Get an Alaska Registered Agent

Before you form a limited liability company (LLC) in Alaska, you’ll need to appoint a registered agent. But what is a registered agent? What are they required to do, and who can be one?

What is an Alaska registered agent?

An Alaskan registered agent is an individual or business that serves as the central point of contact to receive important legal documents and state correspondence on behalf of a business. This is required by Section 10.06.150 of the Alaska Corporations statute.

What does an Alaska registered agent do?

The duties and requirements of the registered agent are also found in Section 10.06.150 of the Alaska Corporations statute. These state LLCs will have and continuously maintain a registered agent and office within the state. The agent must be available during normal business hours to accept any service of process, notice, or demand pertaining to the entity and forward it to the appropriate individuals within the LLC.  A registered agent is the LLC’s representative for receiving legal paperwork and other important notices.

This position is necessary because it ensures that the correct people within an LLC are notified in the event of time-sensitive events such as service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, a notice of annual reports, or notifications of taxes.

Who can be a registered agent in Alaska?

The requirements to be a registered agent in Alaska include:

• Being a resident of Alaska 18 years or older, if an individual. Residency is defined by the state as “being physically present in the state with the intent to remain in the state indefinitely and to make a home in the state.” This means that an individual is not establishing residency or claiming residency outside of the State of Alaska.
• A business may not be its own registered agent. However, a business corporation, professional corporation, or non-profit corporation may act as one.  This can include registered agent services and incorporated law firms.
• Having a physical address (often referred to as a registered office or principal office) in the state of Alaska.  This can be the actual address of the business; the home address of an owner, friend, or family member; or the address of a registered agent service, as long as it’s in the state. The office of the registered agent does not have to be the same as the business address. Post office boxes and mailbox services are not acceptable. 
• Being available to receive service of process on behalf of the business during normal business hours. Service of process refers to the delivery of legal documents such as a summons, subpoena, or lawsuit filed against the business entity. 

Can I be my own Alaska registered agent?

You can be your own agent as long as you are a resident of the state, at least 18 years old, and are generally available during business hours.

Benefits of Using an Alaska Registered Agent Service

Opting for a registered agent service offers a plethora of benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to go work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance reminders, and more.

More importantly, a professional registered agent company can help protect you from potential embarrassment. If you’re acting as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process yourself, which means whoever you’re with at the time — maybe a client or business partner — will know you’re facing a lawsuit. But if you use an agent service, the process server will go to the registered agent’s address. Your agent will handle these notifications privately, discreetly, and promptly.

How is a registered agent appointed in Alaska?

A registered agent is initially appointed when forming the LLC and is named in the Articles of Organization.

How much does it cost for a registered agent in Alaska?

The cost of a registered agent in Alaska varies based on whether you choose an individual or a professional service. If you opt to be your own registered agent or designate someone you know, the costs can be minimal, primarily associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address or office space during business hours. For many small business owners, being their own agent requires no out-of-pocket cost but requires time and attention instead. 

On the other hand, professional registered agent services usually come with a fee. These fees can range from $100 to a few hundred dollars annually, depending largely on the level of services offered. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping ensure compliance, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses.

Cost of Changing Registered Agents

To change your registered agent in Alaska, you’ll need to file the Change of Registered Agent (Statement of Change) form with the Department of Commerce. This form can be filed only be filed by mail, but for most business types, the filing fee is $25. (Fees are subject to change.)

How to Change a Registered Agent in Alaska

Changing your Alaska registered agent is actually pretty simple, but it does require some administrative effort to ensure the state records are up to date and your business remains compliant. To begin, it’s vital to first determine who your new registered agent will be. If you’re considering transitioning to a professional service or selecting another individual, ensure you obtain their consent and verify that they meet Alaska’s requirements for registered agents.

After you’ve picked your new agent, it’s time to file the paperwork. For all business types but religious corporations, Alaska provides the same form: the Change of Registered Agent (Statement of Change) form. On this form, you’ll be asked to provide basic information about your business, including your former registered agent’s name and address, the name and address of the new one, the business name, and so on. Since this form requires a written signature confirming the changes, you’ll only be able to file by mail.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be an Alaska resident (who’s 18 years of age or older) or a business authorized to conduct business in Alaska, have a physical street address in the state, and be available during business hours.

Alaska Department of Commerce Contact Information

Resignation of Alaska Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the business they represent and submit a “Registered Agent Notice of Resignation” form with the Department of Commerce. The agent stays on file for 30 days after resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your LLC: Inform your LLC in writing that you’ll be resigning. While you aren’t explicitly required to do this before filing your resignation paperwork, it’s recommended to do so as a professional courtesy; advanced notice helps the business appoint the replacement seamlessly.
2. Submit your resignation: Complete the “Registered Agent Notice of Resignation” form and send it with the $25 filing fee to the Alaska Department of Commerce.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your LLC transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the LLC’s good standing.