How to Appoint a Statutory Agent in Ohio

Ohio law requires your LLC to hire a statutory agent, a person or company authorized to accept official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as legal or tax documents. 

A statutory agent, also known as a registered agent in other states, ensures your business receives all key documents and notices and stays fully compliant with state regulations.  

Statutory Agent Requirements in Ohio

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

• Be one of the following
  • A natural person who is a resident of Ohio OR
  • A domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership association, professional association, business trust, or unincorporated nonprofit association with a business address in Ohio.
• If the agent is a business entity, then the agent must meet the requirements of Title XVII of the Revised Code to transact business or exercise privileges in Ohio.
• Be 18 years or older.
• Be available during regular business hours. 

Statutory Agent Services

Many business owners hire a statutory agent service to ensure all important documents are received and addressed promptly. A statutory agent service also offers convenience. 

If you choose to be your statutory agent, you’ll have to be available at your statutory agent’s address during regular business hours. However, a statutory 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 Statutory Agent Service

Some statutory 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 Ohio. 

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 statutory agent services vary, which may affect your decision. Statutory agent services generally run $50 to $300 annually.

How to Appoint a Statutory Agent in Ohio

In Ohio, you’ll appoint your statutory agent when you form your LLC by filling in the statutory agent information on your Articles of Organization.

You can file your articles of organization on the Secretary of State’s website by creating an account and filling out the form.

Alternatively, you can download the form and file it by mail. 

The statutory agent must sign the form to accept their appointment as a statutory agent.

The mailing address is:

Ohio Secretary of State
P.O. Box 670
Columbus, OH 43216

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

In Closing

Ohio requires your LLC to have a statutory agent. Some LLCs appoint a member as their statutory 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 statutory agent later if you do so, though it requires additional paperwork.