Embark on a journey to a successful business startup in the North Star State by understanding the pivotal role of a Minnesota registered agent. Read our guide for essential insights and expert advice on appointing and maintaining a registered agent.
scroll for more
Get 50% off Minnesota registered agent services when you switch to ZenBusiness. Starts at $99 + MN state fees for the first year. Renews at $199/yr, subject to change.
Last Updated: June 4, 2025
Navigating the world of business in the North Star State requires understanding the critical role of a Minnesota registered agent. This essential figure is crucial for legal and regulatory compliance for limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations, helping keep your business on track and in good standing with state requirements.
In this guide, we explore the most common Minnesota registered agent FAQs, offering clarity and guidance for new entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. Whether you’re starting a new venture or maintaining an existing one, knowing the ins and outs of registered agent services in Minnesota is key to a smooth operational flow and long-term success.
In Minnesota, a registered agent is a mandatory appointment for any registered business entity, such as a Minnesota LLC or corporation. Sometimes called a statutory agent or resident agent in other states, a Minnesota registered agent acts as the official go-to person who receives critical legal documents, namely service of process and some state communications. This role is integral to keeping your business informed of legal obligations and certain state communications.
By maintaining this point of contact, you help ensure that the state always has a reliable method to contact your business if needed. While a registered agent doesn’t provide legal services, failing to maintain a Minnesota registered agent can have significant legal repercussions.
The requirement to maintain a Minnesota registered agent is not just a formality but a legal necessity for registered business entities. Whether you’re setting up an LLC, a corporation, or any other registered business entity, the state mandates the designation of a registered agent. In short, if you file formation paperwork with the Minnesota Secretary of State, then you need an agent.
A registered agent isn’t just another box to check off your startup list, either. There are consequences for not having an agent, from fees to administrative dissolution. For example, if your business faced a lawsuit and the process server couldn’t find your registered agent (or you didn’t have one), you’d risk not knowing about the case against you. You could forfeit your ability to defend yourself in court.
To comply with Minnesota’s business laws, Minnesota registered agents must meet certain qualifications. First and foremost, the agent must have a physical street address within the state — a P.O. box address doesn’t suffice. This requirement helps ensure that there’s always a reachable location, like a residence or business office, for hand-delivered legal documents. The agent must also be available at the registered office address during all normal business hours, providing a consistent and reliable point of contact.
An agent can either be an individual resident of Minnesota; a domestic corporation or limited liability company; or a foreign corporation or limited liability company authorized to conduct business in the state. Whether you choose a registered agent service or appoint someone (even yourself or a family member) to fill this role, be sure that your agent is trustworthy and organized and meets these state requirements.
Technically speaking, anyone can serve as a registered agent for a business entity as long as they meet the criteria listed above. That leaves small business owners with a few popular choices: serving as their own agent, appointing a trusted individual, or hiring a professional Minnesota registered agent service.
There are pros and cons to all of these choices, however. Let’s walk through the merits of each approach so you can pick the perfect registered agent for your Minnesota business.
You can be your own Minnesota registered agent if you wish to. Small business owners who don’t travel often and work at their listed business address during normal hours often consider this option. Serving as your own registered agent can be cost-effective, eliminating the fees associated with hiring a third-party service.
However, it’s important to consider the responsibilities that come with this role — just because you can be your own agent doesn’t mean you should. For some entrepreneurs, being nailed down to the same address during regular business hours isn’t a viable option. Many business owners need the freedom to serve clients around town, go to meetings, run errands, and more. Others just like to be able to travel on non-holidays. For those owners, hiring a registered agent service might be a better option.
For many business owners, employing a professional Minnesota registered agent service is a preferred alternative. These services take the responsibility of manning the registered office address, helping ensure you never miss a crucial communication. An agent service gives you the freedom to stay mobile and meet your business needs. Plus, many registered agent services offer extra features like uploading legal documents to your online account.
But there’s another advantage to hiring a registered agent service: protecting your professional image. If your business ever faces a lawsuit, the process server will notify your registered agent directly. If you serve as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process personally — potentially in front of a client or business partner.
A registered agent service prevents this embarrassment for you. If anyone sues your business, your agent will accept the service of process and handle it discreetly and professionally.
You need to designate your Minnesota registered agent from the get-go. If you attempt to file your corporation or LLC formation paperwork without designating a registered agent, the state will reject your filing. Your business can’t exist without an agent.
If you’re thinking about hiring a registered agent business to fill this role, be sure to consult with them right away. That way, you can keep your startup process as streamlined as possible. If you’re still on the fence about doing it yourself or hiring a service, remember that it’s easiest to decide from the outset so you can avoid extra paperwork and state fees later on.
But if you do change your mind, don’t worry — we discuss how to change your registered agent below.
The cost of a Minnesota registered agent varies depending on whether you choose to be your own agent or hire a professional service. If you decide to serve as your own registered agent, there’s no direct cost other than the potential cost of time and the need to maintain a registered office for legal notices and official mail.
On the other hand, professional registered agent services in Minnesota typically charge an annual fee, which can range from around $100 to several hundred dollars per year. This fee usually varies depending on the services the agent offers. It’s important to research a registered agent’s different offerings and evaluate which package will be right for your business needs. More expensive isn’t always better — sometimes, the budget-friendly option can be the best registered agent service for you.
If you’re looking to change your registered agent, then you’ll just have one option: filing the “Notice of Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent” form with the Minnesota Secretary of State. For most domestic entities, this procedure costs $35 for mail-order filings and $55 for online or in-person filings (because they’re considered expedited). Meanwhile, foreign entities pay $50 for mailed filings and $70 for expedited ones. (Fees are subject to change over time.)
Finding a Minnesota registered agent can be a straightforward process. If you opt to serve as your own agent, you simply designate yourself when filing your business formation documents.
For those looking for a reliable registered agent service, a good starting point is to search online for agent services operating in Minnesota. Many of these services have websites providing detailed information about their offerings and pricing. It’s also wise to read reviews and possibly seek recommendations from other business owners or professionals like accountants or lawyers. When choosing a service, always evaluate factors such as reliability, experience, additional services offered, and, of course, the cost.
Changing your registered agent in Minnesota involves a few specific steps. First and foremost, make sure to notify everyone of the impending change — your old agent, your new agent, and the state. Even if your old agent resigned, it’s essential to make sure everyone’s on the same page.
Then comes the paperwork: the “Notice of Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent” form. Minnesota lets you file online, by hand, or by mail. But no matter how you file, you’ll provide basic information like your file number, business name, and the new registered agent’s name and address.
There’s a $55 filing fee for LLCs or corporations filing online or in person, or a $35 fee by mail (online and in-person filings are more expensive because they’re considered “expedited”). Foreign corporations, cooperatives, and nonprofits pay $15 more, regardless of how they file. (Fees are subject to change over time.)
After the state processes your paperwork, your new Minnesota registered agent’s address will be listed on the state’s public record and the change will go into effect.
When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Minnesota resident or a business authorized to conduct business in Minnesota, have a physical street address in the state, and be available during business hours.
If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the LLC and submit a formal resignation to the Minnesota Secretary of State. The agent remains on file for 30 days post-resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.
If you’re seeking a trustworthy registered agent service, the search is over with ZenBusiness. Opt for our Minnesota registered agent service to streamline your compliance needs. We’ll handle your registered agent responsibilities smoothly and efficiently, freeing you up to focus on running your business. We give you the peace of mind you need to have a hassle-free startup journey.
More Resources
Minnesota Business Resources
Get a Registered Agent in These States
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
Written by Team ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness has helped people start, run, and grow over 850,000 dream companies. The editorial team at ZenBusiness has over 20 years of collective small business publishing experience and is composed of business formation experts who are dedicated to empowering and educating entrepreneurs about owning a company.
Get Your Minnesota Registered Agent