Connecticut 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 Connecticut
In Connecticut, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Connecticut, registered agents must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Be a Connecticut resident
- Have a physical address in Connecticut
- Be available during regular business hours
- Be registered to operate in the state (if the agent is a business)
- Not list their LLC as their 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 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 Connecticut.
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 Connecticut
In Connecticut, 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 online or on paper. Read below to see instructions for both options.
Online Filing
Visit Connecticut’s Business One Stop to file online and log in or create an account.
Navigate to their page for Registering Your Business and click the blue button to get started.
Fill out the following few pages with your new LLC’s information. You can check your progress in the left-hand menu.
Click “Add agent details” on the registered agent page and select whether they’re individuals or businesses.
For an individual, fill out their name, phone number, email address, and business and residential addresses. If you’d like to be your LLC’s registered agent, put your name here.
For a business, search for the business in the Connecticut Business Registry and add their email address and phone number.
On the next page, you can also add your agent as a principal with authority to act on behalf of your LLC.
Complete the rest of the application. Once you’re done, pay the $120 filing fee to officially file your Certificate of Organization.
Instead of a signature, your agent will have 72 hours from your filing time to respond to a text or email to confirm their appointment.
Paper Filing
To file by paper, download, fill out, and print your Certificate of Organization.
In section four, fill out your registered agent’s name and their business and mailing addresses. After you print the form, have your registered agent sign it to accept their appointment.
The filing fee is $120, payable by check to the “Secretary of the State.”
Mail your completed document and payment to:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
PO Box 150470
Hartford, CT 06115
Alternatively, file in person at this address:
Business Services Division
Connecticut Secretary of the State
165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000
Hartford, CT 06106
Once your LLC is approved in Connecticut, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent.
In Closing
Connecticut 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.
Connecticut Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my registered agent in Connecticut?
Yes. When filling out your Certificate 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 Connecticut?
A registered agent receives all government notices and documents for your LLC and must be at the designated address during business hours. You can also designate your agent as a principal in your LLC with the authority to act on behalf of your business. Of course, you can be your registered agent, but designating someone else helps you maintain privacy and gives you greater freedom of movement.