When starting a business in South Dakota, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is choosing a registered agent. A registered agent acts as a middleman between your business and the state. This person or service receives official correspondence, such as legal documents, government notices, and tax forms, on behalf of your company. Choosing the right registered agent service is essential for the smooth operation of your business.
In this comprehensive guide, we review the top registered agents for South Dakota in 2025. Whether you’re forming an LLC, corporation, or another type of business entity, this list will help you find a service that meets your needs.
Our Top Picks
Based on extensive research, we’ve identified the following companies as the best registered agent services in South Dakota for 2025:
- ZenBusiness
- Northwest Registered Agent
- LegalZoom
- TailorBrands
- BetterLegal
Each service has been chosen for its pricing, customer service, features, and overall value. Let’s take a deeper look at each option, comparing what they offer and why they might be the best fit for your business.
Best Registered Agent Services in South Dakota
1. ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is one of the most popular registered agent services for entrepreneurs looking for affordable yet professional services. This company stands out for its balance of cost-effectiveness and customer support.
Price
- First-year price: $99 (plus state fees)
- Renewal cost: $199 per year
ZenBusiness is known for its competitive pricing, especially for the first year. It’s an affordable option for new businesses, and the renewal fee is also fairly reasonable compared to many other services in the industry.
How to Get a Registered Agent in South Dakota
Getting registered with ZenBusiness is simple. All you need to do is visit their website and select the registered agent service. You can sign up online in a few minutes, and ZenBusiness will start handling your legal notices right away.
ZenBusiness provides ongoing compliance assistance, including annual report filing reminders, and the ability to track your important documents online. They also have a free business domain and website builder with their LLC formation package, which is a nice bonus for new business owners.
Why Choose ZenBusiness
- Affordable and Transparent Pricing: ZenBusiness provides a straightforward pricing structure with no hidden fees, which is great for small businesses looking to keep costs down.
- Comprehensive Services: In addition to registered agent services, ZenBusiness offers a variety of business solutions, including LLC formation and business plan creation.
- Customer Support: ZenBusiness has an excellent reputation for customer service. They are quick to respond and provide helpful, knowledgeable support to their clients.
Overall, ZenBusiness is an excellent choice for small business owners in South Dakota who want a balance of affordability and quality service.
2. Northwest Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is widely regarded as one of the most reliable and customer-focused registered agent services available. Known for its top-tier customer support, Northwest offers services that go beyond just receiving legal notices.
Price
- Registered Agent Service: $125 per year
Although the price is higher than some other providers, Northwest makes up for it with exceptional customer service and a high level of privacy protection.
How to Get a Registered Agent in South Dakota
To get started with Northwest Registered Agent, visit their website, select their registered agent service, and fill out the necessary forms. They will handle all the paperwork for you and assign a dedicated Corporate Guide to manage your account.
They also offer free mail forwarding, which is a nice touch for business owners who want to keep their personal and business correspondence separate.
Why Choose Northwest Registered Agent
- Dedicated Customer Support: Each client gets a dedicated Corporate Guide who will help them navigate the complexities of business formation and compliance. This level of service is hard to beat.
- Privacy Focused: Northwest emphasizes privacy. When you use their services, their address will appear on public documents, protecting your personal address.
- No Upselling: Northwest is known for not upselling unnecessary services, which makes their pricing structure much simpler and more transparent than many competitors.
For entrepreneurs in South Dakota who value customer service and privacy, Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice.
3. LegalZoom
LegalZoom is one of the most well-known names in the legal services industry. They offer a variety of services beyond just registered agent services, including LLC formation, trademark registration, and other legal services.
Price
- Registered Agent Service: $299 per year
- First year with LLC formation: $249
LegalZoom’s prices are on the higher end of the spectrum, but this premium comes with the benefit of a highly reputable brand and a suite of additional legal services.
How to Get LegalZoom Registered Agent Service
To sign up for LegalZoom’s registered agent service, simply go to their website, select the registered agent option, and complete the online form. LegalZoom will assign a registered agent to your business and handle all state correspondence. They also offer an annual compliance package that can help ensure your business stays up to date with state regulations.
Why Choose LegalZoom
- Established Brand: LegalZoom is a well-known and trusted brand in the legal space, making it a safe choice for those who want reliable and secure services.
- Comprehensive Legal Services: LegalZoom offers much more than just registered agent services. If you need LLC formation, legal advice, or even trademark registration, they have you covered.
- Dedicated Support: LegalZoom’s customer service is known for being accessible and helpful, providing peace of mind when dealing with legal matters.
If you need a registered agent service along with other legal solutions, LegalZoom is a strong contender, especially if you are looking for a comprehensive package that covers multiple aspects of your business.
4. TailorBrands
TailorBrands is an emerging player in the business services space, offering a unique combination of registered agent services and branding tools for entrepreneurs. They focus on helping businesses create a strong identity from the ground up.
Price
- Registered Agent Service: Around $199 per year
TailorBrands offers a mid-range price for registered agent services. This price includes access to a range of tools that are beneficial for new businesses looking to establish a brand presence.
How to Get a Registered Agent
To get started with TailorBrands, you simply visit their website, select the registered agent service, and complete the registration process. They will provide you with all the services you need to maintain legal compliance, including mail forwarding and annual compliance alerts.
Why Choose TailorBrands
- Branding Tools: One of the standout features of TailorBrands is its focus on helping businesses create a strong brand. In addition to registered agent services, they offer logo creation, website design, and other branding solutions that can help businesses stand out.
- User-Friendly Platform: TailorBrands has an easy-to-use interface, making it simple for even first-time entrepreneurs to navigate their services.
- Affordable: While not the cheapest option, TailorBrands offers good value for the price, especially for businesses looking for both registered agent services and branding tools.
If you’re looking for a service that combines business compliance with brand-building tools, TailorBrands is a solid choice.
5. BetterLegal
BetterLegal is known for offering simple and straightforward services at a reasonable price. They provide a no-frills approach to LLC formation and registered agent services, which can be ideal for entrepreneurs who want things done quickly and efficiently.
Price
- Registered Agent Service: $90 per year
BetterLegal offers one of the most affordable registered agent services available in South Dakota. This makes it an excellent option for small businesses or startups operating on a tight budget.
How to Get BetterLegal Registered Agent Service
Getting started with BetterLegal is easy. You can sign up on their website, and they will handle all of the necessary paperwork to appoint a registered agent for your business. They also offer quick LLC formation services and document storage.
Why Choose BetterLegal
- Affordable Pricing: BetterLegal is one of the most affordable registered agent services on the market, which makes it a great choice for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
- No Hidden Fees: With BetterLegal, what you see is what you get. They don’t have hidden fees or upselling tactics, so the pricing is transparent and straightforward.
- Quick and Efficient: BetterLegal is fast and efficient, making it ideal for entrepreneurs who want to get up and running quickly.
BetterLegal is perfect for entrepreneurs who want a low-cost registered agent service without unnecessary extras.
Hiring a Registered Agent in South Dakota
Who Can Be a Registered Agent
In South Dakota, the following types of individuals or entities can act as a registered agent:
- Individuals: A resident of South Dakota who is at least 18 years old and has a physical street address in the state.
- Business Entities: A business entity that is authorized to do business in South Dakota can act as a registered agent, such as a professional registered agent service.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in South Dakota. However, this option comes with certain risks and disadvantages.
Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent
- Privacy Issues: If you choose to act as your own registered agent, your personal address will appear on public documents, which may lead to unwanted solicitation or privacy breaches.
- Availability: You must be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents. This could be problematic if you have a busy schedule or are running your business remotely.
- Compliance Risks: If you miss an important legal document or fail to receive government notices on time, you could risk losing your good standing with the state or facing legal consequences.
How to Appoint a Registered Agent in South Dakota
Appoint Registered Agent Online
Most registered agent services allow you to appoint a registered agent online. Simply go to the provider’s website, select the registered agent service, and fill out the necessary forms.
Appoint Registered Agent By Mail
Alternatively, you can appoint a registered agent by mailing the necessary forms to the South Dakota Secretary of State. However, online registration is much quicker and more convenient.
Cost of South Dakota Registered Agent
The cost of registered agent services in South Dakota can vary depending on the provider and the level of service you require. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
- Basic Registered Agent Services: Typically range from $90 to $125 per year
- Comprehensive Services (including mail forwarding, compliance tools, and document storage): Range from $199 to $299 per year
The most affordable services generally offer only the bare minimum, while higher-priced services tend to include additional features that can help keep your business compliant.
Things to Know About South Dakota Before Starting an LLC
- No State Income Tax: South Dakota is one of the few states that doesn’t impose a state income tax, making it an attractive choice for businesses.
- Annual Report Requirement: South Dakota requires LLCs to file an annual report, but it’s a relatively simple and inexpensive process.
- Business-Friendly: The state has a reputation for being business-friendly, with a low regulatory burden and a favorable legal environment.
FAQ’s
Can I change my registered agent after forming my LLC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time. You will need to file a change of registered agent form with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
Do I need a registered agent if I operate solely online?
Yes, all businesses, regardless of their physical presence, are required to have a registered agent in South Dakota.
Are there any penalties for not having a registered agent?
Yes, failing to maintain a registered agent can result in missing important documents, fines, and even the dissolution of your business entity in South Dakota.