Georgia 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 Georgia
In Georgia, an LLC owner, known as a member, can be the registered agent, or you can choose an individual that meets state requirements. In Georgia, registered agents must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in Georgia
- Be available during regular business hours
- Be registered to operate in Georgia (if the agent is a business)
- Not be your own LLC
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 Georgia.
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 $25 to $300 annually.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Georgia
In Georgia, 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 online or by paper.
Online Filing
To file your Articles of Organization online, visit eCorp, Georgia’s online filing portal.
Log in, create an account, and navigate to the page to start a new business.
In the Registered Agent Information section, fill in your registered agent’s name, email address, and street address. If you’d like to be your registered agent, fill in your information here.
Complete the rest of your filing, submit it, and pay the $100 filing fee by credit card.
Paper Filing
To file your Articles of Organization by paper, download, fill out, and print the Articles of Organization.
You’ll also need to fill out and print the Transmittal Information Form containing all your LLC’s information.
In section four, write in your registered agent’s name, street address, and email address. Then, if you’d like to be your registered agent, fill in your information.
The fee for mail-in filing is $110 ($100 for the filing and $10 for paper service), payable by check or money order to “Georgia Secretary of State.” Mail your documents and payment to:
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE
Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Alternatively, if you’d like to skip the $10 paper service fee, you can scan your documents and upload them to eCorp, where you can pay the $100 filing fee by credit card.
Once your LLC is approved in Georgia, your registered agent is officially appointed. You do not need to do anything further in terms of registering your agent.
In Closing
Georgia 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.
Georgia Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my registered agent in Georgia?
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 Georgia?
A registered agent receives all government notices and documents for your LLC and must be at the designated address during business hours. You can be your registered agent, but designating someone else helps you maintain privacy and gives you greater freedom of movement.