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ToggleBest Registered Agents in Delaware
Running a business in Delaware calls for a good Delaware registered agent – an essential partner who handles your service of process notices, compliance-related documents, and official government correspondence.Â
Hiring an incompetent Delaware registered agent can lead to significant expenses, both financially and otherwise.
An unsuitable Delaware registered agent may overcharge for their offerings, mishandle your sensitive data, and potentially expose it to hackers.
Such negligence can result in legal complications, putting you at risk of personal litigation.
After evaluating more than 43 registered agent services in Delaware, I have ranked the top 16 and provided detailed evaluations of the top 6 picks.
Below are my recommendations for the most reliable Delaware registered agent services.
List of Registered Agents in Delaware (Our Top Picks)
- Northwest Registered Agent  Best Privacy, Best Overall
- Bizee Best Value
- ZenBusiness  Best for Compliance Guarantee
- LegalZoom  Best for Ongoing Legal Services
- Harbor Compliance  Best for Multi-State Compliance
- InCorp Best for Simple Pricing
We’ll assess them based on essential parameters such as cost, experience, user reviews, privacy policy, customer service, and unique features.Â
Compare the Top Delaware Registered Agents
When creating a new LLC in Delaware or updating your registered agent for an existing business, selecting a good Delaware registered agent is one of the first things you need to do.
I have researched and tested 16 Delaware registered agent services and picked the top 6 services to review and feature.
My Personal Experience With Registered Agents
Back in 2007, I had a small business in a state that I did not live in and I needed a registered agent to collect the mail for me. I signed up with LegalZoom as my first registered agent service.
The relationship was complaint-free for a solid three years. But around 2010, I began noticing their prices were edging towards the steep side compared to other options on the market.
I decided to make the switch to Northwest and boy, am I glad I did! From the get-go, the interaction was personal.
The first time I dialed their number, a real, live human answered – a delightful change. It was a Northwest representative who greeted me with such a pleasant voice, and from that point on, their service has been nothing short of exemplary.
I like Northwest but whoever you choose, I hope this article will assist you in choosing the right registered agent for your business.Â
Learn about the top 16 registered agent services in Delaware that we hand-picked based on independent research.
If your LLC has not yet been formed, you can receive one year of registered agent services for no cost if your LLC is formed with Northwest Registered Agent ($39 + state fees). |
Best Registered Agent Service in Delaware
If you want someone who is knowledgeable about the legal process and can help you comply when choosing a registered agent.
Northwest Registered Agent is our top pick for Delaware. Their success is achieved through best-in-class privacy, pricing and customer support.
They offer everything you need to start your LLC.. This company has been helping small businesses start and grow for over 20 years.
1. Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium Registered Agent)
Price: $125
First is Northwest Register Agent. This Delaware registered agent company offers a more premium registered agent service. Northwest provides free mail forwarding with its registered agent service, and the importance of client privacy is expressed in their motto, ‘Privacy by Default’, a core part of the company’s service. Visit Northwest Registered Agent Northwest Pros and Cons Pros
Cons
Northwest Registered Agent is our recommendation. They offer everything you need to start your LLC and ‘privacy by default’ registered agent services. This company has been helping small businesses grow and start for over 20 years.
Northwest offers a 100% error-free guarantee. This guarantees outstanding customer service, extraordinary services, and prices that match. Northwest Registered Agent is a great option for your business if data privacy and customer support are important to you. The outstanding customer service is the calling card of Northwest Registered Agent. Northwest does not outsource its support to a call center with untrained representatives. Northwest offers one-year of Delaware registered agent service with a $39 business formation. Northwest offers volume discounts on registered agent services. They’ll reduce your rate by $125 to $100 per year if you need service in more than five states. They also have strong customer reviews and free annual report reminders. |
2. Bizee (Best Value)
Price: $119 Bizee’s biggest claim to fame is its free business formation service. This includes a year of Delaware registered agent service. Bizee is only one part of their offerings. Let’s see what else they offer. Visit Bizee Bizee Pros and Cons Pros
Cons
Bizee has over 60,000 reviews online. This makes them a top choice for registered agent service in Delaware. We are unaware of any other company that receives this many reviews and the same high-quality feedback as Bizee. Bizee can be a bit pushy with upsells. Bizee offers many add-on options, which will be a reminder to you several times as you go through their order process. Bizee has been in business for almost 20 years, and they have assisted with forming over 1,000,000 businesses. |
3. ZenBusiness (‘Worry-Free’ Compliance )
Price: $199
We love ZenBusiness in many ways. ZenBusiness offers a great deal if you aren’t yet forming your Delaware LLC/corporation. They will create your business entity and provide a full year of Delaware registered agent services for $199 This combination of features is at an unbeatable price! Visit ZenBusiness ZenBusiness charges $199 annually for ongoing registered agent services in Delaware. Let’s look at the pros and cons of ZenBusiness, and then talk about how they can impact your decision. ZenBusiness Pros and Cons Pros
Cons
Although the $199 price tag for Delaware registered agent service is not the lowest, it is still very affordable. ZenBusiness offers a $199 package which includes an annual report service. This is a great deal. ZenBusiness has received over 8,200 online reviews. Nearly all of these were positive. This gives them one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. ZenBusiness also has a knowledgeable and helpful customer service department that can answer any of our difficult questions. While ZenBusiness is a newer service. They have less experience than many competitors, including LegalZoom and Northwest. ZenBusiness is one of Delaware’s best registered agent services. |
4. LegalZoom (Best Legal Services)
LegalZoom has many similarities to Rocket Lawyer. However, it is a large company that serves millions of customers and charges a high price for Delaware registered agent services. LegalZoom’s rates are almost double those of Rocket Lawyer and three times that of ZenBusiness. Visit LegalZoom LegalZoom Pros and Cons Pros
Cons
I liked LegalZoom’s 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. It is much more robust than many other companies refund policies. They also have the longest customer service hours in the industry, with nine hours of availability on weekends and 14 hours on weekdays. LegalZoom’s extremely high cost of registered agent service is a problem. LegalZoom does not offer registered agent services as part of its business formation packages. This means that the value propositions for other options in this guide are significantly better than LegalZoom. |
5. Harbor Compliance (Best Multi-State Compliance)
Price $99
Harbor Compliance is, in fact, a more premium service when it involves business formations. They only offer this service to large enterprises. They offer outstanding value in registered agent service and have one of the lowest national prices we’ve ever seen. Are they worth the effort? Harbor Compliance charges $89-$99 per year for registered agent service, depending on the state. This is a great price point. They offer volume discounts for service to multiple states or prepay for multiple years. Harbor Compliance was founded in 2012 and is one of the newest companies in this sector. Harbor Compliance is a new company that has been around since 2012. They have served over 10,000 clients and are a rising star in the industry. Harbor Compliance Pros and Cons ProsHarbor Compliance offers a great price and reminds you of annual reports well before the due date. This is a nice bonus for registered agents. Harbor Compliance has received high reviews from clients and even offers volume discounts. ConsWe only found 100 reviews online, so while their reviews are very high quality, they are not as numerous. |
6. InCorp
Price: $129
InCorp may be the best option for you if you are looking for the lowest prices for nationwide registered agent services. The base rate is quite high, but you can get your annual cost down to $87 with volume discounts. InCorp will only charge $129.95 for a year of registered agent services. InCorp will offer deep discounts if you are willing to prepay additional years of registered agent service. InCorp is America’s fourth most popular registered agent service provider, with over 125,000 customers. InCorp was established in 1998 and began offering registered agent services in 2001. They have served thousands of customers across the country since then. InCorp Pros and Cons ProsTheir prepaid discount system allows you to access some of our lowest prices for registered agent services. They have a high volume of clients, making them one of the country’s most sought-after registered agent providers. Customers also receive a compliance calendar and their EntityWatch program, which monitors your business for identity theft signs. ConsInCorp only has a handful of reviews online. Their average rating is not very high. Their LLC formation service costs $99. |
Delaware Business Tips
Forming an LLC in Delaware involves several key steps and considerations. To begin, you must complete the necessary paperwork and filings to form an LLC in Delaware.
Conducting a thorough Delaware LLC name search is crucial when starting a business to ensure that your desired business name is available and meets the state’s requirements and get your Delaware entity name registered.
Additionally, drafting a Delaware LLC operating agreement is essential as it outlines the internal management structure and operational guidelines for your LLC.
While you have the option to be your own registered agent in Delaware, many entrepreneurs opt to enlist the services of professional registered agents for their expertise and convenience. The length of time it takes to get an LLC in Delaware can vary depending on various factors such as processing times and the complexity of your application.
Alongside the formation process, you’ll need to obtain a Delaware Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes. To streamline the process and ensure compliance, it is advisable to seek the assistance of the top-rated LLC services in Delaware and the best registered agents in Delaware, who can guide you through the process and handle the necessary documentation.
Lastly, if you ever need to change your Delaware registered agent or dissolve an LLC in Delaware, it’s important to follow the state’s dissolution procedures to conclude your business operations effectively.
Additional Reviews on Registered Agents in Delaware
There are many registered agent services available in Delaware. The top 6 that I just mentioned above are the most popular options. However, I want to highlight a few other services available in Delaware.
7. Rocket Lawyer Review
Rocket Lawyer is a cheaper option than LegalZoom. Registered agent service is a small part of their product offerings. They also offer online legal services, including talking to an attorney, documents, and ongoing legal services.
You can get a physical address in Delaware for $149 to ensure state mail forwarding. Rocket Lawyer also accepts service of process on your behalf, but they offer fewer services and lower customer support than Northwest Registered Agent.
8. SunDoc Filings Review
SunDoc Filings offers basic Delaware registered agent services at $159. This includes service of process and forwarding legal documents from the Delaware Secretary of State.
There is also no dedicated customer support system such as ‘Corporate Guides’ offered by Northwest Registered Agent.
9. Swyft Filings Review
Swyft Filings provides registered agent services for your Delaware LLC or business for $149. Not nearly as good as Northwest’s best-rated customer service.
10. CSC Review
CSC, aka Corporation Service Company, is a premium Delaware registered agent service that costs $299 per year. They don’t have any premium features, except that you must pay the state fees to change your Delaware registered agent.
You could easily switch to Northwest Register Agent and save money. CSC has a long history; they are just another option to consider when shopping for an Delaware registered agent.
11. Registered Agents Inc. Review
Registered Agents Inc. costs $200 and includes the same features as Northwest Registered Agent at $125: online account access and compliance alerts that keep you in good standing with the Delaware Secretary of State.
Additional Registered Agents to Consider
Legalinc
URS Agents
Cogency Global
First Corporate Solutions
LegalCorp Solutions
What does a registered agent do?
An Delaware registered agent is an individual/business entity that has been appointed by an Delaware LLC/corporation to receive tax and legal documentation such as service or process of process and compliance documents.
A registered agent does a variety of small tasks, but they have a greater role that is more important. They act as the link between your company and the state in which you do business.
Service of Process
First, the registered agent must be designated as the recipient of any tax documents or legal documents that are sent by Delaware.
For legal matters, the registered agent must be present in order to receive the hand-delivered service of process (SOP) paperwork about legal proceedings against your company.
The registered agent must then effectively report the delivery to your company and forward the documents.
They should agree on a set of procedures for receiving and delivering these documents. They should decide whether documents will be sent by the registered agent to the business via email, mail, or fax.
Delaware Business Compliance
A registered agent can also help ensure your business is current and compliant with all state-required continuing maintenance filings.
Each state has its own laws about maintenance filings, usually annual reports or franchise tax payments.
These rules can change at any moment, so your registered agent must keep up-to-date in order for your business to remain in good standing with the state and avoid fines or dissolution.
How to choose an Delaware registered agent
There are two options for choosing an Delaware Registered Agent. You can either appoint someone internal that you know or hire a professional registered agent.
You can also be your own registered agent. It is better to have a professional service do this job. It doesn’t cost very much, and you know they will get the job done for the year.
Internal Registered Agent
The registered agent can be any member of the LLC, including yourself, or an employee. Your home or office address will become the Registered Agent’s address. Each LLC must share its principal office address and mailing address with the state’s public online system.
Hiring a registered agent service will be easier as you can use the registered agent’s address as a postal address.
A Registered Agent Service
Professional registered agent services are available for a reasonable cost of around $100 – $299 per year. This will ensure that your business is represented by the best possible service provider.
We have listed the top registered agent services in Delaware. They can take care of the job for you.
Choose an Delaware Registered Agent
These are some things to keep in mind when selecting a registered agent.
- Service Fee: Since many states require that formal businesses have registered agents, it is important to choose the best-registered agent. A registered agent can be hired for between $99 to $300 per year. This is a very small price to pay when you consider the time savings.
- The experience and tenure in business of a registered agent: You want the registered agents to have established and tested procedures for handling documents. Registered agent services should be in operation for a while. They have the experience and ability to handle all of your documentation.
- State Jurisdiction Limit: To reduce the administrative burdens of dealing with multiple registered agent providers, it is best to use one registered agent in each state. Our recommended registered agents are available in each of the 50 states.
- Follow-up and Monitoring Services: You want to get the most up-to-date information from your registered agent as quickly as possible, so you are fully informed about all statutes, rules, and regulations that affect your company.
Delaware: How do I appoint a registered agent?
The LLC can appoint the registered agent at the time of the Delaware Certificate of Organization. You can do it online or by mail. Appointing a registered agent is free of charge. Only the state filing fee must be paid.
Our Review and Selection Process
Here is how I determined the best registered agents in Delaware to help you form your LLC.
When researching information about Delaware registered agent services and comparing their respective packages, I’ve been there myself. When I needed to find the best registered agent for my business website, I searched for a good service.
For my website to receive mail and process service, I needed a street address that was available during normal business hours. I needed compliance alerts to keep my businesses in good standing before the Secretary of State.
In conversations with small business owners, entrepreneurs aspirants, and friends who own online businesses, I discovered that not everyone has the time or patience to search from website to site for the best Delaware registered agent service provider.
However, many required registration agents. They would rather choose the first registered agent available and pay less to avoid this frustrating process.
My knowledge helped me and my colleagues make informed decisions about Delaware registered agent services. It surprised me that my advice would be trusted and make the business formation experience easier for many people who read my website.
How I Chose the Best Delaware Registered Agents
I began with over 10 service providers. After a four-part screening process, I narrowed down the list to 4. I selected my top four best services based upon my four key evaluation steps.
My First Step: Reviews
I began by reading and gathering reviews, the honest voices of thousands of people like me. I was overwhelmed by reviews on TrustPilot, Facebook, and Better Business Bureau that would allow me to classify them according to different criteria (ease of use, affordability, customer service, privacy protection, taxes, fees, etc. ).
I was able to identify obvious frauds and misleading offers.
My 2nd Step: Website Analysis
After I had eliminated illegitimate providers, I went on to examine the websites of the remaining corporations in order to gain a better understanding of what they stand for, how authentic their advertising is.
I was particularly interested in optimizing their products, services, customer support, company experience, and any recognition they had received.
My 3rd Step: Talking with actual customers
Websites and sales teams can tell you about the company, but customers will tell you how they deliver it. Are they efficient? Are they efficient? Are they polite? Are they polite?
Online reviews may fill in some gaps, but most reviews are written by people with overwhelmingly positive experiences. This can distort your perspective. Talking to current customers will give you a better picture.
I reached out to people I had helped to find a registered agent and new visitors to my website looking for one. It was great to hear their stories.
This allowed me to get a comprehensive and complete picture of each service.
My 4th Step: Talking to the Sales and Marketing Teams
I talked to each company’s sales staff to complete my research. After collecting all complaints, files, and reviews, I asked tough questions about their failure to meet customer expectations.
Many companies will simply ignore negative reviews. Others will explain that they have incorporated feedback and improved their operations.
This was the last step that separated the average and the exceptional.
Best Registered Agents for Popluar States |
My Rating and Review Criteria
Four key aspects influenced my selection for the best registered agent to represent your Delaware LLC.
#1: I Checked the Services and Features
The company’s available services and features were the first things that I evaluated. Other factors, such as cost and ease of use, customer support, etc., don’t really matter if a company doesn’t offer the required services that Delaware registered agents expect. I reviewed the different companies as a shopper and consumer would.
My own needs for finding a good registered agent were considered. I asked myself, is this a registered agent service that I would be comfortable working with? Do they provide the features that I need for my business?
These were the aspects I considered:
- Is the registered agent able to give you access to online documents? Or do they mail them to your Delaware registered street address?
- Is the registered agent able to alert you about compliance dates and filing deadlines for annual reports? Or does the registered agent only give your LLC or business a calendar?
- Is there a privacy guarantee provided by the registered agent?
- Is the registered agent also able to provide an affordable LLC formation service, or is their LLC formation service any good?
- Is the registration agent responsible for filing and paying state fees?
- You have the option of filing the change online or mailing the form.
- Is the registered agent willing to accept the service of process?
Registered agents offering the most Delaware registered agent services were ranked at the top, while those with fewer offerings were placed near the bottom or in the middle.
#2: I Checked the Pricing
While most people jump to the pricing, it is important to consider the product’s value. This factor can vary greatly from one Delaware registered agent to the next. For a good registered agent, expect to pay $125 to $299 per year. Brand names like LegalZoom charge $299 per year, but most people in the registered agent industry know that the best service and privacy is from Northwest, and they charge an affordable $125 per.
#3: I Checked the Ease of Use
Your time is valuable when you start a company or LLC here in Delaware.
The ease of signing up was my next factor. The easiest, most efficient, and least intrusive systems rose quickly to the top of my list. If a company asked me to move from one document to another in a slow system, I gave them one of my lowest ranks.
#4: I Checked Their Customer Service and Support
All customers require support and assistance, no matter how easy, intuitive, and user-friendly a system may be. While not all business owners are tech-savvy, every Delaware business owner should have a registered agent they can trust.
In choosing the right agent to represent a business or LLC within Delaware, I considered customer service as the final factor.
I assessed Delaware registered agent services based on whether they could efficiently and quickly resolve customer problems with highly-trained and experienced representatives. Delaware registered agents are not required for small businesses or limited liability companies in Delaware. They should be able to answer your calls and provide generic answers quickly.
Conclusion
Delaware registered agents play a critical role in your company’s legal compliance. Although these tasks seem simple, if done incorrectly, they can lead to significant fines and even the possibility of your company being disbanded by the state.
Although you can always replace your registered agent later, it is important to choose the right registered agent for your company from the beginning. To ensure that nothing goes wrong, you should also monitor your compliance standing.
Visit Northwest Registered Agent
Delaware Registered Agent FAQs
How can I find a good registered agent in Delaware?
There are many registered agent services in Delaware. We recommend Northwest Registered Agent.
What is the cost of a registered agent in Delaware?
A registered agent service typically costs between $99 and $299.
Is a registered agent required in Delaware?
Delaware law requires all LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits to elect and maintain a registered agent and registered office.
Should I be my own registered agent or hire a service?
A registered agent service provider can be a great investment in your time, privacy, and peace of mind.
Do I need a registered agent to represent my Delaware business?
Small businesses should hire an Delaware registered agent.
What is the cost of changing my registered agent?
Depending on how many states you have to do business with your LLC, it can cost between $0 and $50 to change your registered agent.
The review comparison between ZenBusiness and Bizee, focusing on customer support and digital ease of access for Delaware entrepreneurs, was particularly useful. It’s clear that both companies prioritize user experience and efficiency.
Thanks Duane
Northwest Registered Agent’s dedication to privacy and personal service in Delaware shines through. Their commitment to offering a local touch while protecting client information is exactly what Delaware LLCs need.
Thanks Trevor
LegalZoom’s blend of legal services alongside registered agent duties offers Delaware businesses a unique advantage. The emphasis on their legal expertise and proactive compliance support was a key highlight.
Thanks Jeff
ZenBusiness’s approach to providing added value with compliance alerts and streamlined annual report filing services in Delaware really sets them apart. The article captured the essence of their commitment to supporting business growth.
Thanks Hector
The breakdown of how Bizee caters to Delaware LLCs with their cost-effective and comprehensive service package was enlightening. Their ability to simplify the compliance process at an affordable rate is invaluable for startups.
Thanks Terrence
Hi Brian, thanks for sharing your expertise on this topic. It’s refreshing to see such well-researched content
Hey Brian! Loved your article on using a registered agent service for an LLC or corporation in Delaware. As someone who recently formed an LLC in Delaware, I can totally relate to the importance of having a reliable registered agent. I ended up going with Northwest Registered Agent, and I must say, their service has been exceptional. They handle all the legal paperwork and notifications efficiently, allowing me to focus on growing my business.
I am planning to create a Delaware business entity and I liked how the article highlights the key factors to consider, such as availability, expertise, and reliability when selecting a registered agent service. These insights will save me time and potential headaches down the road.
Thanks Linda
I completely agree that using a registered agent service like Northwest Registered Agent or ZenBusiness is essential when forming an LLC in Delaware. Their expertise and efficient handling of legal documents provide peace of mind for business owners. Choosing a reliable registered agent ensures timely delivery of important notices and allows entrepreneurs to focus on growing their business without worrying about missing critical deadlines. Thanks for shedding light on this crucial aspect of establishing an LLC in Delaware