Registered agents and LLC managers serve distinct roles within a business. The registered agent handles legal and state correspondence, while the manager oversees operations and decisions. Understanding how the two differ helps companies stay compliant and organized—especially when expanding into multiple states.
Last Updated: November 6, 2025
Starting and running a limited liability company (LLC) comes with a lot of terminology that new business owners may be unfamiliar with. Two of the most important are “registered agent” and “manager.” These roles may sound similar at first, but they serve very different functions within an LLC.
This guide explains the differences between registered agents and managers, when each role is used, and whether one person can serve in both positions. Understanding these distinctions helps an LLC stay compliant while maintaining daily operations.
A registered agent serves as the official point of contact for receiving important legal documents and other papers, including service of process, annual report reminders, franchise tax notices, and other state correspondence.
Every state requires LLCs to designate a registered agent, but the exact specifics vary from one state to another. Some states use alternate terms—such as resident agent, statutory agent, or agent for service of process. (Pennsylvania, for example, requires a registered office instead of a named agent.)
In most states, a registered agent must be either an individual resident or a business entity authorized to do business in that state. The agent must maintain a physical street address—not a P.O. box—and be available there during regular business hours.
But why do states require LLCs to designate a registered agent? Registered agents help facilitate the delivery of service of process. “Service of process” refers to delivering a notice about a pending lawsuit to a business owner. By designating a registered agent, a company guarantees that such notices can be reliably received.
For example, suppose a business owner is frequently on the road, such as running a food truck or landscaping company. In that case, it may be difficult for a process server to deliver documents directly. Having a registered agent provides a stable, publicly accessible contact for receiving legal notices. Since the agent’s name and address are listed in state records, process servers and government agencies always know where to deliver official documents.
An LLC manager oversees the daily operations of the business. LLCs are owned by members, who decide whether they’ll manage the company themselves (member-managed) or appoint one or more managers to handle operations (manager-managed).
By default, most LLCs are member-managed, but the operating agreement can specify a manager-managed structure. In a manager-managed LLC, the appointed managers may hire employees, oversee sales, purchase inventory, or manage day-to-day business decisions.
Some states require LLCs to declare their management structure when filing formation documents. For example, Oregon’s Articles of Organization require an LLC to indicate whether it’s member- or manager-managed and list the names and addresses of those individuals. Colorado and Texas have similar requirements.
The LLC’s operating agreement defines the manager’s authority and responsibilities. It can also identify who the managers are—including whether some members serve as both owners and managers. This structure is common when some members prefer to invest without handling day-to-day operations.
In short, an LLC manager is selected by the members to run the company’s daily business activities while the members retain ownership and oversight.
LLC managers and registered agents fill very different roles, so their daily responsibilities look quite different, too.
In a typical day, a registered agent remains at their listed business address during normal business hours to ensure they are available to receive legal or state correspondence. That way, when a notice is delivered, such as a lawsuit or compliance reminder, the registered agent forwards it promptly to the appropriate contact within the company. Professional registered agent services often provide additional support, including compliance notifications, digital document portals, and secure mail forwarding. However, the registered agent’s core duty is to receive and relay service of process and official notices.
In contrast, an LLC manager handles operational responsibilities. Managers make or oversee business decisions outlined in the operating agreement, including hiring and supervision, financial management, vendor contracts, and strategic planning for growth.
Between the two roles, managers have a greater influence on day-to-day operations, while registered agents primarily perform compliance and administrative functions. The registered agent plays a critical background role that becomes especially important if the company receives legal documents or state notices.
Yes, in many cases one person can fulfill both roles. This arrangement is common in small or single-member LLCs, where the owner acts as both manager and registered agent.
To do this, the individual must meet all state requirements for the registered agent role while still managing business operations effectively. For example, under California law, an LLC’s registered agent must be a California resident or a qualified corporate agent with a physical street address in the state. A manager or member can fill this role if they meet those requirements.
Even though it’s legal for someone to act as both manager and registered agent, it’s not always practical. There are several risks to consider.
First, availability can be a challenge. Many business owners can’t remain at one location during all business hours. If an owner acts as their own registered agent but isn’t present when legal papers are delivered, the company might miss service of process—meaning it may never learn about a lawsuit filed against it. In that case, the court could issue a default judgment against the business because it didn’t appear in court, even in a case that could have been easily defended.
Second, serving as one’s own registered agent can create reputational risks. Suppose a customer files a lawsuit against the company. The process server would deliver the notice directly to the owner—potentially in front of clients, employees, or business partners. This could cause embarrassment and harm the business’s professional image.
Hiring a professional registered agent service helps avoid that situation. In such cases, the process server delivers the notice to the third-party registered agent instead, who forwards it discreetly to the business owner. This arrangement keeps sensitive legal matters private and protects the company’s reputation.
What happens if a business plans to operate in more than one state? Expanding into new markets is exciting, but it also introduces additional legal obligations.
When an LLC begins doing business outside its home state, it must apply for a foreign qualification in each new state. As part of that process, the company is required to appoint a registered agent in every jurisdiction where it operates. This can mean hiring a regional or national registered agent service or appointing a separate registered agent in each state, since every registered agent must have a physical street address within that state.
Because of these requirements, an owner who serves as both the manager and registered agent in their home state typically can’t fill both roles everywhere the company expands. Using a professional registered agent service ensures compliance across multiple jurisdictions and helps maintain consistent coverage.
Registered agents and managers are two very different and essential roles within an LLC. The registered agent serves as the company’s official point of contact for legal and state correspondence, while the manager oversees business operations and decision-making.
In some cases, one person can handle both roles, particularly in small or single-member LLCs operating in a single state. However, larger or multi-state businesses often benefit from hiring a professional registered agent service to maintain compliance across all jurisdictions. Whether handled by the owner or a professional service, filling both roles correctly helps ensure legal compliance, reliable communication, and smooth daily operations.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. For 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. The team’s writers and business formation experts are dedicated to providing accurate, practical, and trustworthy guidance so business owners can make confident decisions.