Do you need a registered agent in New York?
- Not required — the New York Secretary of State acts as every LLC's agent for service of process and mails legal papers to the address you provide
- You may optionally designate a registered agent
You must give the Secretary of State an address where it will mail a copy of any legal process it receives for your LLC. Keep it current on your biennial statement or with a Certificate of Change.
Can you be your own agent?
You don't need one. Many owners use a commercial agent's address so legal papers reach someone reliably and their home address stays off the record.
Changing your agent
State fee: $30. File a Certificate of Change (LLC Law § 211-A) to change the address for service of process or to designate, change or revoke a registered agent.
Official form / portal →Registered agent services
Prefer to hire a registered agent in New York?
Commercial agents receive legal and state mail for you, keep your home address off public records and usually send compliance reminders. Compare current prices on each provider’s site.
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Recurring New York filings to keep in good standing
New York biennial statement
Due: Every two years, during the calendar month your Articles of Organization were filed. Don't file early — statements filed before that month don't count. Fee: $9.
Full New York filing guide →New York LLC publication requirement (one-time)
Due: Within 120 days after your Articles of Organization take effect. Fee: $50 + newspaper costs.
Full New York filing guide →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a registered agent for my New York LLC?
No. Not required — the New York Secretary of State acts as every LLC's agent for service of process and mails legal papers to the address you provide. You must give the Secretary of State an address where it will mail a copy of any legal process it receives for your LLC. Keep it current on your biennial statement or with a Certificate of Change.
Can I be my own registered agent in New York?
You don't need one. Many owners use a commercial agent's address so legal papers reach someone reliably and their home address stays off the record.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in New York?
The state filing fee is $30. File a Certificate of Change (LLC Law § 211-A) to change the address for service of process or to designate, change or revoke a registered agent.