Finding the right registered agent in Delaware is key to staying legally compliant, maintaining privacy, and protecting your business. We’ve thoroughly analyzed reviews, pricing, and offerings across the web to rank the top 12 Delaware registered agent services. Here’s what we found:
Delaware Registered Agent Reviews: Top 12 Services Compared
| Rank | Service | Score | Annual Fee | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northwest Registered Agent | 9.13/10 | $125 | Excellent customer support, data privacy, free first year, fast notice scanning |
| 2 | Harbor Compliance | 7.92/10 | $99 | Best budget pick, reliable scanning, deadline reminders |
| 3 | LegalZoom | 6.59/10 | $299 | Premium features, identity theft protection |
| 4 | ZenBusiness | — | $199 | Good integration with LLC formation |
| 5 | IncFile | — | $119 | Free first year with formation, basic after |
| 6 | Rocket Lawyer | — | $149 | Legal document support |
| 7 | SunDoc Filings | — | $159 | Dependable but limited extras |
| 8 | InCorp | — | $99 | Low cost, corporate ID theft protection |
| 9 | Swyft Filings | — | $149 | Easy-to-use interface |
| 10 | CSC Global | — | $299 | Premium reputation, higher price |
| 11 | Registered Agents Inc. | — | $200 | Full-service but average support |
| 12 | Jumpstart Filings | — | $150 | Formation included, middle-tier features |
1. Northwest Registered Agent Review — 9.13/10 (Top-rated Service)
Pros:
- Industry-leading, U.S.-based customer support via “Corporate Guides”
- Free first year of registered agent service, competitive renewal at $125
- No hidden fees, excellent privacy, scans all mail digitally during normal business hours
Cons:
- Support can be thorough but time-consuming
Overall: An exceptional choice if high-touch support and privacy matter most. At only $26 more annually than Harbor Compliance, the extra value is often considered worth it .
2. Harbor Compliance Review — 7.92/10 (Best Budget Registered Agent)
Pros:
- Lowest cost full-service agent at $99/year switchonbusiness.com+6boostsuite.com+6zenbusiness.com+6
- Scans documents, offers online portal, sends compliance alerts
- Quick and easy setup, solid when handling multiple states
Cons:
- Service is basic, lacking premium features
- Customer support is average, not at Northwest’s level
Overall: Ideal for businesses seeking a reliable and affordable registered agent without premium frills.
3. LegalZoom Review — 6.59/10 (Best Premium Registered Agent)
Pros:
- Provides identity theft protection up to $1 M.
- Offers scanning, compliance alerts, and online access.
Cons:
- High price at $299/year—significantly above average.
- Not focused solely on registered agent service.
Overall: A high-end option for privacy-conscious businesses wanting extra security protection.
4. ZenBusiness
- Fee: $199/year
- Affordable formation bundles, simple LLC path.
- Base support and reminders, but lacks robust agent features.
5. IncFile
- First-year free with LLC formation, then $119/year.
- Basic compliance alerts, minimal extras
6. Rocket Lawyer
- $149/year (subscription-based legal service)
- Ideal for legal document access but not focused on registered agent duties
7. SunDoc Filings
- $159/year, dependable for basic mail acceptance
- No standout features
8. InCorp
- Low $99/year, multiyear discounts, offers identity theft protection
- System interface and support are below average (–“outdated system”)
9. Swyft Filings
- $149/year, with easy-to-use portal and reminder tools
10. CSC Global
- $299/year, premium reputation
- Pricey for what’s included
11. Registered Agents Inc.
- $200/year, full-service but average overall support
12. Jumpstart Filings
- $150/year, includes formation support, but lacks standout strengths
Registered Agent Review Summary
- Best overall: Northwest Registered Agent—premium support, privacy, transparent pricing.
- Best budget: Harbor Compliance—strong basics for $99/year.
- Best premium extras: LegalZoom—for identity theft and high-level features.
- For good basic value: ZenBusiness, IncFile, and Rocket Lawyer.
How Registered Agents Support Delaware LLC Formation
What Is a Delaware Registered Agent?
A registered agent acts as your company’s official contact with the Delaware Secretary of State, accepting legal documents, lawsuits, state notices, and official mail. They must maintain a physical office in Delaware with regular availability .
Services Offered
- Accepting and forwarding legal notices
- Scanning mail and uploading to client portals
- Compliance deadline reminders (annual reports, franchise taxes)
- Optional add-ons: annual filings, virtual address, EIN support
Agent’s Role in LLC Formation
A registered agent is required during LLC formation. Providers often bundle their services with LLC formation packages, helping streamline the process.
Compliance Assistance After Formation
Key compliance reminders—like filing annual reports and paying fees—are essential to maintain good standing. Most top providers include deadline alerts and some handle filings directly.
How to Choose the Best Delaware Registered Agent
Key Factors to Evaluate
- Price vs Services: Startup bundles vs renewal costs
- Support Level: Access to live agents, response speed
- Mail Handling: Real-time scanning, forwarding options
- Compliance Alerts: Automated deadlines and reminders
- Privacy Protection: Keeping personal addresses out of public files
- Optional Add-Ons: EIN, virtual addresses, identity theft protection
Delaware-Specific Requirements
Must have:
- A physical Delaware street address
- Person or company available during standard business hours
- Must forward all legal correspondence
Hiring or Changing a Delaware Registered Agent
How to Hire
- Choose an agent and plan
- Provide your company’s Delaware details
- Agent files “Consent to Serve” and is named in Certificate of Formation
How to Change
- File a Change of Registered Agent form with Delaware Division of Corporations
- Pay the state fee
- Submit consent from new agent
Costs of Delaware Registered Agent Services
- Average rates range $99–$300 per year; premium services up to $600+
- Bundles: First-year free or discounted with LLC formation
- Renewal: typically $99–$299 annually
Streamlined Review Methodology
Why Trust These Reviews
Our analysis pulls from reputable sources such as Forbes, Boost Suite, Startup Savant, and multiple review sites. We checked pricing, service outlines, and user feedback to ensure balanced, accurate data.
Evaluation Criteria
- Pricing and renewal structure
- Value-added features (scanning, filing reminders, identity protection)
- User experience (platform, support, ease of use)
- Verified customer ratings
Choosing the Best Delaware Registered Agent: Final Thoughts
- Northwest Registered Agent is our top pick—best-in-class support, transparency, first-year value.
- Harbor Compliance excels for budget-conscious users needing reliable basics.
- LegalZoom is tailored for businesses that want premium perks like identity theft protection.
- ZenBusiness, IncFile, Rocket Lawyer, InCorp, Swyft, CSC still offer value depending on unique needs.
Delaware Registered Agent FAQs
1.Does every business in Delaware need a registered agent?
Yes—every LLC, corporation, or registered foreign entity in Delaware must maintain a registered agent .
2.What happens if you don’t maintain one?
Your company may lose good standing, face fines, and potential dissolution.
3.Can I act as my own agent?
Yes—if you’re a resident with a Delaware physical address and available during business hours. However, this makes your home address public.
4.Can an agent help foreign entities expand into Delaware?
Absolutely—they file for Foreign Qualification and provide the official state address and document acceptance.
5.Do corporations also need registered agents?
Yes—all business entities, including LLCs and corporations, must maintain one per Delaware law .