What Is A Delaware Registered Agent?

It is a legal requirement for every LLC and corporation registered in Delaware to have a Delaware Registered Agent appointed at all times. Your Delaware Registered Agent can be either an individual or a company based in Delaware.

A Registered Agent’s primary duty involves accepting legal service of process for the company and ensuring these important documents are promptly forwarded to the company’s owners.

Additionally, a Delaware Registered Agent supports a company by forwarding state tax notices and other official communications from the Delaware Secretary of State.

What Is Service of Process?

Service of process is a term used to describe certain types of legal documents addressed to a company or individual. These documents notify someone that some form of legal action is being taken either against themselves or their business. 

Service of process documents are typically delivered in person, either by a “process server” or a law enforcement officer, such as the county sheriff. A business is officially considered “served” when its Registered Agent receives and accepts these documents.

What Does A Delaware Registered Agent Do? 

A Delaware Registered Agent serves as your company’s official representative in Delaware. Their main duty is to accept legal documents, known as “service of process,” on behalf of your company. It’s the agent’s responsibility to then quickly and securely forward these documents to you, ensuring you’re able to respond as needed. 

A Delaware Registered Agent might also receive critical notices from the Delaware Secretary of State and pass these on to you.

Documents that your Registered Agent might handle include:

• Court summons for lawsuits,
• Subpoenas from investigations or legal actions,
• Annual Delaware State Franchise Tax notices,
• Delaware Annual Report notices, among others.

Additionally, a Delaware Registered Agent should be a helpful partner in managing your Delaware company. They should be able to help you get other corporate documents, like:

• Good Standing Certificates, 
• DBAs (Doing Business As names), or
• Amendments.

Why Do I Need A Registered Agent in Delaware?

In Delaware, it’s a legal requirement for every LLC and corporation to appoint a Delaware Registered Agent at all times. This ensures your Delaware company has a local point of contact where important legal documents and notices can be delivered and received.

Having a Delaware Registered Agent is also crucial for keeping your company’s good standing status in the state. If a Delaware LLC or corporation goes without a Registered Agent for more than 30 days, the Delaware Division of Corporations will administratively cancel the company.

Why Hire A Delaware Registered Agent Service? 

There are many advantages to hiring a service provider, like IncNow, to be your company’s Registered Agent even if you live in Delaware. Here are some of the key benefits: 

• Protect Your Personal Information

You can keep your name and home address from being posted online by hiring a Delaware Registered Agent service. 

Every Delaware LLC and corporation is required to list the name and address of the company’s Registered Agent on the Delaware Division of Corporations’ website corp.delaware.gov. By hiring a company to serve as your Registered Agent, you can list their address on the state website instead of your home or office address.

• Have More Freedom 

A Registered Agent needs to be available Monday through Friday during business hours (9:00AM – 5:00PM) to receive service of process. Being your own Registered Agent ties you to your address during these times, and missing a day could mean missing important legal notices.. 

Service of process documents, like lawsuits or subpoenas, often require urgent responses. With a Registered Agent service, you’re free to step away from your home or office without the worry of missing important legal notices.

• Save Time and Money

Delaware Registered Agent Services like IncNow manage legal documents and important notices for you. This eliminates the need for you to sort through junk mail to look for urgent notices.

IncNow’s Registered Agent customers benefit from an online portal that helps them manage their company documents and status.

• Keep Legal Matters Private

Legal notices in many states are served in person, either by a process server or a law enforcement officer. 

If you are your own company’s registered agent, you may be served a summons at your place of business, in front of customers or employees. This could be embarrassing, and it might also scare away customers or distract your team.

You can avoid these uncomfortable situations by hiring a Registered Agent service and ensure that legal matters get handled in private.

How To Get A Delaware Registered Agent:

Getting a Registered Agent in Delaware for your LLC or corporation is quick and easy.  Just follow these steps to appoint IncNow as your Delaware Registered Agent today:

Step 1: Visit IncNow’s easy to use online order form.

Step 2: Fill in details about your business. If you’re setting up a new company, pick an incorporation package that suits your needs.

Step 3: The first year’s registered agent service fee is collected upfront.

Step 4: You’ll receive an invoice from us annually to renew your Delaware Registered Agent Service at a rate of $109. Our annual Registered Agent does not increase each year, unlike some other companies.

You can also contact IncNow by phone or by email to change your Registered Agent in Delaware.
Call IncNow to order at 1-800-759-2248.
Email IncNow to order at agents@incnow.com.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Delaware?

Yes, you can be your own Registered Agent for your Delaware LLC or corporation if you have a physical address in Delaware. However, there are several drawbacks to being your own Registered Agent, such as having your name and address published on the state’s website.