Formation Requirements

Registered Agent Requirements in Louisiana: 2026 Filing Fees and Statute

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

What is a Registered Agent in Louisiana?

La. R.S. §12:1308 establishes the registered agent requirement for entities formed or qualified in Louisiana. The agent’s address must be a physical street location inside Louisiana, staffed during normal business hours. The name and address are entered on the public record maintained by the Louisiana Secretary of State. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State and become part of the public business record.

The registered agent is one component of a broader Louisiana compliance schedule that also includes the $100 Articles of Organization filing, an annual report of $35 annually on formation anniversary, and a $25 fee whenever the agent of record changes. Louisiana uses civil law derived from the Napoleonic Code, so some terminology — such as “matriculation” — differs from other states.

Best Registered Agent Services for Louisiana (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

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

Louisiana Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Louisiana
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Louisiana resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Louisiana
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Louisiana Secretary of State
Statute referenceLa. R.S. §12:1308

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Louisiana: 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 Louisiana address is a physical street address. The Louisiana 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 Louisiana commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Louisiana Secretary of State. Submit via https://www.sos.la.gov/BusinessServices or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Louisiana charges $100 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Louisiana requires an annual report at $35, annually on formation anniversary.

Louisiana Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$100annually on formation anniversary$35
DBA / Fictitious Name$75Every 5 years$75
Registered Agent change$25
Annual Report$35annually on formation anniversary$35

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Louisiana?

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

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

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

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

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

Can I change my registered agent in Louisiana later?

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

How much does a Louisiana registered agent cost?

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

Is my registered agent's address public in Louisiana?

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

How fast can I get a registered agent in Louisiana?

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

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