Owners of a newly-incorporated business often wonder if they need a Delaware business address. While it’s important to have a representative in the state, that doesn’t mean your company needs to have a business address in Delaware. Here’s why.

Do I Need a Business Address in Delaware?

You do not need to visit Delaware, much less work in Delaware, to have a Delaware company. In fact, 99% of people with Delaware companies are not doing any business in Delaware. Nevertheless, all Delaware entities are required to maintain a nominal Registered Agent address located in the state of Delaware. However, a company’s principal place of business can be anywhere. If an individual wishes to form an entity in Delaware, yet maintains a business address almost anywhere else in the world they are free to do so. All Delaware companies must secure a Registered Agent with a valid Delaware address. This is where a commercial Registered Agent service provider, such as IncNow, maintains an office to accept and forward service of process to you from a Delaware address on file with the Delaware Secretary of State. You do not need to own/rent any sort of physical property in the state of Delaware.

IncNow is available during regular business hours (9-5, Monday through Friday) to receive Service of Process and notices from the Delaware Secretary of State. Many businesses use a Delaware Commercial Registered Agent because they will generally be available during these hours. It is important to choose a reliable Registered Agent because that business should be available for the life of your company to help with services related to the Delaware Secretary of State’s Division of Corporations, to maintain your business and help keep your business in Good Standing.

Many corporations and LLCs that are incorporated in Delaware do not have a physical business address in the state and have only incorporated in Delaware to have the business internal affairs governed by Delaware laws exclusively.

How to Get a Registered Agent

Obtaining a Registered Agent is quite simple, yet you should choose carefully. If you choose to utilize a commercial Registered Agent, you should familiarize yourself with how they handle sending you renewal notices and other legal notices. Avoid services that are only online portals that operate document factories. If you find a Registered Agent that you think may be a good fit for your company, it is good practice to give them a call to see if they have a knowledgeable and competent customer service team. Then you can inquire into what their yearly Registered Agent fees are and request they file the documents with the state. If you are looking to form a new entity, almost all commercial Registered Agents will be able to assist you with filing the necessary documents with the State of Delaware, but some are much faster and provide better value and customer service. Choosing a service run by Delaware lawyers, like IncNow, ensures you get quality, professional documents.