Formation Requirements

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

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

What is a Registered Agent in Missouri?

The registered agent designation in Missouri is governed by Mo. Rev. Stat. §347.030, which applies to LLCs, corporations, and most other formal business entities. An acceptable registered agent in Missouri 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 Missouri Secretary of State and become part of the public business record.

In practice, the registered agent designation sits within a wider compliance cycle: a $50 formation filing with the Missouri Secretary of State, an annual report at $0 no annual report required for LLCs, and a $10 Statement of Change whenever the agent changes. Missouri does not require LLCs to file an annual report, which makes total long-term maintenance among the cheapest in the country.

Best Registered Agent Services for Missouri (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

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

Missouri Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Missouri
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Missouri resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Missouri
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Missouri Secretary of State
Statute referenceMo. Rev. Stat. §347.030

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Missouri: 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 Missouri address is a physical street address. The Missouri 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 Missouri commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Missouri Secretary of State. Submit via https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/corporations/forms or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Missouri charges $50 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Missouri requires an annual report at $0, no annual report required for LLCs.

Missouri Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$50 online / $105 paperno annual report required for LLCs$0
DBA / Fictitious Name$7Every 5 years$7
Registered Agent change$10
Annual Report$0no annual report required for LLCs$0

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Missouri?

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

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

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

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

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

Can I change my registered agent in Missouri later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Missouri Secretary of State for $10.

How much does a Missouri registered agent cost?

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

Is my registered agent's address public in Missouri?

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

How fast can I get a registered agent in Missouri?

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

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