A registered agent number is an ID number assigned to a registered agent authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of a company. Registered agent numbers are issued in a small number of states, but keeping this information current can help avoid fines, loss of good standing, and default judgments from missed lawsuits.
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Last Updated: October 22, 2025
When entrepreneurs start a business, they have a long to-do list packed with compliance obligations, business filings to complete, and other tedious tasks. These overwhelming tasks can often raise questions, and some entrepreneurs might find themselves wondering, “What is a registered agent number?” It may sound like a minor administrative formality, but it can play a role in certain states.
While most states do not issue registered agent numbers, a few do. In those that do, the number functions as a unique identifier assigned to commercial registered agents authorized to receive legal and government documents for businesses. Understanding what this number means, how and where it’s assigned, and why it matters can help business owners maintain compliance and avoid preventable issues.
A registered agent (sometimes called a resident agent, statutory agent, or agent for service of process in some jurisdictions) is an individual or business entity that receives service of process and other legal documents on behalf of a business. Common entity types such as limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, limited partnerships, and nonprofits generally must designate a registered agent when forming with the state.
A reliable registered agent acts as an official point of contact that the state can reach out to in order to deliver certain legal and tax documents, such as annual report reminders, employee litigation documents, and other notices. But the most important part of the registered agent role is helping ensure that businesses receive notices about service of process in a timely manner.
If a company is sued, the process server delivers the summons to the agent listed on file. This process gives the business formal notice and an opportunity to respond in court, which helps ensure due process is followed.
Every state has its own statutes for who can serve as a registered agent (later in this guide, we’ll talk in more detail about some of the more unique registered agent statutes that can include registered agent numbers).
Generally, a registered agent can be an individual or a business entity that agrees to serve as an agent. If the agent is an individual, they have to be a resident of the state and have a physical address there (P.O. boxes aren’t permitted). Agents that are business entities also need to have a physical location, and they need to be authorized to do business in that state.
Regardless of whether the agent’s an individual or a business, they need to be present at their listed address during all regular business hours. This constant presence requirement helps ensure that there is always someone available to receive important legal documents and government correspondence on the company’s behalf.
A registered agent number is an identification code that some state governments assign to commercial registered agents. In states that issue registered agent numbers, the number acts like a unique marker that helps connect the agent to their contact information and information for the entities they represent. It’s a little like an individual’s Social Security number, as it’s a unique number assigned to someone, but its scope is limited to representing business entities for service of process.
In states that issue these numbers, businesses may be able to list a commercial agent’s name and number instead of the full address on certain formation documents. However, the process and rules vary by jurisdiction, and only a limited number of states use this system.
In fact, the number of states that assign registered agent numbers is pretty small. States that assign registered agent numbers generally follow the Model Registered Agents Act (MoRAA)—a statute drafted by the Uniform Law Commission to standardize how states regulate registered agents.
The Model Registered Agents Act (MoRAA) is a uniform law developed by the Uniform Law Commission to create consistency in how states regulate and record registered agents. It was designed to simplify multi-state business formation and compliance by standardizing terminology, forms, and recordkeeping practices. Only a limited number of states have adopted MoRAA, but among those that have, the rules for identifying and maintaining agent information are generally consistent.
A key feature of MoRAA is the distinction between commercial and noncommercial registered agents.
Several states have implemented this model to varying degrees. Maine and South Dakota follow MoRAA closely, assigning each commercial registered agent a unique identification number that appears in the state’s public database. Nevada and Washington also maintain public lists of commercial registered agents, but neither state issues numerical identifiers
By distinguishing between commercial and noncommercial agents, MoRAA helps states maintain accurate, centralized records and makes it easier for businesses to find professional, registered agents that meet state standards. In states that follow this model, commercial registered agents often receive a unique number to streamline filings, while most other states continue to rely solely on name and address information.
In states that use this numbering system, the number is assigned when the agent registers as a commercial registered agent. That said, the process can vary depending on the jurisdiction (and again, remember, not all states assign these numbers).
Maine allows individuals and businesses that provide registered agent services to create a registered agent listing by filing paperwork with the state. As part of that process, the state assigns the agent a “CRA Public Number,” or commercial registered agent public number, and adds them to a publicly available list of agents. South Dakota takes a very similar approach.
Not all MoRAA states assign ID numbers, however. Washington state maintains a list of commercial registered agents, but the state doesn’t appear to assign a unique ID number to each agent; if they do, the agent number isn’t made readily available to the public. Nevada also keeps a list of commercial agents, but that list doesn’t include registered agent numbers.
Meanwhile, Delaware state law has some provisions that resemble the Model Registered Agents Act, including providing business owners with a list of registered agent services that have met the state’s registered agent listing requirements. But the state doesn’t ascribe to the entire Model Registered Agents Act, and it doesn’t assign registered agent numbers, either.
Where available, registered agent numbers can serve several administrative purposes. For example, South Dakota allows LLC organizers to provide the commercial registered agent’s name and CRA # instead of a full address when filing Articles of Organization. Noncommercial agents, by contrast, must include full contact information.
Some state databases also allow users to search for agents by their registered agent number. South Dakota’s Secretary of State website includes this search function, although name searches remain more common.
Because these rules vary, business owners can confirm through their Secretary of State or equivalent agency whether registered agent numbers apply in their state.
Problems with registered agent numbers can arise when filings are incomplete or inaccurate. If a state requires a business to list a commercial registered agent’s number on formation documents, that number must be entered correctly. Missing or incorrect information can cause the filing to be rejected, delaying business formation until a corrected submission is received and approved.
Complications can also occur if a registered agent number becomes invalid. For instance, if a commercial registered agent resigns or fails to renew their registration, the number associated with that agent may be removed from the state’s database. In that situation, the businesses represented by that agent must appoint a new registered agent and update their records.
Most states, including those that issue registered agent numbers and those that do not, have statutory procedures that outline how resignations and replacements are handled. Generally, an agent that resigns must notify both the state and the business entities they represent. After that notice is filed, the business usually has a limited period—often 30 days, though the timeline varies by state—to designate a new agent.
If the business does not appoint a replacement within that time, it can face serious consequences. A company without an active registered agent may lose its good standing or even face administrative dissolution. Reinstating good standing can be time-consuming and costly, as states typically require additional filings and reinstatement fees. Businesses that fall out of good standing may also find it more difficult to obtain financing, enter contracts, or expand operations.
Outdated or missing registered agent information can also lead to missed legal notices. If a process server cannot locate a company’s registered agent because the listed information is incorrect or invalid, the business might never receive notice of a lawsuit. When that happens, the court may proceed without the business’s response, resulting in a default judgment—even in cases that could have been successfully defended.
Maintaining accurate, up-to-date registered agent information is therefore essential for both compliance and legal protection. Whether or not a state uses registered agent numbers, the underlying risk of missed service of process and loss of good standing remains the same.
A frequent misconception about registered agent numbers is that every state issues them. In reality, most states do not assign or track registered agent numbers. The majority of jurisdictions record only a registered agent’s full name and address along with the businesses they represent. Even among states that distinguish between commercial and noncommercial registered agents, not all assign a unique identification number to each commercial agent.
Another common misunderstanding is confusing a business identification number with a registered agent number. Many states assign each business entity—such as an LLC, corporation, or nonprofit—a unique ID number for recordkeeping within the Secretary of State’s database. These numbers identify the businesses themselves, not their registered agents. However, if a company operates as a registered agent service, that business may have its own entity ID within the same system. That ID applies to the business’s legal registration, not its role as a registered agent.
Registered agent numbers also differ from Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) or state tax identification numbers. EINs are issued by the Internal Revenue Service for federal tax reporting, and state tax IDs are used for state-level tax purposes. A registered agent number, by contrast, is an internal identifier used only within a state’s business registry to track authorized agents. Using one number in place of another—for example, listing an EIN where a registered agent number is required—can cause filing errors or processing delays.
Finally, there’s a misconception that registered agent numbers, once issued, remain permanent. In states that assign these numbers, they can expire or be removed if the agent resigns or fails to maintain registration. When that occurs, the number is typically deleted from the public list, and any businesses represented by that agent must appoint a new registered agent and update their filings accordingly.
Registered agents are generally required by state law to keep their own contact information current and to notify both the state and the businesses they represent if their details change. However, maintaining accurate records is a shared responsibility. Businesses also benefit from periodically confirming that the information on file for their registered agent is correct, even in states that use a registered agent number system.
For example, it’s a good practice to verify the state’s registered agent listing at regular intervals—quarterly or annually—to ensure the name and address match current records. If a discrepancy is discovered, updating the information promptly helps prevent missed notices or rejected filings. This diligence applies to all entities, whether they appoint a commercial registered agent or designate an individual such as an owner, friend, or family member.
Any time key business details change—such as the company’s address, the agent’s physical location, or the agent’s resignation—it is important to report those updates to all relevant parties, including the business entity, the registered agent, and the Secretary of State (or other governing agency). Keeping this information consistent helps ensure that the listed agent remains available during normal business hours to accept service of process and other official correspondence.
Even when a business uses a national registered agent service, periodic review remains valuable. Most professional agents provide timely updates and alerts, but maintaining compliance is ultimately a shared, three-way process between the state, the registered agent, and the business itself. Verifying this information periodically helps prevent administrative issues and supports continued good standing.
Registered agents play an essential role in keeping businesses compliant with state requirements. Registered agent numbers are a small but important feature of business registration in the few states that use them, serving as a tool to simplify recordkeeping and filings. Most states identify registered agents by name and address alone, but for those that assign numbers, ensuring the correct number appears on formation or annual report documents can help prevent delays and compliance problems.
Even in states without a registered agent numbering system, the underlying principle remains the same: accurate and up-to-date registered agent information is vital to maintaining good standing and ensuring that important legal notices reach the business promptly. Whether a company works with a commercial registered agent service or an individual, keeping contact information current supports clear communication with the state and consistent compliance over time.
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 ZenBusiness Editorial Team
The ZenBusiness Editorial Team has more than 20 years of combined small business publishing experience and has helped over 850,000 entrepreneurs launch and grow their companies. Our writers and business formation experts are dedicated to providing accurate, practical, and trustworthy guidance so business owners can make confident decisions.