How to Choose a Registered Agent

Posted on: July 22, 2015

When you form an LLC or corporation in Wyoming, you will need a registered agent. Wyoming state law requires you to appoint a registered agent within the state to accept service of process.

For most business owners, this seems like little more than an annoying regulation imposed by the state. After all, no one really expects to get sued, and some new business owners don’t see the point of selecting carefully a Wyoming registered agent.

But taking the time to choose a registered agent that is best for your business can save you time, hassle and money in the future. There are many Wyoming registered agent services available at varying price ranges. Read our guide below to help you make the choice that’s right for your company.

Guide to Choosing a Registered Agent in Wyoming

Stability

This is probably the most important factor for selecting a registered agent, and the one that is the most overlooked and most misunderstood.

A registered agent is required by law to have a physical street address in the state. This is so a process server can hand-deliver documents to the agent (thus preventing lawsuit notices from languishing in a mailbox indefinitely). But Wyoming law says nothing about where that address must be.

More than one Wyoming registered agent works from home, collecting fees purely as a side business while they go to their full-time jobs each day and live their lives. Other agent services are simply too small to maintain a single location, and thus they move from office to office every few years. Still others are just plain disreputable, attempting to do little more than collect a yearly fee and provide no service at all.

First and foremost, you want a registered agent who will be there to collect service of process when they are supposed to be, as well as an agent who takes your business seriously. No one wants to be someone’s “second” income.

Second, you want to find an agent who won’t be changing offices constantly. Every change of location requires new forms that must be filed with the Secretary of State, and thus new fees paid.

Additional Services

Legally, the registered agent has accomplished their requirement if they maintain a physical street location, accept service of process, and forward all documents to you in a timely manner. This basic service is all that many agents provide.

When you choose a registered agent in Wyoming, it’s fair, however, to ask what additional services an agent can provide. Will they give you Annual Report notices? Track compliance due dates? Will they handle incorporation filings? Do they offer mail forwarding? There are registered agents who offer all of these services, and it may be wise to work with an agent who can help in these areas.

Price

This is generally the first consideration of most business owners, though it’s worth reflecting a little on what price indicates.

There are some very cheap registered agent services in Wyoming. It’s only natural to wonder how an agent can provide quality service if they charge so little. Every business needs to make enough money to pay its employees and cover its overhead.

Other agents are much more expensive. It’s also natural to ask if you’re receiving better service at the higher price. A national conglomerate might charge more, but it may have little time to meet the needs of a small, local business.

More than anything else, you should choose a registered agent in Wyoming that works well with your business and is there to meet the needs of your company.

Categories: Wyoming Registered Agent