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7 Best Washington Registered Agent Services Of 2024

Small Business Writer,  Managing Editor, SMB
contributor

Reviewed

Updated: Mar 30, 2024, 2:20pm

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

In the state of Washington, maintaining a registered agent for your corporation is more than just a legal necessity; it’s a strategic business decision. By hiring a registered agent service, you not only adhere to Washington’s state laws but also efficiently manage critical legal and tax documents while safeguarding your privacy and protection. Moreover, such a service alleviates the burden of compliance, offering you a worry-free operation.

However, with the amount of service providers available today, identifying the most suitable one can be challenging. This article is designed to ease that process by offering a carefully curated selection of the top seven registered agent services in Washington. Each of these services has a proven track record of demonstrating their expertise, reliability and unwavering commitment to exceptional service delivery.

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The Best Washington Registered Agent Services of 2024


Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Small Business

The Forbes Advisor Small Business team is committed to bringing you unbiased rankings and information with full editorial independence. We use product data, strategic methodologies and expert insights to inform all of our content and guide you in making the best decisions for your business journey.

We reviewed 15 registered agent services using a detailed methodology to help you find the seven best Washington registered agent services for small businesses. Our ratings consider factors such as pricing, user experiences, expert opinions and key features including multistate support and limited liability company (LLC) filing services. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.


Best for Ease of Use

Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting Price

$124.99 with membership or $249.99 per year

Multistate Support

Yes, all 50 states

LLC Filing Services

Yes

Rocket Lawyer
Learn More Arrow

On Rocket Lawyer's Website

$124.99 with membership or $249.99 per year

Yes, all 50 states

Yes

Editor's Take

Rocket Lawyer provides numerous benefits as your registered agent. It serves as a dependable point of contact for your Washington-based business, ensuring compliance with state requirements. With its assistance, you can organize your documents online easily, eliminating the risk of missing or misplacing any official government paperwork. Moreover, if you are dissatisfied with its service, Rocket Lawyer offers a full refund, prioritizing your satisfaction.

Rocket Lawyers’ platform is also very user-friendly, allowing you to easily set up your registered agent service online. It handles all the paperwork and filings, provides fast email notifications and will promptly scan and email official documents to you. Additionally, if you require any legal services such as document creation, business formation or contracts, Rocket Lawyer offers a wide range of services within the same platform.

Pricing for Rocket Lawyer services are $249.99 per year. However, if you become a Rocket Lawyer member with a monthly subscription of $39.99 or an annual subscription of $239.99, you get a 50% discount. This means you only have to pay $124.99 for the registered agent service.

Learn more: Read our Rocket Lawyer review.

Who should use it:

Rocket Lawyer is a great choice for individuals and businesses looking for registered agent services as well as cost-effective and convenient legal services. Its platform is also very user-friendly, making it easily accessible to anyone without extensive legal knowledge.

Pros & Cons
  • 100% money-back guarantee
  • Seven-day free trial
  • Offers legal services
  • User-friendly platform
  • Membership can get costly over time
  • Fees can increase

Best for Personalized Attention

Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest Registered Agent
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting Price

$125 per year (one to four states)

$100 per year (five or more states)

Multistate Support

Yes, all 50 states

LLC Filing Service

Yes

Northwest Registered Agent
Learn More Arrow

On Northwest Registered Agent's Website

$125 per year (one to four states)

$100 per year (five or more states)

Yes, all 50 states

Yes

Editor's Take

Northwest Registered Agent is a service provider that focuses primarily on delivering top-notch registered agent services to business entities. It stands out by offering one-on-one personalized help with experienced Corporate Guides as well as Privacy by Default—keeping your personal information private and promising to never sell your data.

Northwest Registered Agent provides instant online service, enabling businesses to quickly sign up and gain immediate access to a secure account. Within this account, clients can conveniently access Washington business forms, receive timely annual report reminders and securely store scanned documents.

Northwest Registered Agent maintains a flat rate of $125 per year, which includes free limited mail forwarding. For those in need of extensive mail forwarding, it also offers an optional $20 per month unlimited mail forwarding service. Northwest excels in prioritizing privacy, providing same-day document scans, delivering instant notifications and offering reliable customer support.

When you sign up, each new account is assigned a dedicated Northwest Registered Agent Corporate Guide. This experienced guide serves as a valuable resource, offering personalized assistance and guidance with following the state regulations in Washington. You can easily reach out to your assigned guide through email, phone or an online support form, ensuring that you receive the support you need throughout your business journey.

In addition, although Northwest Registered Agent focuses on registered agent services, it also offers business formation services, as well as other legal services. Regardless of the size of your business, Northwest Registered Agent offers cost-effective and flexible services that cater to your needs.

Learn more: Read our Northwest Registered Agent review.

Who should use it:

Northwest Registered Agent is suitable for a wide range of individuals and businesses. It is particularly beneficial for privacy-conscious individuals who prioritize data protection and seek robust privacy safeguards. Additionally, Northwest is an ideal choice for those who prefer personalized interactions with real professionals, as it provides dedicated support and expertise.

Pros & Cons
  • Won’t sell your data
  • Excellent customer service
  • Consistent pricing
  • Free mail forwarding
  • No free plans
  • Cost for EIN filing
  • Free mail forwarding is limited ($15 per item after limit is reached)

Best for Corporate Mission

ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting Price

$199

(Plus state filing fees)

Multistate Support

Yes, all 50 states

LLC Filing Services

Yes

ZenBusiness
Learn More Arrow

On ZenBusiness's Website

$199

(Plus state filing fees)

Yes, all 50 states

Yes

Editor's Take

Although ZenBusiness specializes in business formation services, it also provides reliable registered agent services in all 50 states. Whether businesses have filed their corporation independently or with ZenBusiness, they can utilize its registered agent services.

At a rate of $199 per year, ZenBusiness serves as your registered agent, taking on the responsibility of discreetly monitoring all state notices sent to the agent address in Washington. It promptly scans and uploads important documents to the client’s online dashboard for easy viewing, printing and downloading.

Additionally, ZenBusiness goes the extra mile by mailing notifications to clients regarding any legal notices requiring immediate attention. For a comprehensive solution, ZenBusiness also offers the option to purchase worry-free compliance with registered agent services at a bundled price of $398 per year.

Worry-free compliance takes care of your annual filing requirements, provides timely reminders for crucial compliance deadlines and monitors your status with the state to ensure that you maintain good standing. This all-inclusive service allows you to focus on your business while ZenBusiness handles the necessary compliance tasks.

It is important to note that ZenBusiness does not currently provide registered agent services for professional limited liability companies (PLLCs) or nonprofit organizations (NPOs).

Learn more: Read our ZenBusiness review.

Who should use it:

ZenBusiness is the ideal all-in-one solution, not only for registered agent services but for anyone looking to establish and sustain a business. Its comprehensive services include registered agent services, business formation assistance, licenses and permits, business planning and more.

Pros & Cons
  • All-in-one business formation services
  • Wide range of legal services
  • Digital documents for viewing, downloading and printing
  • Positive customer feedback
  • No free registered agent services
  • No available registered agent services to PLLC or nonprofit organizations

Best for Comprehensive Legal Services

LegalZoom

LegalZoom
4.4
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting Price

$249

per year

Multistate Support

Yes, all 50 states

LLC Filing Services

Yes

LegalZoom
Learn More Arrow

On LegalZoom's Website

$249

per year

Yes, all 50 states

Yes

Editor's Take

LegalZoom offers registered agent services as part of its business formation solutions. For a fee of $249 per year, it will act as your registered agent, handling important mail and legal documents on your behalf. LegalZoom will promptly send you alerts when it receives important mail as well as provide you with identity theft protection and unlimited cloud storage for your documents. To ensure compliance, it also offers a Compliance Calendar valued at $69, sending you timely reminders about tax and annual report deadlines.

If you want to switch your current registered agent to LegalZoom, it will handle the necessary paperwork and cover the filing fee. Although this is a nice perk, there is no fee required to change registered agents in the state of Washington. Additionally, its plan attorneys can offer legal advice if needed. It’s important to note that while the initial price for LegalZoom’s registered agent service is $249 for the first year, the renewal rate may change. Compared to other providers, LegalZoom’s registered agent services come at a higher cost.

Not only does LegalZoom provide registered agent services, but it also offers a wide range of business solutions including business formation, legal documents, trademark and copyright registrations, estate planning and access to independent attorneys for legal advice.

Customer support is available Monday to Friday, 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, via phone or online inquiry form.

Learn more: Read our full LegalZoom review.

Who should use it:

LegalZoom is great for anyone who is looking for an all-inclusive service provider for various incorporation, legal and personal services. However, it may not be the most cost-effective option for registered agent services.

Pros & Cons
  • All-in-one business and personal services
  • Unlimited storage capacity
  • Wide range of legal services
  • Satisfaction guarantee
  • Cost increase with add-ons
  • Renewal rates can change
  • Pricey registered agent services

Best for Mail Forwarding

Bizee

Bizee
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting Price

$0 to $119

per year

Multistate Support

Yes, all 50 states

LLC Filing Services

Yes

Bizee
Learn More Arrow

On Bizee's Website

$0 to $119

per year

Yes, all 50 states

Yes

Editor's Take

Incfile offers a wide range of business formation and compliance services for businesses in Washington, including registered agent services. Its registered agents are highly skilled in handling all your important documents, including state and IRS mail correspondence, legal proceedings and other necessary paperwork for your LLC or corporation. By utilizing Incfile’s registered agent services, you gain access to convenient features such as automatic mail forwarding and digital uploading of all legal correspondence documentation to your personalized dashboard. This ensures that you receive timely and organized access to all important information.

To keep you well-informed, Incfile provides customized email and SMS notifications. You receive alerts via text and email whenever they receive documents for your business. These notifications can be conveniently accessed from your personalized dashboard. Incfile’s dashboard is designed with a modern and user-friendly interface, tailored to your specific needs. It allows you to easily access, store and retrieve all the information received for your business.

When you choose Incfile as your registered agent, you can expect transparency, as there are no hidden fees or contracts. The cost for its registered agent services in Washington is $119 per year, with no obligation or contract required. Incfile prides itself on delivering an excellent user experience and unbeatable value for your investment. Additionally, if you need to switch your registered agent, Incfile offers assistance in handling the necessary document filing on your behalf. Establishing a registered agent with Incfile is as simple as selecting it and completing the necessary steps.

Learn more: Read our full Incfile review.

Who should use it:

Incfile is great for anyone looking to start a business and receive a complimentary registered agent service for the first year. Additionally, Incfile waives the filing fee for business formation services, making it a budget-friendly option.

Pros & Cons
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Personalized dashboard
  • Free LLC filing
  • First year registered agent free
  • Free business formation filing
  • $70 for EIN
  • No legal services
  • Limited free plan

Best for Multistate Organizations

Harbor Compliance

Harbor Compliance
4.3
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting Price

$99

per year

Multistate support

Yes, all 50 states

LLC Filing Services

Yes

Harbor Compliance
Learn More Arrow

On Harbor Compliance's Website

$99

per year

Yes, all 50 states

Yes

Editor's Take

Harbor Compliance assists individuals in establishing and overseeing their businesses through a range of services, including business formation, licensing, corporate life cycle management and registered agent services. Its nationwide registered agent service is specifically designed to provide exceptional security and efficiency for organizations operating in multiple states.

Harbor Compliance helps you save valuable time by offering pre-filled state forms and user-friendly software, simplifying the compliance processes. It has transparent pricing of $99 per year for Washington state, with the added benefit of 5% to 10% discounts on multi-year orders. When you order its registered agent services, you instantly have access to the local registered agent address in Washington. You can access this information through its easy-to-use online client portal.

To ensure you stay compliant, Harbor Compliance offers features such as customizable notifications and annual report notices, all included without any additional fees. With local offices in Washington, it is available during normal business hours to receive important legal documents that require prompt attention. In case of service of process, such as receiving a lawsuit notice, it will go the extra mile by calling the primary contact on your account.

Learn more: Read our full Harbor Compliance review.

Who should use it:

Harbor Compliance is an ideal choice for nonprofit organizations, multistate businesses, regulated industries and businesses requiring continuous compliance support.

Pros & Cons
  • Includes annual report notices
  • Business formation services
  • Pre-filled state forms
  • Advanced compliance software
  • No refunds or money-back guarantee
  • $99 EIN filing fee
  • No free LLC formation services

Best for Businesses on a Budget

Inc Authority

Inc Authority
4.2
Our ratings take into account a product's cost, features, ease of use, customer service and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Starting Price

Contact for quote

Multistate Support

Yes, all 50 states

LLC Filing Services

Yes

Inc Authority
Learn More Arrow

On Inc Authority's Website

Contact for quote

Yes, all 50 states

Yes

Editor's Take

Inc Authority offers free registered agent services as part of its LLC service registration. When you choose Inc Authority to form your business, it will act as your registered agent in Washington for the first year at no extra cost. This bundled service makes Inc Authority a cost-effective and convenient option for new businesses looking to establish their legal presence hassle-free.

In addition to the complimentary services, Inc Authority also provides a range of additional services. These include a business name check, an S-election form, digital storage and delivery, expert support, tax planning and an analysis of business credit and funding options.

However, it is important to note that after the first year, customers will need to select one of Inc Authority’s Premium Service Bundles. Unfortunately, the pricing for the second year of registered agent services is not clearly stated on Inc Authority’s website, which is a drawback for customers seeking transparency in pricing.

As your registered agent, Inc Authority handles all correspondence from state and government agencies on your behalf. Live customer service is accessible through phone, email and online inquiries. According to online customer reviews, its customer service is generally prompt and attentive, and it has received positive feedback from satisfied customers.

Learn more: Read our full Inc Authority review.

Who should use it:

With a variety of services tailored to small business owners, Inc Authority is a compelling choice for those looking to minimize their initial expenses.

Pros & Cons
  • Free business formation filing
  • Free first year registered agent services
  • Great customer reviews
  • Responsive live chat support
  • Pricing is not transparent online
  • Registered agent services only provided with business formation
  • No refund policy

Forbes Advisor Ratings

Company Forbes Advisor Rating Starting Price Multistate Support LLC Filing Services LEARN MORE
Rocket Lawyer 4.5 4.5-removebg-preview-1 $124.99 with membership or $249.99 per year Yes, all 50 states Yes Learn More On Rocket Lawyer's Website
Northwest Registered Agent 4.5 4.5-removebg-preview $125 per year (one to four states), $100 per year (five or more states) Yes, all 50 states Yes Learn More On Northwest Registered Agent's Website
ZenBusiness 4.4 4.5-removebg-preview $199 (Plus state filing fees) Yes, all 50 states Yes Learn More On ZenBusiness' Website
LegalZoom 4.4 4.5-removebg-preview $249 per year Yes, all 50 states Yes Learn More On LegalZoom's Website
Bizee 4.3 4.5-removebg-preview-1 $0 to $119 per year Yes, all 50 states Yes Learn More On Bizee's Website
Harbor Compliance 4.3 4.5-removebg-preview-1 $99 per year Yes, all 50 states Yes Learn More On Harbor Compliance's Website
Inc Authority 4.2 4-removebg-preview Contact for quote Yes, all 50 states Yes Learn More On Inc Authority's Website

What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent, also known as a resident or commercial registered agent, is an individual or company responsible for receiving official mail on behalf of a business entity. These documents include service of process, federal and state correspondence, subpoenas, tax notices, court summons and corporate filings.

While sole proprietorships are exempt, LLCs and corporations are required by the state to have an appointed registered agent. The registered agent must be available at a physical address in the state where the business is registered. The registered agent must also be available during standard business hours in order for legal documents to be physically delivered.

Some businesses choose to hire commercial registered agent services to maintain their privacy, as these services specialize in handling legal documents and state notices while keeping information confidential. Registered agent providers often offer additional services such as business formation filing, compliance services, mail forwarding and digital mail scanning, adding more value for the businesses they serve. They provide an online dashboard for convenient access to your documents, making it easily accessible to print, download or scan from anywhere.

Overall, a registered agent plays a big role in maintaining a business’s compliance with state laws, making sure that all important legal and tax documents are promptly and appropriately handled.


Washington Registered Agent Requirements

Washington State registered agent requirements include the following:

  • Physical street address: The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state of Washington where they are available during normal business hours to receive service of process, notice or demand. P.O. boxes, private mailboxes and virtual addresses are not acceptable for the registered agent’s physical address. It is possible to add an alternate mailing address in Washington, but that is only in addition to the mandatory physical address.
  • Availability: The registered agent must be available at the physical address during regular business hours to accept legal documents and service of process on behalf of the entity/business.
  • Commercial or noncommercial: Washington State recognizes two types of registered agents—commercial registered agents (CRAs) and noncommercial registered agents (NCRAs):
    • A CRA can be a person or a business entity that provides registered agent services as a business. A commercial listing statement must be filed with the Secretary of State with the name of the CRA, physical address located in Washington and an email address.
    • An NCRA can be an individual or entity that is not in the business of providing registered agent services, such as the business owner or an employee. They must have a physical address in the state of Washington and be available to accept legal mail on behalf of the business. The individual holding this position must sign the registered agent consent statement at the time of filing.
  • Public listing: CRAs are added to a public list accessible on the Corporations and Filing System (CCFS) login page.
  • Statement of shange: Any changes to the registered agent’s information, whether commercial or non-commercial, must be filed with the Secretary of State using a Statement of Change.

It is important to comply with these requirements to ensure that your business remains in good standing and can be properly served with legal documents and notifications.


How To Choose a Washington Registered Agent Service

Hiring a registered agent service for your business can be very beneficial. Let’s take a look at some various factors to keep in mind:

  • Price: While the price of each service provider can vary, it is good to compare service features, reliability and reputation. Take a close look at each service provider for the value they offer. Most registered agents charge a flat fee, but cost can vary depending on add-ons or additional services. While price is an important factor, it is also crucial to choose a provider that you can trust.
  • Privacy and confidentiality: If privacy is a concern for your business, choose a registered agent service that prioritizes confidentiality and takes steps to safeguard your sensitive information. Look for a service that offers a private business address and utilizes secure systems for document handling and storage.
  • Availability and responsiveness: Ensure that the registered agent service has a physical address in Washington and is available during regular business hours. They should have a dependable system for receiving and forwarding important documents to your business. Most service providers offer same-day electronic document delivery, mail forwarding and provide access to an online dashboard. Responsive and efficient communication with your agent is crucial.
  • Compliance expertise: Verify that the registered agent service possesses a strong understanding of the legal requirements and compliance regulations specific to Washington State. They should have knowledge and experience in handling state requirements and regulations.

Considering these factors will help you choose a registered agent service that meets your business’s needs and ensures compliance with the state of Washington.


Methodology

To determine the best Washington registered agent services, Forbes Advisor conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 15 different service providers using specific criteria. We considered factors such as multistate support, same-day document delivery, user experience, reputation, customer support and pricing. Our goal was to identify the most reliable, affordable and user-friendly services. Each criterion was assigned a weighted score, and the top registered agent services with the highest scores were included in the final list:

  • Pricing: We took into consideration the starting price of registered agent services in the state of Washington. Most of the companies we reviewed offered upfront pricing, but some also included free registered agent services for the first year as part of other services, such as LLC formation. Pricing accounted for 25% of the total score.
  • Features: We emphasized the importance of multistate support, as many companies operate in multiple states. Same-day document delivery was also a key feature we considered as it is crucial for many businesses. Additionally, we looked for providers that offered a secure client portal and LLC filing services. This category accounted for 25% of our weighted scoring.
  • Third-party reviews: To gain insights into the customer experience, we analyzed reviews from real users. This involved examining the provider’s ratings on trusted platforms such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and third-party review sites including Trustpilot. All seven providers in our evaluation received a rating of B or higher from the BBB and had been reviewed at least 500 times on Trustpilot. Reviews accounted for 25% of our overall score.
  • Expert analysis: In addition to the categories mentioned above, we conducted market research and considered additional criteria such as value for money, popularity, ease of use and standout features. These factors were given a weight of 25% in our scoring process.

By considering these factors and assigning weighted scores, we were able to identify the best Washington registered agent services that met our criteria for reliability, convenience and customer satisfaction.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a registered agent in Washington?

Yes, according to the Washington Secretary of State, all businesses formed in Washington are required to have a registered agent. The registered agent must have a physical address in Washington and be available during normal business hours to accept these documents. Having a registered agent ensures that the business stays compliant with state requirements and receives important notifications in a timely manner.

How do I appoint a registered agent in Washington?

To appoint a registered agent in Washington, you first need to choose an eligible individual or business/entity. You will then need to obtain their consent to represent you, complete the necessary forms and submit them to the Washington Secretary of State’s office.

How do I change a registered agent in Washington?

To change the registered agent for a business registered with the Washington Secretary of State, you can file a Statement of Change online at no cost. You can also update the registered agent information when filing the Annual Report; alternatively, if it’s too early to file the Annual Report, you can file an Amended Annual Report online to update other information in addition to the registered agent.

Can I be my own registered agent in Washington?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent for your business in Washington as long as you meet the state requirements. The registered agent must have a physical address in Washington and be available during normal business hours to accept legal and official documents on behalf of the business. If you meet these criteria, you can serve as your own registered agent.

Why should I pay a company to act as my registered agent?

There are several reasons to use a registered agent service. Paying a company to act as your registered agent in Washington can provide convenience, privacy, availability, compliance and potentially save you time and effort. Ultimately, the decision to pay a company for registered agent services will depend on your specific needs, availability and budget.


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