Delaware LLC Registered Agent — Step 2 of 8
Every Delaware LLC must maintain a registered office and a registered agent in Delaware. The agent's business office must match the registered office, and Delaware requires a physical street address where service of process can be accepted during normal business hours. This guide explains who can qualify, what appears on the public record, how to compare self-service with a commercial provider, and how to change agents later.
Yes. A Delaware LLC must maintain a registered agent and registered office in Delaware. The agent must have a physical Delaware street address and be generally present there during normal business hours to accept service of process. The LLC itself may act as agent if it is physically located in Delaware; otherwise you can use an eligible Delaware resident or qualifying business entity. Commercial-service pricing varies by provider.
- Required?
- Yes
- DE street address
- Required
- P.O. box OK?
- No
- Be your own?
- Check eligible route
- Commercial cost
- Varies by provider
- Agent info public?
- Yes
- Change-agent filing
- $50
- Next step
- Step 3 →
What a Delaware Registered Agent Does
A Delaware registered agent is the person or business designated to accept service of process for the LLC at its registered office. Delaware's Division of Corporations also describes registered agents as a point of contact for billing and tax obligations. The registered office and registered-agent information are part of the Certificate of Formation requirements.
- Receives service of process — lawsuits and legal summons are delivered to the agent.
- Supports state communications — Delaware describes registered agents as providing information for billing and tax obligations to the entities they represent.
- Maintains a physical Delaware address — a real street address, available during normal business hours.
The requirements
- Registered office in Delaware — the LLC must continuously maintain one in the state.
- Physical Delaware street address — Delaware's Division of Corporations says the registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Delaware.
- Normal-business-hours presence — the agent must be generally present at the designated location to accept service of process.
- Eligible person or entity — § 18-104 allows the LLC itself, an individual Delaware resident, certain Delaware entities, and qualifying foreign entities.
- Current communications contact — Delaware registered agents have statutory recordkeeping/contact obligations for the entities they represent.
DIY or Hire? Agent Decision Finder
Compare your eligibility and office arrangements. The LLC itself, a Delaware-resident individual or another qualifying entity may serve; a paid commercial provider is optional.
Be Your Own Agent vs. Hire a Service
Why a commercial agent is common for out-of-state foundersIf the LLC is not physically located in Delaware and you do not otherwise have an eligible Delaware resident or qualifying entity to serve, a commercial registered-agent service is a practical way to satisfy the in-state office requirement. It can also provide continuity when owners travel or work from changing locations.
- ✓Optional formation assistance; confirm filing scope, service pricing and submission responsibilities.
- ✓Optional formation assistance; confirm filing scope, service pricing and submission responsibilities.
- ✓Confirm document receipt, forwarding methods, response times and any additional charges.
- ✓Review address-use rules and privacy policies; a service does not remove all information from public filings.
Disclosure: LLC School may earn a commission through this link, at no extra cost to you. Provider terms and pricing can change; verify current details before purchase. See our Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure.
Official Delaware Sources
These are the primary Delaware sources used to verify this page.
- 6 Del. C. § 18-104 — Registered office and registered agent
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Registered Agent FAQs
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Registered Agent List
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Change of Agent Forms
- Delaware Division of Corporations — Fee Schedule (revised August 1, 2026)
Change-of-agent filing: the LLC form currently linked by the Division lists $50 for a certificate changing only the registered office/agent. Certified copies and expedited handling cost extra. Official LLC change form. This fee is separate from any provider quote.
Delaware Registered Agent — FAQ
Ahmad Adil is the founder of LLC School. The Delaware registered-agent requirements on this page were rechecked in August 2026 against 6 Del. C. § 18-104, § 18-201, current Delaware Division of Corporations registered-agent guidance, the current LLC Certificate of Formation form, and the current LLC change-of-agent form. Commercial service pricing is kept separate from state-law requirements.
About Ahmad Adil → Delaware LLC Overview →