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Delaware registered agent services are essential to business operation, as no entity can legally operate within the state without one. Fortunately, there are many options available. Some business entities may appoint an internal member, though hiring a third-party individual or company to act as your agent is quite common.

We looked at the best registered agents in Delaware, comparing prices, additional services and the pros and cons of each to determine which providers are worth consideration.

Best Delaware registered agent services in 2024

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Best Delaware registered agent service comparison

REGISTERED AGENT FEEENTITIESFULL REVIEW
Northwest Registered Agent
$125 per year
LLCs, corporations and nonprofits
Harbor Compliance
$89 to $99 per state per year
LLCs, corporations and nonprofits
Rocket Lawyer
$249.99 per year
Sole proprietorships, LLCs, corporations and nonprofits
Sundoc Filings
$159 per year
Partnerships, LLCs, corporations and nonprofits
Better Legal
$10 per month or $90 per year
LLC and corporations
InCorp
$87 to $129 per year
LLCs, LPs, LLPs and corporations
Bizee
$119 per year
LLCs, corporations and nonprofits
Swyft Filings
$199 per year
LLC, corporations and nonprofits
ZenBusiness
$199 per year
LLCs and corporations
Incorporate.com
$235 per year
LLCs, corporations and nonprofits

Methodology

We extensively research the key competitors within an industry to determine the best products and services for your business. Our experts identify the factors that matter most to business owners, including pricing, features and customer support, to ensure that our recommendations offer well-rounded products that will meet the needs of various small businesses.

We collect extensive data to narrow our best list to reputable, easy-to-use products with stand-out features at a reasonable price point. And we look at user reviews to ensure that business owners like you are satisfied with our top picks’ services. We use the same rubric to assess companies within a particular space so you can confidently follow our blueprint to the Best Registered Agent Services.

The best registered agent service providers have positive user reviews on customer review sites, such as Trustpilot, G2 and the Better Business Bureau. Registered agent service providers should provide customers with fast and reliable support. Using a combination of phone support, live chat and knowledge bases, customers should be able to quickly resolve issues 24/7.

Registered agent services should be available in all states, affordably priced when compared to competitors and backed by reasonable refund policies and money-back guarantees. All registered agent service providers should expand on a basic feature set that includes company formation services, secure client portals and same-day document delivery.

What is a registered agent, and how do they work?

Registered agents are responsible for accepting and informing you of important documents such as Service of Process, billing information and tax forms. By law, every entity formed in Delaware must have a registered agent. 

Provided the business has a physical office in the state, it can technically act as its own agent. Otherwise, you may hire a qualifying third party to fill the role.

Benefits of having a registered agent

There are multiple benefits to having a registered agent, especially if you choose to appoint another person or company to the position.

  • You remain in good standing. Having a registered agent is a requirement in many states, including Delaware, and is a crucial part of keeping your business in good standing and avoiding penalties.
  • Maintain your privacy. As registered agent information is available to the public, having someone else fill the role keeps your address information private.
  • Meet timely obligations with greater ease. Because registered agents accept crucial billing and tax documents on your behalf, having one makes it easier to keep up with mandatory paperwork and fees.

How to choose the best registered agent

Pricing and convenience are significant considerations. However, there are other key features to keep in mind to help you select the best available provider.

Key features to look for

When choosing a registered agent, there are a few items to consider before signing up for a specific service. 

  • Availability. While major formation companies offer registered agents as an add-on, you should always double-check to ensure the service is available in your state. Contact the company’s sales team for direct confirmation if you remain uncertain.
  • Pricing. Compare service providers’ prices and choose the best plan that suits your budget. For example, some registered agent services charge month-to-month, while others expect an upfront payment for an annual agreement. Other companies give you a free year of agent coverage and then charge you the total price upon renewal.
  • Terms of service. It is generally a good idea to at least glimpse a brand’s Terms of Service, especially if you are concerned about things like early termination fees or a change in price upon renewal. This may also be important to know in the event of local law changes that could impact coverage.

Customer service

Customer service is a crucial but sometimes overlooked aspect of whether a service is worth consideration. It is not only a matter of how well a business treats you before you pay money for their product or service but also if that courtesy continues after you transition to a paying customer. Too often, customer reviews mention a lack of communication or consideration once a service receives their money.

Before signing up for service, check for verified reviews from customers. How long did they remain customers? How genuinely satisfied are they with the service they received? Did they have issues with customer support?

While some customers are genuinely unhappy, it might not always be the company’s fault. Failure to follow instructions or communicate honestly with a business could result in avoidable errors. And a business that attempts to set things right with unhappy customers should earn fair consideration for those efforts.

How much does a registered agent cost?

How much a registered agent will cost depends on key factors such as your budget and whether you have a physical Delaware address. Many of the companies we reviewed offer not only registered agent services but also formation packages. 

PACKAGE PLAN COST RANGEREGISTERED AGENT FEE
Northwest Registered Agent
$335 to $443 (with registered agent service)
$125 per year
Harbor Compliance
$99 to $1,799 plus filing fees
$89 to $99 per state per year
Rocket Lawyer
$0 to $99 plus state fees
$249.99 per year
Sundoc Filings
$79 to $279 plus state fees and add-ons
$159 per year
Better Legal
$299 plus state fees
$10 per month or $90 per year
InCorp
$99 plus state fees
$87 to $129 per year
Bizee
$0 to $299 plus state fees
$119 per year
Swyft Filings
$0 to $299 plus state fees
$199 per year
ZenBusiness
$0 to $349 plus state fees and annual billing
$199 per year
Incorporate.com
$79 to $1,729 plus a $118 state filing fee
$235 per year

In some cases, it might be possible to forego registered agent charges for at least a year if you get the service as part of a bundle or agreement.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

According to the Delaware Division of Corporations, every entity registered within the state needs a registered agent. The agent can be the entity itself, an individual within the state or a third-party business. The registered agent must have a physical street address and be 18 years old to qualify.

The Delaware Division of Corporations states that a registered agent can be

  • The entity itself.
  • An individual with a physical address within the state.
  • A third-party domestically-formed business.

It is possible to act as your own registered agent in Delaware, provided you have a physical address and are at least 18 years of age.

A Delaware registered agent is responsible for accepting any formal legal documents, such as a writ or summons, on behalf of your company. Additionally, agents must inform you of any billing and tax obligations.

To change a registered agent in Delaware, you must complete a Certificate of Amendment designated for changing only the registered office or agent and file it with the Division of Corporations. The exact form you need will depend on the entity. The current fee is $50 for most entities, though a nonprofit corporation will be charged only $5.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Bryce Colburn

BLUEPRINT

Bryce Colburn is a USA TODAY Blueprint small business editor with a history of helping startups and small firms nationwide grow their business. He has worked as a freelance writer, digital marketing professional and business-to-business (B2B) editor at U.S. News and World Report, gaining a strong understanding of the challenges businesses face. Bryce is enthusiastic about helping businesses make the best decisions for their company and specializes in reviewing business software and services. His expertise includes topics such as credit card processing companies, payroll software, company formation services and virtual private networks (VPNs).

Sierra Campbell is a small business editor for USA Today Blueprint. She specializes in writing, editing and fact-checking content centered around helping businesses. She has worked as a digital content and show producer for several local TV stations, an editor for U.S. News & World Report and a freelance writer and editor for many companies. Sierra prides herself in delivering accurate and up-to-date information to readers. Her expertise includes credit card processing companies, e-commerce platforms, payroll software, accounting software and virtual private networks (VPNs). She also owns Editing by Sierra, where she offers editing services to writers of all backgrounds, including self-published and traditionally published authors.