Get a Nevada Registered Agent

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

What is a Nevada registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or company that is designated by the business to receive important legal documents on behalf of the company. This position is necessary to ensure that the correct people within a business are notified in the event of time-sensitive events, which could include service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, notices of annual reports, or notifications of taxes.

Who can be a registered agent in Nevada?

Nevada allows separate registration for commercial registered agent services. This allows those looking to form businesses an easy way to find a company that can act as their registered agent, but an individual or entity can also serve as one.

According to Nevada statutes (NRS 77.310 – 77.320), a registered agent filing must state:

• the name of the represented entity’s commercial registered agent; or
• the name and address of the entity’s noncommercial registered agent; or
• the name and address of the business office of a person who holds a title or other position within the entity itself.

The registered agent must be available during all normal business hours at a designated location called the registered office. The registered office must be a physical street address in Nevada, not a P.O. box or something similar. This is because the agent must be available in person to accept service of process.

Benefits of Using Nevada Registered Agent Services

Technically, you can serve as your own registered agent or ask a friend or family member to fill this role. However, 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 Nevada registered agent appointed?

You’ll need to name your registered agent when you complete the official paperwork to form your LLC or corporation, so you’ll need to decide who your registered agent or registered agent service will be before you start that process. Of course, you need to be sure to inform whomever you’re appointing and get their permission to serve in that role.  

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

The cost of a registered agent in Nevada 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 Nevada, you’ll need to fill out a paper form: the “Commercial Registered Agent Registration, Change, or Termination Statement” (for commercial registered agents) or the “Registered Agent Acceptance/Statement of Change” form (for noncommercial agents). These can be submitted by mail, fax, or in person. There’s a $60 filing fee (as of this writing).

How to Change a Registered Agent in Nevada

Changing your registered agent in Nevada 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 Nevada’s requirements for registered agents.

Once you’ve got your agent lined up, it’s time to file the paperwork. If you previously had a commercial registered agent, then you would use the “Commercial Registered Agent Registration, Change, or Termination Statement.” If you had a noncommercial registered agent, you’d use the “Registered Agent/Statement of Change” form instead. Please make sure that you get the right version for your situation. No matter which form you use, you’ll be asked to provide information about your previous agent, the new one, and so on.

Send your completed form and a Custom Order Form (a bit like a cover form with contact information) to the Nevada Secretary of State, along with the $60 filing fee.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Nevada resident or a business authorized to conduct business in Nevada, have a physical street address in the state, and be available during business hours.

Nevada Secretary of State Contact Information

Resignation of Nevada Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the represented business immediately after submitting the “Resignation of Registered Agent” statement to the Secretary of State. The agent remains on file for 31 days after resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: According to state law, you need to notify your business as soon as possible after you file the resignation paperwork. But it’s recommended to notify them in advance of your filing. Not only is this a professional courtesy, but it also helps the business appoint a replacement sooner, meaning the resignation will go into effect sooner.
2. Submit your resignation: Complete the “Resignation of a Registered Agent” form, including the Custom Order Instructions form, and deliver it to the Secretary of State. This filing costs $100 for the first entity and an extra dollar for every additional entity (if you’re resigning from more than one business at a time).
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.