Starting a business in Missouri can be an exciting new venture, but it comes with its fair share of legal requirements. One of these is appointing a registered agent for your company. 

A registered agent serves as your official contact for receiving legal and tax documents, crucially helping your business comply with state regulations. 

Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve summarized government regulations into clear insights to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business. Let’s dive into the world of registered agents in Missouri and find the best option for your new enterprise.

Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
Best LLC Service
Starts at $0 + State Fees1-day processing to start fast4.8 Trustpilot and A+ on BBB
Best for Business Building
$0 Option AvailableFree business plan included (no credit card required)Amazon gift card up to $50 included with your purchase
Best Legal Support
$0 Option AvailableOffers attorney consultationsHighly reputable with user base

Best Registered Agent Services

Here are our top registered agent service picks in 2024:

Bizee Most Cost Effective
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2004
Bizee Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $119/Year

Bizee, formerly known as Incfile, is a common choice for entrepreneurs looking for affordable registered agent services. They offer a year of free registered agent service with their LLC formation packages, making it an attractive option for new businesses on a tight budget. Bizee provides a user-friendly online platform for managing your business documents and compliance needs. Their online dashboard allows you to easily access and manage your documents, with notifications sent when new items are received. Bizee also offers additional services like business license research and annual report filing, though these come at an extra cost.

Bizee Pros and Cons
Pros Free year of registered agent service with formation Affordable pricing for ongoing services Easy-to-use online document management system Cons Some upsells during the checkout process Customer support can be slow at times Limited additional services compared to some competitors
LegalZoom Best Legal Support
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2001
LegalZoom Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $249/Year

LegalZoom is a well-known name in the legal services industry. They offer registered agent services as part of their comprehensive business formation packages. LegalZoom’s registered agent service includes unlimited cloud storage for your documents and compliance alerts to help you stay on top of important deadlines. They provide access to a network of attorneys for legal advice, which can be helpful for new business owners.

LegalZoom Pros and Cons
Pros Comprehensive legal services available Well-established brand with a strong reputation Access to attorney network (for an additional fee) Cons Higher pricing compared to some competitors Registered agent service not included in basic formation package
Northwest Registered Agent Best Customer Service
BBB Rating A+ Founded 1998
Northwest Registered Agent Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $125/Year

Northwest Registered Agent is a well-established company known for its personalized service and privacy protection. They take pride in their commitment to keeping your personal information secure and offer a level of privacy that goes beyond what many other registered agent services provide. They offer comprehensive registered agent services across all 50 states. What sets Northwest apart is their in-house customer support team, composed of former lawyers, accountants, and small business owners.

Northwest Registered Agent Pros and Cons
Pros Expert customer support from former lawyers, accountants, and business owners Strong focus on privacy protection Includes free mail forwarding Includes one year of RA services Cons Limited additional services beyond registered agent and formation No mobile app available
Swyft Filings Fast Turnaround
BBB Rating Not Accredited Founded 2015
Swyft Filings Overview

Registered Agent Pricing: $596/Year

Swyft Filings lives up to its name by offering fast and efficient registered agent services. They pride themselves on quick turnaround times for document processing and filing. Swyft Filings also assigns a personal business specialist to each client and they will add their name and address on filings so your company is protected.

Swyft Filings Pros and Cons
Pros Fast processing times Dedicated business specialist for each client User-friendly online dashboard Cons Registered agent service not included in formation packages Some upsells during the checkout process
ZenBusiness Most Comprehensive
BBB Rating A+ Founded 2015
ZenBusiness Overview

Registered Agent Price: $199/Year

ZenBusiness is a comprehensive business formation and registered agent service catering to entrepreneurs and small business owners. They offer a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of setting up and maintaining your Nebraska company. With ZenBusiness, you’ll receive personalized support and access to a wide range of business services beyond just registered agent duties.

We appreciate ZenBusiness for their commitment to providing affordable, high-quality services to Nebraska businesses. Their registered agent service includes features like compliance alerts, document scanning, and online access to your important business documents. ZenBusiness offers additional services such as annual report filing and business license research to help keep your company compliant.

ZenBusiness Pros and Cons
Pros Affordable pricing with good value Comprehensive business formation services available User-friendly online dashboard for managing documents Cons Some additional services come at an extra cost Some services are only available in higher-tier packages Customer support hours are more limited than some competitors

What Is a Registered Agent in Missouri?

In Missouri, a registered agent in Missouri can be either a person or business entity designated to receive important official and legal documents, and correspondence, on behalf of your company. This includes service of process (legal notices, summonses, or lawsuits), tax forms, and other official government correspondence. The registered agent must have a physical address in Missouri where they can receive these documents during regular business hours.

The role that your registered agent plays is crucial for maintaining your business’s good standing with the state. They act as a reliable point of contact between your company and the state government, helping to maintain compliance with state regulations. Having a registered agent helps to maintain a level of privacy for your business since your agent’s address will be listed on public records rather than your personal or business address.

How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Missouri?

The cost of a registered agent in Missouri can vary depending on whether you choose to act as your own agent, designate someone within your company, or hire a professional service. If you or someone in your company serves as the registered agent, there’s no additional cost beyond the time and effort required to fulfill the responsibilities.

Professional registered agent services in Missouri typically range from $50 to $300 per year. Companies like ZenBusiness and Bizee offer competitive rates starting around $99 per year, while others like Northwest Registered Agent may charge slightly more but provide additional services or personalized support. It’s important to consider the value you’re getting for the price, not just the lowest-cost option. Some services, like Bizee, even offer the first year free when you form your LLC through them, which can be a significant saving for new businesses.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Missouri?

In Missouri, the requirements for who can serve as a registered agent are relatively straightforward. The registered agent must be:

  • An individual who is a resident of Missouri and at least 18 years old
  • A business entity authorized to do business in Missouri

Additionally, the registered agent must have a physical street address in Missouri (not a P.O. box) where they can receive documents during regular business hours.

While you can serve as your own registered agent for your Missouri business, many entrepreneurs choose to use a professional service for convenience and privacy reasons.

What Does a Registered Agent Do in Missouri?

A registered agent in Missouri serves as the official point of contact between your business and the state government. Their primary responsibilities include:

  • Receiving important legal documents (including service of process for legal cases)
  • Promptly forwarding these documents to you
  • Helping to maintain timely responses to any legal matters

The registered agent also accepts official mail from the state government, including:

  • Tax notices
  • Annual report reminders
  • Other compliance-related communications 

Having a dedicated person or entity handling these important documents lets you focus on running your business without worrying about missing critical notifications.

How Do You Designate a Registered Agent in Missouri?

Designating a registered agent in Missouri is a straightforward process that’s typically done when you first form your business entity. When you file your Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for corporations) with the Missouri Secretary of State, you’ll need to provide the name and address of your chosen registered agent.

If you’re using an online business formation service like ZenBusiness or Bizee, they’ll often include registered agent designation as part of their formation package. They’ll handle the paperwork and ensure that all the necessary information is correctly filed with the state. If you’re forming your business on your own, you’ll need to fill out the appropriate forms and provide the required information about your chosen registered agent.

A Statement of Change of Registered Agent form must be submitted to the Missouri Secretary of State to change your registered agent after your business is officially formed. In most cases, this process can be completed online, by mail, or in person — typically with a small fee.

How Do I Choose a Registered Agent in Missouri?

Choosing the right registered agent for your Missouri business is an important decision that can impact your company’s compliance and peace of mind. When making your choice, consider factors such as reliability, experience, and additional services offered.

If you’re considering acting as your own registered agent, think about whether you’ll be available during regular business hours to receive important documents. Also, consider if you’re comfortable with your personal address being on public record. For many business owners, the convenience and privacy offered by professional registered agent services outweigh the cost.

When assessing professional services, consider their industry reputation, the quality of customer support, and any extra features they provide. For instance, Northwest Registered Agent is recognized for its top-notch customer service and privacy protection, while ZenBusiness stands out for its intuitive platform and competitive pricing. When making your decision, consider your specific needs and budget.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right registered agent is a key step in setting up and maintaining your Missouri business. Whether you opt for a budget-friendly option like ZenBusiness, a privacy-focused service like Northwest Registered Agent, or a well-known brand like LegalZoom, having a reliable point of contact for your business’s legal and tax documents is important.

At The Law Dictionary, we’re here to support you in navigating your business operations. While the final decision is yours, we know that every detail in the business formation process warrants a well-informed perspective. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of your registered agent options and select the one that best aligns with your business goals. With the right choices in place, you can focus on what you do best — growing and thriving in your Missouri business!