Get an Oregon Registered Agent

One of the initial things you’ll need to determine before filing your paperwork to form an Oregon limited liability company (LLC) or an Oregon corporation 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 an Oregon registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or business that is designated by a business to receive important legal documents and state notices on behalf of the company. This position is crucial to ensure that the correct people within a business are notified in person when there are time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits. The registered agent also receives important notices from the state, such as garnishment notices against employees, a notice of annual reports, and tax notifications.

Who can be a registered agent in Oregon?

According to Oregon law (ORS 63.111 and ORS 60.111), there are a few rules for who can be a business’s registered agent.

A registered agent can be:

• An individual who resides in this state and whose business office is identical to the registered office OR
• A domestic or foreign corporation, limited liability company, professional corporation, or nonprofit corporation authorized to transact business in this state whose business office is identical to the registered office.

Whether you choose an individual or a business, your registered agent needs to be present at the registered office address during all normal business hours. This address cannot be a P.O. box, a mail forwarding service, or a virtual office address. By requiring someone to be present at a physical address, the state helps ensure that there’s always someone available to accept legal documents and official communications on behalf of a business.

As long as an individual or business meets these requirements, they can serve as a registered agent for a company.

Benefits of Using an Oregon Registered Agent Service

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. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance reminders, and more.

Also, 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 is a registered agent appointed in Oregon?

You must name your registered agent when you complete the official paperwork with the state to form your LLC or corporation, so you need to decide who your registered agent or registered agent service will be before you begin 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 Oregon?

The cost of a registered agent in Oregon 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 Oregon, you’ll file the “Information Change” form with the Secretary of State. You can file this form online or by mail. Either way, there isn’t a filing fee.

Alternatively, if your annual report is coming due, you can make the registered agent change as part of that process. This can be convenient because it’ll cut down on extra paperwork, but it’s only an option if your report is due. For most businesses, this costs $100 (it’s $50 for nonprofits), but it’s an expense you should already be budgeting for.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Oregon

Changing your registered agent in Oregon is pretty simple. The most common method to make this change is by using the Secretary of State’s Information Change form. This is an all-in-one form that Oregon business entities can use to make changes from addresses to managers to, of course, registered agents. You can file it online or by mail; either way, you’ll submit the changes with the Secretary of State. There are more detailed instructions on the Oregon Secretary of State website.

The alternative is to simply make the change when you file your annual report, provided you’re changing the agent close to the time of the annual report being due. Otherwise, you’ll need to file the Information Change form.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

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

Oregon Secretary of State Contact Information

Resignation of Oregon Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the business and submit a formal resignation statement to the Oregon Secretary of State. The agent remains on file for 31 days post-resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: Inform your LLC or corporation that you’ll be resigning. While you aren’t required to do this before filing a resignation statement, it’s recommended to do so. Not only is this a professional courtesy, but it helps the business appoint a successor agent in plenty of time.
2. Submit your resignation: Oregon doesn’t offer a form for filing your resignation; you’ll need to draft your own. After you’ve written one, you’ll need to submit it to the Secretary of State.
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.