Colorado Registered Agent - How to Start my LLC

Colorado Registered Agent

Written by:

Carolyn Young has over 25 years of experience in business in various roles, including bank management, marketing management, and business education.

Reviewed by: Sarah Ruddle

For over 15 years, Sarah Ruddle has been a noteworthy leader in the business and nonprofit world.

Colorado Registered Agent

Colorado Registered Agent

Colorado 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 essential documents and notices and complies fully with state regulations.  

Registered Agent Requirements in Colorado

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

  • Be 18 years or older
  • Have a physical address in Colorado
  • Be registered to operate in Colorado (if the agent is a business) 
  • Consent to be your registered agent

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 commercial 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 officially licensed as a registered commercial agent in Colorado.

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
  • Be available during regular business hours
  • 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 Colorado

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

To file your Articles of Organization, visit the Secretary of State’s page for forming an LLC.

Review the fees and checklist of information you should have on hand. Then, when you’re ready, click “Next” at the bottom of the page.

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Go through the following few pages and fill in your information.

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On the Registered Agent page, select whether your agent is an individual or entity, fill in their street and mailing addresses, and confirm that they’ve consented to be your registered agent. 

If you want to be your registered agent, input your name and address.

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Review and submit your information.

The fee for filing your Articles of Organization is $50, which can be paid by credit, debit, or prepaid account with the Secretary of State.

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

In Closing

Colorado 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.

Colorado Registered Agent FAQs

Can I be my registered agent in Colorado?

Yes. When filling out your Articles of Organization, simply put your name and address in the space for a registered agent.

What does a registered agent do for an LLC in Colorado?

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.