C-Corporation FAQs

Is a corporation required to have a registered agent?

Yes. Every corporation must designate a registered agent and disclose the agent's name and office address-no post office boxes-as a matter of public record. Your registered agent is the individual authorized to receive official correspondence on behalf of the corporation. He or she is also the person authorized to be served with a subpoena if your corporation is sued. The registered agent must be either a natural person over eighteen years of age living in the state in which the corporation has been formed or a corporation within the state of formation that provides registered agent services.

Any officer or director of your corporation can act as the registered agent as long as your corporation is in your home state. If you want to maintain a veil of privacy, or prevent against the surprise of being served a subpoena at home in front of your family, using an outside person or company as your registered agent is a good idea.