What is Registered Agent?
Definition
A registered agent (also called a statutory agent or agent for service of process) is a person or company designated to receive legal and government documents on behalf of a business entity. Every state requires businesses to maintain a registered agent with a physical street address in the state of formation. The registered agent's name and address are part of the public formation filing and cannot be a PO box.
Real-World Example
An entrepreneur in California forms an LLC and designates Northwest Registered Agent as their statutory agent, providing a commercial address in Sacramento for service of process.
Why This Matters for Lead Generation
The registered agent field in formation data is one of the most actionable pieces of information for lead buyers. It reveals whether the business used a formation service (LegalZoom, Incfile, ZenBusiness) — indicating an opportunity for registered agent firms to offer a cheaper alternative. It also provides a guaranteed physical mailing address for direct mail outreach to any newly formed entity.
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