Formation Requirements

Georgia LLC Registered Agent Requirements (2026): Fees and Statute

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division

What is a Registered Agent in Georgia?

Georgia business law (O.C.G.A. §14-11-209) requires every domestic and foreign entity to appoint a registered agent at the time of formation and to keep that designation current. The agent must have a physical street address in Georgia — P.O. boxes and commercial mailbox addresses without a registered street component are not acceptable — and must be available during normal business hours to accept service of process. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division and become part of the public business record.

Beyond appointing an agent, Georgia LLCs file Articles of Organization with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division at a cost of $100, with ongoing maintenance handled through an annual report of $50 due annually between January 1 and April 1. Georgia DBA (trade name) filings are made at the county Superior Court level rather than with the Secretary of State, and fees vary widely by county.

Best Registered Agent Services for Georgia (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

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

Georgia Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Georgia
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Georgia resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Georgia
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division
Statute referenceO.C.G.A. §14-11-209

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Georgia: 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 Georgia address is a physical street address. The Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division 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 Georgia commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division. Submit via https://sos.ga.gov/georgia-corporations-division or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Georgia charges $100 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Georgia requires an annual report at $50, annually between January 1 and April 1.

Georgia Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$100 online / $110 paperannually between January 1 and April 1$50
DBA / Fictitious Name$172Every 0 years$172
Registered Agent change$20
Annual Report$50annually between January 1 and April 1$50

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Georgia?

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

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

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

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

The Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in Georgia later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division for $20.

How much does a Georgia registered agent cost?

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

Is my registered agent's address public in Georgia?

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division business records.

How fast can I get a registered agent in Georgia?

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

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