When starting a business in Louisiana, you must take care of a number of legal obligations. One of the most important, and the very first one you should take care of, is the appointment of a louisiana registered agent. If you’re setting up an LLC, a corporation, or any other type of business, Louisiana requires you to have a registered agent to deal with the business’s official communication and legal paperwork. This is to ensure you don’t miss important legal documents or compliance deadlines, and is required for you to serve as your business’s official representative to the state.
What Is a Louisiana Registered Agent?
A Louisiana registered agent is a person or business entity that you appoint as your representative to receive legal documents, notice of tax obligations, and other official communication for your business. This includes receiving service of process—legal documents, if your business gets sued, annual report reminders, and other compliance documents from the Louisiana Secretary of State. All Louisiana LLCs, corporations, and foreign entities doing business in Louisiana must have a registered agent at all times.
Why Having a Louisiana Registered Agent Is Essential for Your Business
Even if it’s a requirement, having a Louisiana registered agent benefits you in other ways, too:
- Protecting Your Privacy: Your home address will not be a part of public records.
- Document Receipt: You will never miss important legal documents.
- Professionalism: Shows that you are serious about your business.
- Legal Compliance: Protects your business from administrative dissolution.
Failing to maintain a registered agent in accordance with the laws will lead to your business losing compliance, not receiving important lawsuit notifications, and having administrative dissolution of your business entity.
Louisiana Registered Agent Requirements
Louisiana law specifies a few things when it comes to registered agents:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | A registered agent must have a physical street address in Louisiana (No P.O. boxes) |
| Business Hours Availability | They must be available during normal business hours (9 AM to 5 PM) |
| Louisiana Presence | Agent individuals must be Louisiana residents, and if a business entity, it must be authorized in Louisiana |
| Consent | They must agree to serve as your registered agent |
| Public Record | The agent’s name and address become public record |
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Louisiana?
There are several possibilities for the Louisiana registered agent requirement in Louisiana:
- Individual Louisiana Residents: Any adult (18+) residing in Louisiana
- Louisiana Business Entities: A corporation or LLC that is authorized to do business in Louisiana
- Professional Registered Agent Services: Companies that focus on registered agent services
- Business Owners: You are allowed to serve as your own registered agent if you meet the requirements
- Employees or Officers: Company personnel who meet the residency requirements
Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent in Louisiana?
Louisiana law does allow business owners to serve as their own Louisiana registered agent. A lot of entrepreneurs, particularly those with single-member LLCs, tend to opt for this to avoid the service fees.
You must keep a Louisiana physical location and be reachable for all business hours. This may not be suitable if you travel a lot or want a little privacy.
Pros and Cons of Serving as Your Own Louisiana Registered Agent
Positives:
- No annual service fees
- Control all incoming documents
- Awareness of legal notices (in real time)
Negatives:
- Your personal address becomes public record
- Physical presence of the business address you registered in Louisiana is required
- Missing important documents if out of reach
- No privacy
Considering the very small differences in costs, most growing businesses find registered agent services more useful.
Registered Agent Responsibilities in Louisiana
Registered agents in Louisiana have the following duties:
- Accept Service of Process: Legal documents, including lawsuits and summons
- Forward Documents Immediately: Important documents must be provided to business owners without delay
- Be Available: Present for business hours at your registered Louisiana address throughout the year
- Receive State Mail: Compliance notices, annual report reminders
- Updated Information: Contact the state with any changes
Professional services typically also provide compliance calendars and deadline reminders, and that’s adding more value.
How to Appoint a Louisiana Registered Agent
When you’re setting up a business in Louisiana for the first time, you need to assign a Louisiana registered agent during the initial paperwork:
- Make sure your agent fulfills the Louisiana criteria
- Get them to agree to take on that role
- Write the agent’s name and physical location in your formation documents
- Submit those documents to the Louisiana Secretary of State
- Complete the required payment ($100 for LLCs, $75 for corporations)
How to Change Your Louisiana Registered Agent
Registered agents in Louisiana can be changed by completing Form 356. This form is for the Change of Registered Agent/Office and should be submitted to the Louisiana Secretary of State. It costs $30, and you should expect processing to take between 5-7 business days.
Steps to Changing Your Louisiana Registered Agent (Detailed Guide)
- Select New Agent: Pick who you want to have as your new agent, and make sure they are willing to take the position
- Download Form 356: Go to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website and get the form you need
- Complete All Sections: Fill in the name of the business, the name of the agent who’s currently serving, and the name of the new agent
- Obtain Required Signatures: Have the business representative and the new agent sign the form
- Submit with $30 Fee: You can pay and submit through GeauxBiz or send it in the mail to the Secretary of State
- Notify Your Old Agent: Give a professional notification to your prior agent
- Update Internal Records: Revise your bylaws or operating agreement
Common Mistakes:
- Not having the new agent sign
- Using a P.O. Box
- Not notifying the previous agent
What to Look for When Choosing a Louisiana Registered Agent
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Reliability | Documents will never be missed |
| Privacy | Your personal address will be kept off the public records |
| Compliance Support | Holding reminders to ensure you don’t miss important deadlines |
| Digital Access | Access online |
| Cost | Usually anywhere between $50-$300 |
| Experience | Knowledge of Louisiana laws |
Don’t make your choice only on cost—missing a notification on a lawsuit can be a lot more expensive than registered agent fees.
Individual Louisiana Registered Agents vs. Professional Services
Individual Agents are less expensive, but you may face issues with availability and reliability.
Professional Services: For businesses that have established themselves and are prioritizing professionalism and compliance, the value professional services provide is hard to surpass. This is in reference to guaranteed availability, privacy protection, compliance tracking, digital document management, and professional business appearance.
Why EasyFiling Is the Best Louisiana Registered Agent Service
As a Louisiana registered agent provider, EasyFiling is extremely reputable for a reason:
- Expert Compliance Support: Automated annual report reminders and deadline tracking
- Enhanced Privacy: Your personal address can stay completely private
- Instant Notifications: Automated emails are sent when your documents arrive
- Digital Document Access: All documents are available in a secure online portal
- Affordable Pricing and Louisiana Expertise: Service comes with a deep knowledge of state-specific requirements, and costs are kept low
- Reliable Service: There is a physical presence during all business hours
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Registered Agents
Q: How much does a Louisiana registered agent cost?
A: Professional services typically range from $50 to $300 a year. Being your own agent is free, but there are costs in privacy and availability.
Q: Can I use an out-of-state registered agent?
A: No. Louisiana requires your registered agent to maintain a physical address within Louisiana.
Q: What happens if I don’t have a registered agent?
A: Your business falls out of compliance and may face administrative dissolution.
Q: Can I use a P.O. box?
A: No. Louisiana requires a physical street address.
Q: How fast can I switch my registered agent?
A: When you file Form 356, it usually takes about 5-7 business days to process.
Conclusion: Secure Your Business with a Reliable Louisiana Registered Agent
For Louisiana businesses, compliance requires maintaining a Louisiana registered agent. While you can act as your own agent, we recommend working with a registered agent service like EasyFiling. EasyFiling provides the best reliability, protection of your privacy, and the most compliance assistance. Your business will be protected against missed deadlines, your private information will be safeguarded, and we will handle all official correspondence professionally; all of this for a small annual fee.
File Your LLC Today
25$ off with a coupon
Lock in EasyFiling's transparent rates and get lifetime compliance support at no extra cost.
Get Started Now
Swostika Silwal
