Get a Connecticut Registered Agent

One of the things you’ll need to determine before filing your paperwork to form a limited liability company (LLC) in Connecticut (or a corporation or another registered business type) is who will serve as your registered agent. The state requires all registered businesses to have one, but what is a registered agent? What are their job duties, and what are the requirements to be one?

What is a Connecticut registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or company who is the official point of contact for receiving important legal documents and certain state correspondence on behalf of your LLC, corporation, or other state-registered business.

What does a Connecticut registered agent do?

The duties and requirements of the registered agent are found in Connecticut Statutes Section 34-243n. These say LLCs and corporations (and other registered business types) must have and continuously maintain a registered agent and registered office within Connecticut. This agent must also be available during normal business hours to accept service of process. 

Having someone in this position is necessary because it ensures that the correct people within a registered business are notified when time-sensitive materials need to be delivered, such as tax notifications from the state, service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, and notice of annual reports.

Who can be a registered agent in Connecticut?

Registered agents in Connecticut can be:

• Any Connecticut resident age 18 or older
• Another business entity registered with the state of Connecticut that has a Connecticut street address
• Secretary of the State (foreign entities only)

The registered agent must:

• Have a physical address (often referred to as a registered office or principal office) in the state of Connecticut.  This can be the actual address of the business; the home address of an owner, friend, or family member; the address of an accountant or attorney; or the address of a registered agent service, so 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 because the correspondence must be delivered in person. 
• Be available to receive service of process on behalf of the business during regular business hours. Service of process refers to the delivery of legal documents, such as a notice of a lawsuit filed against the business entity. 

Can I be my own registered agent in Connecticut?

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

Benefits of Using Connecticut Registered Agent Services

Provided you live in Connecticut, the law allows you to be your own registered agent. However, this might not be the best option for you. Opting for a registered agent service instead offers several 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 much does it cost for a registered agent in Connecticut?

The cost of a registered agent in Connecticut 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

If you need to change your registered agent in Connecticut, you’ll use the “Change of Agent” form provided by the Secretary of State. For most business types, the cost is $50 (nonprofits pay $20, and limited partnerships have a different form altogether).

How to Change a Registered Agent in Connecticut

Changing your registered agent in Connecticut requires 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 Connecticut’s requirements for registered agents.

Once you have the new agent’s consent, it’s time to file the paperwork. Connecticut provides a simple form, the “Change of Agent” form. But keep in mind that Connecticut has two versions of this form: one for domestic entities and another for foreign entities. Please make sure you have the proper form before filing.

With either version of the form, you’ll be asked to provide basic information, including your name, your former agent’s information, your new agent’s information, and so on. You can submit this filing online or by mail.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

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

Connecticut Secretary of State Contact Information

Resignation of Connecticut Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must draft a statement of resignation and deliver it to the Secretary of State. The agent stays on file until the 31st day after the resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: Inform your business that you’ll be resigning. This is required by Connecticut law.
2. Submit your resignation: Draft a statement of resignation (the state doesn’t provide an official form) with your name, contact information, and the info of the business you’re resigning from. Submit that statement along with a copy and the $50 filing fee (nonprofits and limited partnerships pay $20) to the Secretary of State. The state will forward a copy to the business you represented.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your business transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the business’s good standing.