Starting an LLC or business in Delaware is a worthwhile endeavor that will see you to the next stage of your life. Yet it is not so easy as saying “I’m starting a business.” There are regulations to follow and steps to take. One of those steps is finding a registered agent to help you service and process important documents. And there are certainly plenty to choose from.
Yet which registered agent is right for your needs, and which are good at all? Fortunately, we are here to help answer those questions.
Here are our best five registered agents in Delaware:
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is our first choice for many states, and for several good reasons. They have been working for clients since 1998, handling the registered agent needs of many types of people across the country. They do so with great service and at a great price, and they can provide the services over registered agents won’t. You will get personalized customer support, helpful perks, and alerts, a guarantee to keep your information private, and a great deal on LLC formation.
Working with them will generally cost you $125 per year, which is a great deal for what you are getting and in general.
What we like:
- Reliable and personalized customer support for your business.
- One-day turnaround time. You will get what you need on time!
- A highly experienced team that has taken on just about every issue.
2. Harbor Compliance
Another wide-ranging registered agent that has a large user base and a strong reputation, Harbor Compliance is simple in nature, quick to help and get you what you need, and is highly affordable. Smaller operations would likely benefit the most from them, though you can trust that they’ll still provide the support needed as a registered agent.
Working with Harbor Compliance generally costs $99 per year.
What we like:
- An easy-to-use online platform.
- An affordable price for even small LLCs.
- Fast electronic delivery of documents.
3. Incfile
One of the other biggest and longest-lasting organizations in the registered agent market, Incfile has been around since 2004 and has worked with more than 500,000 businesses (many of them in Delaware). They offer a great deal for business formation getting started ($0 plus the state fee) and offer lifetime customer support. They can be a great choice no matter the intended scope of your business.
Working with Incfile will cost you $119 per year.
What we like:
- A basic package that works for most prospective businesses and LLCs, all the while being affordable.
- Next day business processing for people who want to get things done.
- An excellent reputation built up over time.
4. LegalZoom
Do you want to work with the biggest name in the industry, and then some? Then LegalZoom is where you should look first. LegalZoom is known heavily for its marketing, but it must have good service to back that up. When it comes to acting as a registered agent, it does. It handles issues promptly, offers good customer service, and provides extras and alerts to its clients.
LegalZoom does have the disadvantage of being expensive. Working with them will set you back $300 per year, so it’s up to you to consider if it’s worth it.
What we like:
- An extensive offering of business and legal services on top of being an excellent registered agent in Delaware. They can provide any basic service you need.
- Huge infrastructure and a large, experienced team.
- Alerts, identity theft protection, and other perks you might not find (or find by default) from other registered agents.
5. ZenBusiness
A newcomer to the market that formed in 2015 and hasn’t stopped growing in clients or renown since, ZenBusiness dominates the online space with an excellent website and good service, and similarly handles all registered agent tasks with aplomb.
ZenBusiness benefits clients by offering a range of additional services to their clients, all the while sticking to the fundamentals of great service as a registered agent.
Working with them generally costs $99 per year, with variations depending on your service plan and preferences. You can likely get a great deal on LLC formation if you look.
What we like:
- Affordable services that do not necessarily cut out the quality for the sake of the price.
- Additional business and legal services are available as needed.
- A great online platform.
FAQ About Registered Agents in Delaware
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a company or individual that acts on behalf of a business to send and receive official and legal documents.
Must I Have a Registered Agent for an LLC in Delaware?
Yes, you must have a registered agent for your LLC in Delaware. Otherwise, you will likely not be able to properly set up.
Can I Act as My Own Registered Agent in Delaware?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Delaware. However, you will need to be constantly available to receive documents, and live in the state. With a registered agent, you will not have to worry about these constraints.
Can I Change My Registered Agent in Delaware?
Yes, all you or your new registered agent would need to do is send the proper form to the appropriate Delaware state agency.
What is the Best Registered Agent in Delaware?
While we are confident that one of the five registered agents listed above will be the best for your business, it comes down to budget, needs, and other factors.
Conclusion
We understand that you have a lot to do, so we hope that you can find exactly what you are looking for from one of the registered agents listed above. It might take a little time, but do more research as you feel the need and look more into what each has to offer. This is an important step, and the right choice beyond getting one in the first place can be the difference between an easy day and a massive headache. We wish you the best with your business and your search.
