Formation Requirements

Arkansas Registered Agent Requirements: Fees, Filing, and Statute (2026)

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against Arkansas Secretary of State

What is a Registered Agent in Arkansas?

The registered agent designation in Arkansas is governed by Ark. Code §4-20-105, which applies to LLCs, corporations, and most other formal business entities. An acceptable registered agent in Arkansas maintains a physical street address within the state and is available during regular business hours; post office boxes do not satisfy the statute. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Arkansas Secretary of State and become part of the public business record.

In practice, the registered agent designation sits within a wider compliance cycle: a $45 formation filing with the Arkansas Secretary of State, an annual report at $150 annually by May 1 (franchise tax report), and a $25 Statement of Change whenever the agent changes. The annual fee is technically a franchise tax, but it doubles as the annual report and is filed with the Secretary of State.

Best Registered Agent Services for Arkansas (2026)

#ServicePrice/yrBest for
1Northwest Registered Agent$125privacy-focused customers
2ZenBusiness$199new businesses bundling formation
3LegalZoom$249customers wanting brand-name support
4Mainstay Filing$99balanced value

Arkansas-specific option: Arkansas Registered Agent.co operates exclusively in Arkansas and specializes in same-state filings. Best for businesses that want a state-focused provider with local-only operations.

Arkansas Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Arkansas
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Arkansas resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Arkansas
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Arkansas Secretary of State
Statute referenceArk. Code §4-20-105

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Arkansas: Step-by-Step

  1. Decide between self, friend, or commercial service. Self-serving is free but places your home address in the public record. Commercial services maintain privacy.
  2. Verify the agent's Arkansas address is a physical street address. The Arkansas Secretary of State rejects filings that list a P.O. box.
  3. Confirm the agent will be available during business hours. Service of process delivery failure can result in default judgment.
  4. Compare commercial pricing. Typical Arkansas commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Arkansas Secretary of State. Submit via https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/business-commercial-services-bcs or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Arkansas charges $45 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Arkansas requires an annual report at $150, annually by May 1 (franchise tax report).

Arkansas Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$45 online / $50 paperannually by May 1 (franchise tax report)$150
DBA / Fictitious Name$25Every 5 years$25
Registered Agent change$25
Annual Report$150annually by May 1 (franchise tax report)$150

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Arkansas?

Yes — if you are a Arkansas resident with a physical street address and are available during business hours.

Do I need a registered agent if I form an LLC in Arkansas but live elsewhere?

Yes. Arkansas law requires every LLC to maintain a Arkansas-based registered agent regardless of where the owner lives.

What happens if I don't have a registered agent in Arkansas?

The Arkansas Secretary of State can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in Arkansas later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Arkansas Secretary of State for $25.

How much does a Arkansas registered agent cost?

$50–$150 per year for commercial services; free if you self-serve.

Is my registered agent's address public in Arkansas?

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the Arkansas Secretary of State business records.

How fast can I get a registered agent in Arkansas?

Same-day with most commercial services; same-business-day filing if submitted online before the daily cutoff.

This page provides general information about Arkansas registered agent requirements, not legal advice. Filing fees and procedures may change; verify current details with the Arkansas Secretary of State before filing. We may receive compensation from services listed in our comparisons; this does not influence our editorial selections.