How to Appoint a Statutory (Registered) Agent in Arizona

Arizona law requires your LLC to hire a statutory agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents. This position is known as a registered agent in most states.

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

Statutory Agent Requirements in State

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

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a physical address in the state 
• Be available during regular business hours
• Be a resident of the state (if the agent is an individual)
• Be registered to operate in the state (if the agent is a business)
• Not list their own business as their statutory agent

Statutory Agent Services

Many business owners hire a statutory agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed in a timely manner. A statutory agent service also offers convenience. 

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

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 Statutory Agent Service

Some statutory 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 Arizona. 

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

How to Appoint a Statutory Agent in Arizona

The Arizona Corporations Commission (ACC) will process your LLC’s formation and statutory agent appointment in Arizona. You’ll officially appoint your agent when you form your LLC by filling in the statutory agent information on your Articles of Organization. Your agent must also submit the Statutory Agent Acceptance form to confirm their appointment. 

It’s strongly recommended that you submit both documents at once to ensure accurate processing, so read below to see instructions on filing them either by paper or online.

Paper Filing

For paper filing, you can file your forms by mail, in-person delivery, or fax. First, download, fill out, and print your Articles of Organization. Then, in section four, fill out your statutory agent’s name and address.

Next, download and print the Statutory Agent Acceptance form and have your statutory agent fill it out.

Finally, print and fill out a Cover Sheet for your filings. If you’d like expedited service, request it here.

It costs $50 to file your Articles of Organization and $0 to file your Statutory Agent Acceptance. If you’re filing both simultaneously, you can expedite both for the same fee. 

You can pay by Money-on-Deposit account, check, or money order payable to the Arizona Corporation Commission. You can also pay by cash or credit card if you deliver your documents in person.

Mail or deliver your cover sheet, Articles of Organization, Statutory Agent Acceptance, and payment to:

Arizona Corporation Commission – Examination Section
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007

Alternatively, you can fax your documents to the ACC at 602-542-4100. However, faxed filings can only be paid for by Money-on-Deposit accounts.

Online Filing

To file your Articles of Organization and Statutory Agent Acceptance online, visit the ACC’s online filing portal, eCorp. First, log in or create an account. Then, from the dashboard, click “Create a new LLC.”

Select whether you’re starting an LLC or a professional LLC.

Fill out the pages in this next section with your LLC’s information. Then, you can check your process using the bar at the top.

On the Statutory Agent page, select whether your agent is a business registered with the ACC. If it is, search for the business name.

If your agent is an individual, search for their profile by name or click “Create Statutory Agent” to create a profile. Put your name and information here if you’d like to be your LLC’s statutory agent.

Complete the rest of the form, submit your filing, and pay. It costs $50 to file your Articles of Organization, plus extra fees for expedited service. 

After you submit your filing, your statutory agent will be emailed instructions to accept their appointment officially. They have seven days after your filing to accept.

Once your LLC is approved in Arizona, and your agent has accepted the position, your statutory agent is officially appointed.

In Closing

Arizona requires your LLC to have a statutory agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their statutory 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 statutory agent later if you decide to do so, though it does require additional paperwork.