Starting a business in Louisiana can be an exciting journey, but it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to legal and compliance requirements. One crucial step that every LLC must take is appointing a registered agent. A registered agent is a designated person or busi
ness entity that accepts legal documents, official notices, and government correspondence on behalf of your business. In Louisiana, this service is not just important—it’s required by law for every LLC and corporation to have one.
Choosing the right registered agent is essential for your business’s ongoing success and compliance. A reliable registered agent ensures that you don’t miss critical legal documents such as tax notifications, service of process, or compliance reminders. They also help maintain your privacy by using their own address instead of your personal one on public records, shielding your business from unnecessary exposure.
However, selecting a registered agent isn’t always straightforward. With so many options available in Louisiana, it can be overwhelming to find one that fits your business’s needs. Some registered agents offer basic services, while others provide comprehensive packages that include compliance monitoring, legal document scanning, and even business formation assistance. The key is to find a service that aligns with your budget and provides the level of support you need to stay in good standing with the state.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top registered agent services in Louisiana for 2025, offering a detailed review of each service, including pricing, features, and customer feedback. Whether you’re forming a new LLC or looking to switch your current registered agent, our reviews will help you make an informed choice.
From ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent to LegalZoom and others, we’ll cover the pros and cons of each service, giving you everything you need to find the right fit for your business.
Let’s dive into the best registered agent services available in Louisiana for 2025!
Our Top Picks
After thorough research, we’ve identified the following top registered agents in Louisiana:
- ZenBusiness – Best Overall Value
- Northwest Registered Agent – Best for Customer Support
- LegalZoom – Best for Legal Services Integration
- TailorBrands – Best for Branding and Design Services
- BetterLegal – Best for Simplicity and Efficiency
Each of these providers brings unique benefits and services to the table. Let’s dive into a detailed review of each.
Best Registered Agent Services in Louisiana
1. ZenBusiness
Price
- First Year: $99 (with LLC formation)
- Renewal: $199/year
ZenBusiness is a highly popular option for entrepreneurs in Louisiana looking for an affordable, comprehensive registered agent service. Their pricing structure is competitive, and they offer a host of additional features that make them an excellent choice for small businesses.
Features
- Document Forwarding: ZenBusiness receives and forwards all your official documents (including legal notices) to your preferred address. They also provide online access to all the documents.
- Compliance Alerts: ZenBusiness helps keep you compliant with state regulations by sending reminders for annual filings and important deadlines.
- Privacy Protection: By using ZenBusiness as your registered agent, your personal address won’t appear in public records. Instead, ZenBusiness’s address will be listed, ensuring greater privacy for business owners.
- Customer Support: ZenBusiness provides reliable customer support via chat, email, and phone. The support team is quick to respond and helpful, especially when you need help with forming or maintaining your LLC.
How to Get a Registered Agent in Louisiana
Getting a registered agent from ZenBusiness is easy. Just go to their website, select Louisiana as your state, and choose the registered agent service. ZenBusiness offers a bundle that includes registered agent services with LLC formation, which can save you money if you’re starting a business. After completing the payment, you’ll get access to their online portal, where you can manage your documents and compliance status.
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Price
- Annual Fee: $125
Northwest Registered Agent has been in business for over 20 years, and it has a strong reputation for its personalized service and robust features. Their focus on customer support sets them apart from many competitors in the market.
Features
- Customer Support: One of the standout features of Northwest Registered Agent is their exceptional customer support. Their team is made up of former business owners, accountants, and lawyers, so they understand the ins and outs of business formation and compliance. You won’t get generic responses here; the customer service is tailored to your specific needs.
- Same-Day Document Scanning: With Northwest, you’ll get documents scanned and uploaded to your online portal on the same day they’re received. This ensures you’re never out of the loop when it comes to receiving important papers.
- Free Mail Forwarding: While some registered agents charge extra for mail forwarding, Northwest provides this service for free, which is a valuable perk for many business owners.
- Compliance Calendar: Their compliance calendar reminds you of important dates, such as tax filings and annual reports. This feature can help keep your LLC in good standing with the state.
How to Get Northwest Registered Agent in Louisiana
Signing up with Northwest Registered Agent is a straightforward process. Simply visit their website, provide your LLC details, and select the registered agent service. Once your registration is complete, you’ll have access to their client dashboard where you can manage your documents and compliance.
3. LegalZoom
Price
- Annual Fee: $249
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known legal services providers in the United States. While they are generally known for their legal document services, they also offer registered agent services that are particularly beneficial for businesses seeking comprehensive legal support.
Features
- Comprehensive Legal Support: LegalZoom offers more than just registered agent services. They are renowned for their range of legal services, including business formation, contracts, and intellectual property protection. If you need more than just a registered agent, LegalZoom is a solid choice.
- Document Forwarding: LegalZoom’s registered agent service includes forwarding important documents, such as tax notices and legal correspondence, to your business address. You can also access these documents online via your LegalZoom account.
- Compliance Alerts: LegalZoom helps you stay compliant with the state by sending reminders about important filing deadlines, such as annual reports.
- Customer Service: LegalZoom offers robust customer service with multiple contact options. They also offer access to their network of attorneys for additional legal advice.
How to Get LegalZoom Registered Agent Service
To use LegalZoom’s registered agent service, visit their website, sign up for the service, and provide your business details. You’ll be prompted to choose your services and make payment. LegalZoom’s platform is user-friendly and guides you through the process of setting up your LLC.
4. TailorBrands
Price
- Annual Fee: Approximately $100–$300 (varies based on services)
TailorBrands is a unique registered agent service that also provides branding and design tools for small businesses. If you’re looking for more than just a registered agent, this service offers an excellent package of branding tools.
Features
- Branding and Design: TailorBrands stands out by offering integrated branding services, such as logo design, website creation, and social media graphics. This can be a great bonus for businesses looking to establish their brand presence early on.
- Registered Agent Services: While their focus is on branding, TailorBrands also offers standard registered agent services, including mail forwarding and legal document receipt. They also offer online document access and compliance reminders.
- Online Dashboard: TailorBrands provides an intuitive dashboard where you can access all your documents, track your compliance status, and manage your account.
How to Get TailorBrands Registered Agent Service
Getting started with TailorBrands is simple. Go to their website, choose Louisiana as your state, and select the registered agent service. Once your payment is processed, you’ll have access to their platform and can begin managing your LLC’s legal and branding needs.
5. BetterLegal
Price
- Annual Fee: $125
BetterLegal offers a straightforward, no-frills registered agent service designed for business owners who want a simple, efficient solution. Their pricing is competitive, and their service is reliable.
Features
- Ease of Use: BetterLegal’s platform is simple and easy to use, making it a great choice for new entrepreneurs who don’t want to deal with unnecessary complexity.
- Registered Agent Services: Like other services, BetterLegal provides legal document receipt and forwarding, as well as online access to your documents.
- Compliance Alerts: BetterLegal will send you reminders for important filings, such as annual reports, so you don’t miss any crucial deadlines.
- Customer Support: They offer accessible customer support through their website and phone line, though their service is more minimal compared to other registered agents.
How to Get BetterLegal Registered Agent Service
To get BetterLegal’s registered agent service, visit their website, sign up for an account, and choose the Louisiana service. They’ll handle the rest, and you can manage everything from their online platform.
Hiring a Registered Agent in Louisiana
Who Can Be a Registered Agent?
In Louisiana, a registered agent can be:
- A resident individual or business entity with a physical address in the state.
- An LLC or corporation that is authorized to operate in Louisiana.
P.O. Boxes are not allowed for a registered agent’s address.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, Louisiana allows business owners to serve as their own registered agent, provided they meet the requirements. This means you must have a physical address in Louisiana and be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent
While it’s legal to act as your own registered agent, it’s not always advisable. Here are some reasons why you may want to hire a professional registered agent service:
- Privacy: Using your personal address makes it public. If you’re running a small business from home, this could expose your personal address to the public.
- Availability: As a business owner, you may not always be available during business hours to receive important documents. A registered agent ensures that you never miss critical notices.
- Compliance: Professional registered agents send reminders for filing deadlines and keep you on track with your business’s legal requirements.
How to Appoint a Resident Agent in Louisiana
You can appoint a resident agent during the LLC formation process. You can either do this online or by mail.
Appoint Resident Agent Online
The Louisiana Secretary of State allows you to appoint a resident agent online during the LLC formation process. This is the quickest and easiest way to handle the appointment.
Appoint Resident Agent By Mail
Alternatively, you can fill out and mail a physical form to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office. This option may take longer but is available for those who prefer offline methods.
Cost of Louisiana Resident Agent
The cost of hiring a registered agent in Louisiana can range from $99 to $249 per year. Prices vary depending on the services offered, such as mail forwarding, compliance monitoring, and legal support.
Things to Know About Louisiana Before Starting an LLC
- Filing Fees: The cost to file Articles of Organization for an LLC in Louisiana is $100.
- Annual Report: Louisiana LLCs must file an annual report with the Secretary of State to maintain their status.
- Taxes: Louisiana imposes a state income tax on LLCs. There may also be sales tax depending on your business activities.
FAQ’s
Do I Need a Registered Agent for My LLC in Louisiana?
Yes, all LLCs in Louisiana must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
Can I Change My Registered Agent in Louisiana?
Yes, if you need to change your registered agent, you can file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
What Happens If I Don’t Have a Registered Agent?
Without a registered agent, your LLC could be dissolved, or you may face penalties for missing important deadlines and failing to comply with state laws.