Frequently Asked Questions

What is a registered agent in Washington?

A registered agent is an individual or business entity designated to receive service of process, legal documents, and official government correspondence on behalf of a business entity registered in Washington. The Washington Secretary of State maintains registered agent information for all entities operating in the state.

Why do Washington businesses need a registered agent?

Washington law generally expects every LLC, corporation, nonprofit, and similar entity registered with the Washington Secretary of State to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Washington. This provides a reliable location where courts, government agencies, and other parties can deliver important legal documents during regular business hours.

Who can serve as a registered agent in Washington?

Individuals must be Washington residents who are at least 18 years old. Business entities serving as registered agents must be authorized to operate in Washington and maintain a physical office in the state. Washington distinguishes commercial and noncommercial agents in its regulations, recognizing that professional services operate differently from individuals serving in this role.

What types of documents do registered agents receive?

Registered agents receive service of process (lawsuits and legal summons), correspondence from the Washington Secretary of State, tax notices, annual report reminders, compliance notices, and other official documents directed to your business entity.

Can I be my own registered agent in Washington?

Washington residents who are at least 18 years old can serve as their own registered agent. However, your personal address will appear on public records with the Washington Secretary of State, you must be available at that address during all regular business hours, and you may receive service of process at times that disrupt your daily routine.

How do I change my registered agent in Washington?

File a change of registered agent form with the Washington Secretary of State. Washington doesn't charge a filing fee for this change, making it free to switch registered agents. You'll need to provide your current registered agent information and the details for your new registered agent and registered office address.

What are Washington's annual report requirements?

Washington entities file annual reports with the Washington Secretary of State. The current filing fee is $70 per year. The Washington Secretary of State also collects fees for various other filings — for example, some formation filings carry a $180 filing fee plus a $20 processing fee. Annual report requirements help keep business entity information current in state records.

What is the Washington Secretary of State's role?

The Washington Secretary of State maintains the official registry of business entities in Washington, processes formation documents and amendments, collects annual reports, tracks registered agent information, and provides public access to business records. Their website is https://www.sos.wa.gov/

Why does Washington Registered Agent cost only $99 per year?

We focus on delivering core registered agent services efficiently. Many providers charge $125 to $436 annually for similar service. Our value-focused approach provides document forwarding, compliance alerts, online portal access, and privacy protection at $99 per year — saving you money without sacrificing quality.

What features are included in the $99 annual fee?

Your subscription includes a registered office address in Washington that meets state requirements, same-day document scanning and forwarding, compliance reminders for annual reports and deadlines, secure online portal access to all forwarded documents, and privacy protection with our address on public filings instead of your personal information.

How quickly do you forward documents?

We scan and forward documents the same day they arrive at your registered office. You'll receive an email with the scanned document attached, and it will be available in your online portal for future reference.

What is Washington's Business & Occupation Tax?

Washington has a Business & Occupation (B&O) Tax on gross receipts rather than a state income tax. This is separate from annual report requirements but represents another compliance consideration for Washington businesses. The Washington Department of Revenue administers B&O tax, while the Washington Secretary of State handles business entity registration and annual reports.

How do I sign up for registered agent service?

Visit our checkout page to begin enrollment. You'll provide your business information, contact details, and payment. Once setup is complete, we'll provide your Washington registered office address to use on filings with the Washington Secretary of State.

Can I use your address for general business mail?

Our address serves specifically as your registered office for official legal documents and service of process. It's not intended for general business mail, package delivery, or customer correspondence. If you need a mailing address for other business purposes, consider a separate mail forwarding service.

What happens if I miss my annual report deadline?

The Washington Secretary of State may assess late penalties for annual reports filed after the deadline. Continued non-compliance can lead to administrative dissolution of your entity and loss of good standing status. Our compliance reminders help you stay aware of deadlines, though you remain responsible for timely filing.

Do you serve all types of Washington business entities?

Yes. We provide registered agent service for LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, and other entities registered with the Washington Secretary of State. Whether you're forming a new entity or have an established business, Washington Registered Agent can serve as your registered agent.

How do I contact Washington Registered Agent?

Email us at support@waregisteredagent.org or call . Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm PT. You can also write to us at 123 Commerce St, Suite 100, Olympia, WA 98501.

What if I need to cancel service?

Contact us at support@waregisteredagent.org if you need to discontinue service. Remember that you'll need to designate a new registered agent and file a change form with the Washington Secretary of State before canceling to maintain compliance with state requirements. Washington doesn't charge a fee for registered agent changes.

Does Washington Registered Agent operate statewide?

Yes. We provide registered agent service for businesses registered anywhere in Washington. Your entity's principal office can be located in any city or county, but your registered agent must maintain a physical Washington address, which we provide.