Louisiana Registered Agent

Before you can form a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or other registered business in Louisiana, you need to appoint an official point of contact so that the state and others can get in touch with your business. That person (or company) is called a registered agent. In this article, we’ll tell you what a registered agent is, their duties, and the requirements to be one.

What is a Louisiana registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or company designated by the business entity to receive important legal documents and state correspondence on behalf of the company and relay them to the business owner. 

What does a Louisiana registered agent do?

Louisiana’s registered agent requirements are outlined in the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 12, Section 1308. This law states that every registered business (think LLCs, corporations, and any businesses that file formation paperwork with the state) must appoint and maintain both a registered agent and a registered office in the state.

The primary responsibility of a registered agent is to receive service of process on behalf of the entity. This position is imperative because it helps ensure that the appropriate people within the business are notified during time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, notices about annual reports, or tax notices.

Who can be a registered agent in Louisiana?

Louisiana’s registered agent laws are different from most other states. The state requires the appointment of at least one registered agent who must be one of the following:

• A citizen of the state who resides in the state.
• A partnership or professional law corporation that is authorized to practice law in the state.
• A domestic corporation, domestic limited liability company, foreign corporation, or foreign limited liability company authorized to transact business in this state.

A business must name at least one individual to act as the agent of the company for service of process at its address in the state and file a certificate affirming this with the Secretary of State. The registered agent must also be available at the registered office during all normal business hours to accept legal notices in person.

Benefits of Using Louisiana Registered Agent Services

While you can serve as your own registered agent or ask a friend or family member to do so, it’s not your only option. Opting for a registered agent service 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 work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. If you serve as your own registered agent, you’ll be required to stay at the registered office during all normal business hours, which makes meeting up with clients, going on vacation, etc., difficult. 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 whomever 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 Louisiana?

The cost of a registered agent in Louisiana 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; the expenses mainly come from maintaining a physical street address or office space during regular 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 they offer. 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 Louisiana, you’ll need to file the “Change of Registered Office and/or Agent” form that matches your business type. This form costs $25 to submit, and you can file online or by mail (fees are subject to change).

How to Change a Registered Agent in Louisiana

Changing your registered agent in Louisiana requires some administrative effort to ensure the state records are current 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 Louisiana’s requirements for registered agents.

Once you’ve got your new agent lined up, it’s time to file the change paperwork. The easiest way to do this is to log into geauxBIZ, click “File Amendment,” and then request the “Statement of Change” form, inputting the requested information for your new agent. In some counties, you can also file this form by mail to your local office, but using geauxBIZ is usually recommended because it’s quicker. No matter how you file, you’ll need a credit card or check on hand to pay the $25 filing fee.

Alternatively, if your annual report is coming due, you can make the change while you file your report. If you go this route, the Secretary of State will send an email to the new agent to verify their consent. Changing your registered agent on your annual report won’t cost anything extra beyond the $30 annual report filing fee.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Louisiana resident, a partnership or professional law corporation that’s licensed to practice, or a business authorized to conduct business in Louisiana; have a physical street address in the state; and be available during all regular business hours.

Louisiana Secretary of State Contact Information

Resignation of Louisiana Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the business they represent and file a Statement of Resignation with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The agent remains on file until the 30th day post-resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: Inform your represented business in writing that you’ll be resigning. Not only is this a requirement, but this notice also helps streamline the resignation process; the sooner the business appoints a replacement, the sooner you’re done serving as their agent.
2. Submit your resignation: Draft a Statement of Resignation (the state doesn’t provide a pre-set form) and deliver a signed original and two copies to the Secretary of State. You’ll need to include the $25 filing fee.
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 company’s good standing.