Iowa Registered Agent

Iowa 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 Iowa

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

• Be 18 years or older
• Have a street address in Iowa
• Be available during regular business hours 
• Be a resident of Iowa (if the agent is an individual)
• Be registered to operate in Iowa (if the agent is a business) 

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 Iowa. 

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

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Iowa

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

To file your certificate of organization, you’ll need to create a PDF document that includes the following:

• Your LLC’s name (which must contain “limited liability company,” “L.L.C.,” or “LLC”)
• The street address of your LLC’s office
• Any other statements you’d like to include

Next, visit Iowa’s online Fast Track Filing system. Log in or create an account and click “File a Business Document” from the home page.

Select “Form an Iowa limited liability company.”

Begin filling out the form with your LLC’s information and upload the PDF file you created earlier.

In the Registered Agent and Registered Office Address section, fill in the name and address of your registered agent. 

If you’d like to be the registered agent for your LLC, fill in your information.

Complete the rest of the form and submit it. Then, pay the $50 filing fee by credit card, debit card, or Secretary of State account.

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

In Closing

Iowa 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 decide to do so, though it does require additional paperwork.