Arkansas 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 State
In Arkansas, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Arkansas, registered agents must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in the state
- Be available during regular business hours
- Be registered to operate in the state (if the agent is a business)
Registered Agent Services
Many business owners hire a registered agent service to ensure all necessary 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 Arkansas.
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 Arkansas
In Arkansas, you’ll officially appoint your registered agent when you form your LLC by filling in the registered agent information on your Certificate of Organization.
You can file your Certificate of Organization with the Arkansas Secretary of State online or by paper. Read on to see instructions for both filings.
Online Filing
To file your Certificate of Organization online, visit the Secretary of State’s Corporations Online Filing System.
Under “Domestic LLC,” select “Certificate of Organization for Domestic LLC – LL-01”. Then, click on the “Start Form” button underneath it.
Begin filling out your Certificate of Organization.
In the Registered Agent section, fill out your agent’s name and physical address. If you’d like to be your LLC’s registered agent, fill in your own name and address.
Complete the rest of the form, review it, and click “Submit” at the bottom.
Pay the $50 filing fee by e-check, credit card, or Information Network of Arkansas (INA) account. Once your payment is received, your Certificate of Organization will be filed.
Paper Filing
Mail or deliver your documents in person, download, fill out, and print your Certificate of Organization.
In section three, fill in your registered agent’s name and physical address. You can put your name if you’d like to be your registered agent. You can also name a position in your LLC to act as the registered agent and have whoever holds that position will receive mailings at their business address.
Prepare the $50 filing fee payable to the Arkansas Secretary of State, and mail your document and payment to:
Business and Commercial Services
Victory Building
1401 W. Capitol Avenue, Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
Once your LLC is approved in Arkansas, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent.
In Closing
Arkansas 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 do so, though it requires additional paperwork.
Arkansas Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my registered agent in Arkansas?
Yes. When filling out your Certificate of Organization, simply put your name and address in the space for registered agent.
What does a registered agent do for an LLC in Arkansas?
A registered agent receives all government notices and documents for your LLC and must be at the designated address during business hours. Of course, you can be your registered agent, but designating someone else helps you maintain privacy and gives you greater freedom of movement.