as your own agent - although it's worth getting the advice of counsel on this matter also. Alternatively, consider the benefits of working with a professional Registered Agent service. A professional [Registered Agent](http://www.clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) service can eliminate the burden of handling important legal documents promptly and correctly, and reduce the financial risk of non-compliance to your business. [\>\> 5 Good Reasons to Work with a Nationwide Professional Registered Agent](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/5-good-reasons-to-work-with-a-nationwide-professional-registered-agent) Registered Agent services can connect you with professionals who are trained on service of process. Agents are available during all business hours with a discreet address that protects your privacy and keeps process servers away from your business. In addition, you will benefit from compliance alerts and other services that help you manage your business. \# #  Backed by a worldwide network of experienced local agents, CLAS specializes in providing Registered Agent representation in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and many foreign jurisdictions. With over one million Service of Process deliveries to date, you can trust CLAS’s network to handle all your important documents with care and reliability. To learn more about Registered Agent representation with CLAS, visit our Registered Agent services page [here](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/). **Still have questions?** Contact CLAS today at 800.952.5696 or [connect@clasinfo.com](mailto:connect@clasinfolcom!). Or, simply click on Contact CLAS and a representative will get back to you shortly. [![Contact CLAS](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/2756598/6f0bebec-c87c-4499-9c42-ce6dfefcb040.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/2756598/6f0bebec-c87c-4499-9c42-ce6dfefcb040) *For informational purposes only; content does not constitute legal advice.* Content courtesy of CT Corporation, a CLAS partner in Registered Agent services.   [May 2018 State Holidays](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/may-2018-state-holidays) [CLAS Joins with the International Practice Management Association](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/clas-joins-with-the-international-practice-management-association) ### Related posts [Common Mistakes to Avoid on UCC3 Filings](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/common-mistakes-to-avoid-on-ucc3-filings) Avoid these costly UCC3 mistakes that can jeopardize your secured position. [Special Purpose Entities and Independent Directors Explained](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/special-purpose-entities-and-independent-directors-explained) For commercial real estate and other high-value transactions, lenders often require a Special... [Latest on the CTA - Nationwide Preliminary Injunction and Appeal](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/latest-on-the-cta-nationwide-preliminary-injunction-and-appeal) On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a preliminary... [An Insider’s Guide to Understanding UCC Search Results](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/an-insiders-guide-to-understanding-ucc-search-results) When a [lender](https://www.clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-financial-institutions/)considers extending credit or financing, one of the crucial steps in their [due...](https://www.clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/) Search ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Archives - [November 2023 (7)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2023/11) - [July 2017 (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2017/07) - [April 2018 (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/04) - [September 2024 (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2024/09) - [October 2017 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2017/10) - [March 2018 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/03) - [June 2019 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/06) - [October 2019 (5)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/10) - [September 2015 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2015/09) - [May 2016 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2016/05) - [November 2016 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2016/11) - [February 2018 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/02) - [September 2018 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2018/09) - [April 2019 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/04) - [July 2019 (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/archive/2019/07) ### Categories - [Jurisdictional Updates (180)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/juris-updates) - [CLAS News & Alerts (55)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/clas-news-alerts) - [Latest Posts (39)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/latest-posts) - [Corporate (22)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/corp) - [Latest from the Blog (22)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/latest-from-the-blog) - [UCC and Lien (20)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/ucc-and-lien) - [Corporate Transparency Act (10)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/corporate-transparency-act) - [Registered Agent (6)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/registered-agent) - [Annual Reports (4)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/annual-reports) - [International (1)](https://resources.clasinfo.com/blog/topic/international) - 1545 River Park Dr., Suite 330 Sacramento, CA 95815 - (800) 952-5696 - [connect@clasinfo.com](mailto:connect@clasinfo.com) - - - - OUR CLIENTS - [Corporations](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/corporations/) - [Financial Institutions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-financial-institutions/) - [Legal Professionals](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-legal-professionals/) - [Entrepreneurs](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-clients/solutions-for-entrepreneurs/) - OUR SERVICES - [Corporate Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/corporate-services/) - [UCC, Lien and Litigation](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/ucc-lien-litigation-services/) - [Registered Agent](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/registered-agent-services/) - [Real Property Services](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-services/real-property-services/) - OUR TECHNOLOGY - [CLAS InfoPro™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#cip) - [DIY Search System™](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#diy) - [Online Patriot Act Search](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#ofac) - [UCC eZFILE System®](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/our-technology/#ezfile) - RESOURCES - [CLAS Notes Blog](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/clas-blog/) - [Frequently Asked Questions](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/frequently-asked-questions/) - [Glossary of Terms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/glossary-of-terms/) - [State Links and Corporate Forms](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/corporate-forms/) - [CA State Working on Dates](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/california-sos-working-on-dates/) - CLAS Information Services © 2016 - [Disclaimer](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/disclaimer/) - [Privacy Policy](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/privacy-policy/) - [Terms of Use](http://clasinfo.com/index.php/terms-of-use/)