How to Appoint a Registered Agent in North Dakota

North Dakota law requires your LLC to hire a registered agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents. 

A registered agent ensures your business receives all key documents and notices and complies fully with state regulations.  

Registered Agent Requirements in North Dakota

In North Dakota, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In North Dakota, registered agents must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Be available during regular business hours 
• Be an individual residing in North Dakota OR
• Be a domestic or foreign corporation registered with the Secretary of State and having a business office in the State of North Dakota OR
• Be a domestic or foreign limited liability company registered with the Secretary of State and having a business office in the State of North Dakota.
• Commercial registered agents must have a Commercial Registered Agent Listing Statement filed with the Secretary of State.

Registered Agent Services

Many business owners hire a registered agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed promptly. A registered agent service also offers convenience. 

If you choose to be your registered agent, you’ll have to be available at your registered agent’s address during regular business hours. However, a registered agent service will allow you the flexibility to run and grow your business wherever you need to be. 

An agency also offers privacy. Since they will receive all official correspondence for your business, you would never be served with a summons for your business in front of customers or employees. 

Choosing a Registered Agent Service

Some registered agent services operate nationally, allowing you to form LLCs in other states if your business expands. However, if you don’t choose a national agency, you’ll need one with an office in North Dakota. 

You’ll also want an agency that will:

• Send deadline reminders for things like annual reports to ensure your LLC stays in compliance
• Digitally store your documents so you can access them at any time
• Offer great customer service

Prices for registered agent services vary, which may affect your decision. Registered agent services generally run $50 to $300 annually.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in North Dakota

In North Dakota, you’ll officially appoint your registered agent when you form your LLC by filling in the registered agent information on your articles of organization.

You can file your articles of organization on the Secretary of State’s website by creating an account and filling out the form. 

You cannot file by mail in North Dakota, only online.

Once your LLC is approved in North Dakota, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent. 

In Closing

North Dakota requires your LLC to have a registered agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their registered agent, but hiring a professional service offers many advantages. 

You’ll likely need to decide on whichever route you choose before you form your LLC. You can change your registered agent later if you decide to do so, though it does require additional paperwork.