Government agencies require LLCs and corporations to appoint and maintain a registered agent when starting a business. The registered agent address serves as the primary point of contact between the company and the Secretary of State or other official government agency. He will receive process services, letters and other important legal notices.
A legally registered agent must have a physical location in the state in which the business is established. This allows registered agents to properly receive and process legal documents (process services) on behalf of the company. Registered agents must be available at their registered office address during all business hours. Additionally, each time the agent changes, the state must apply for and pay a registration fee to update the agent's name and address.