Delaware Registered Agent for LLCs
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Every Delaware LLC must appoint a registered agent with a physical Delaware street address. Here is who qualifies, what a service costs, and what happens if the role lapses.
A registered agent is the person or company an Delaware LLC designates to receive lawsuits, subpoenas, and official state mail on its behalf. The role is a legal requirement, and the agent's name and address become part of the public record when you file with the Division of Corporations.
What Delaware requires
The agent must have a physical street address in Delaware (a PO Box does not qualify) and be reachable during normal business hours. The LLC must keep an agent on file at all times. If the agent resigns or moves, the LLC has to appoint a replacement promptly or risk penalties and administrative dissolution.
Who can serve as your agent
- An individual Delaware resident with a physical street address, including you or a co-owner
- A commercial registered agent company authorized to do business in Delaware
- An officer or employee of a company that provides registered agent services
DIY or commercial service
Serving as your own agent costs nothing, but your name and home address become public, and you must be available at that address during business hours. Process servers do not call ahead, and a missed delivery can lead to a default judgment. Commercial services commonly charge between $50 and $300 a year, and typically offer scanning, forwarding, and compliance reminders. If you travel often, work irregular hours, or want your home address off the public record, a commercial agent usually earns its fee.
Changing your registered agent
File a statement of change (or the equivalent form) with the Division of Corporations. Some states charge a small fee and others allow the change at no cost, often as part of the annual or periodic report. Confirm the current fee on the Delaware filing office.
What happens without an agent
Without a valid agent the state can administratively dissolve the LLC, legal notices may go unseen, and a court may enter a default judgment against the company. A lapsed agent can also weaken the liability protection you formed the LLC to get.
Delaware LLC at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filing office | Division of Corporations |
| LLC filing fee | $110 |
| Annual report | $300, filed every year |
| Franchise or entity tax | Franchise tax $300 LLC / variable corp |
| State personal income tax | Yes |
| Corporation filing fee (for comparison) | $109 |
Delaware specific notes
Delaware is the most popular state for incorporation among VC-funded startups. The Court of Chancery is a specialised business court with substantial precedent on corporate disputes.
Next steps: read the Delaware formation guide for the full process, or see the registered agent explainer for how agents work in every state.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be my own registered agent in Delaware?
How much does a Delaware registered agent cost?
What happens if I do not keep a registered agent in Delaware?
Can a registered agent be a PO Box or virtual address?
Sources & further reading
Disclaimer: Legal information, not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney or CPA in your state. See our full disclaimer.