As a formal business owner in Washington state, you’re required to have a registered agent for your company. This essential role is your official contact point for legal and government communications. Here at The Law Dictionary, we’ve simplified complex government regulations into clear, actionable insights to help you understand what’s legally necessary for your business. We’ll guide you through choosing the best registered agent in Washington, explaining the key players and what they offer.

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 Washington?

When it comes to selecting a registered agent in Washington, you have a few options. You can choose to appoint an individual, or a business entity with ongoing operations in the state. Their role is to receive and manage any official correspondence and legal documents on behalf of your company. This includes service of process for lawsuits, tax notices, and other important state communications. The registered agent must have a physical address in Washington where they can receive these documents during regular business hours.

A reliable registered agent is crucial for maintaining your business’s good standing with the state. They act as a bridge between your company and the government, helping you stay compliant with state regulations and make sure you get all the important deadlines and legal notices.

How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Washington?

The cost of a registered agent in Washington varies depending on the specific provider and your chosen service level. If you opt to be your own registered agent, there’s no additional cost beyond your normal business expenses. However, this option comes with responsibilities and potential privacy concerns.

Professional registered agent services in Washington typically range from $50 to $300 per year. Some providers, like ZenBusiness and Bizee, offer competitive rates of around $99 per year. Others, like Northwest Registered Agent, charge a bit more but provide additional services and personalized support. It’s important to consider the value you’re getting for the price, not just the lowest-cost option.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Washington?

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

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have a physical address in Washington (not a P.O. box)
  • Be available during regular business hours to receive documents

You have multiple options for selecting who can serve as your registered agent:

  • You can act as your own registered agent
  • You can appoint an employee or member of your company
  • You can hire a professional registered agent service
  • You can designate a trusted friend or family member who meets the requirements

What Does a Registered Agent Do in Washington?

A registered agent in Washington serves as the official point of contact between your business and the state government. Their primary responsibilities include receiving and forwarding important legal and tax documents to you. This includes service of process for lawsuits, annual report reminders, and tax notifications.

Beyond just receiving mail, a good registered agent helps keep your business compliant with state regulations. They often provide reminders for important filing deadlines and can help you stay on top of your business obligations. In some cases, professional registered agent services offer additional features such as compliance calendars, document storage, and business advice.

How Do You Designate a Registered Agent in Washington?

Designating a registered agent in Washington is a straightforward process typically done when you first form your business. When filing your formation documents which include the Articles of Incorporation (corporation) or the Certificate of Formation (LLC), you’ll need to provide the name and address of your chosen registered agent.

If you need to update your registered agent after your business has been established, you can submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent to the Washington Secretary of State. This can usually be done online, by mail, or in person. The process typically involves:

  • Filling out the appropriate form with your business information
  • Providing the name and address of your new registered agent
  • Paying any associated filing fees (if applicable)
  • Obtaining consent from your new registered agent

How Do I Choose a Registered Agent in Washington?

Choosing the right registered agent for your Washington business is an important decision that can impact your company’s compliance and peace of mind. Start by considering your specific needs. If you’re comfortable handling legal documents and are always available during business hours, serving as your own agent might work. However, many business owners prefer the convenience and privacy of a professional service.

Consider factors like pricing, additional features, and customer support when evaluating professional registered agent services. Look for a provider with a strong reputation in Washington and a track record of reliability. Consider whether you need additional services like compliance reminders or document storage. It’s also worth reading customer reviews to get a sense of the quality of service you can expect.

The Bottom Line

Selecting the best registered agent is critical in establishing and maintaining your business in Washington. Whether you choose a professional service like Northwest Registered Agent for its personalized support, opt for ZenBusiness’s affordability, or decide to serve as your own agent, the key is to have a reliable point of contact for your business’s legal and state communications.

Remember, here at The Law Dictionary, we’re committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your business. While we’ve outlined some top choices for registered agent services, the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Take the time to evaluate your options and choose a registered agent that will help keep your Washington business compliant and running smoothly.