Formation Requirements

Registered Agent Requirements in New Hampshire: 2026 Filing Fees and Statute

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division

What is a Registered Agent in New Hampshire?

The registered agent designation in New Hampshire is governed by N.H. Rev. Stat. §304-C:33, which applies to LLCs, corporations, and most other formal business entities. The agent’s address must be a physical street location inside New Hampshire, staffed during normal business hours. The name and address are entered on the public record maintained by the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division and become part of the public business record.

The registered agent is one component of a broader New Hampshire compliance schedule that also includes the $100 Articles of Organization filing, an annual report of $100 annually by April 1, and a $15 fee whenever the agent of record changes. New Hampshire imposes a Business Profits Tax and a Business Enterprise Tax in lieu of state income tax, so LLC tax obligations differ meaningfully from neighboring states.

Best Registered Agent Services for New Hampshire (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

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

New Hampshire Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in New Hampshire
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a New Hampshire resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in New Hampshire
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division
Statute referenceN.H. Rev. Stat. §304-C:33

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

New Hampshire Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$100annually by April 1$100
DBA / Fictitious Name$50Every 5 years$50
Registered Agent change$15
Annual Report$100annually by April 1$100

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in New Hampshire?

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

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

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

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

The New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in New Hampshire later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the New Hampshire Secretary of State, Corporation Division for $15.

How much does a New Hampshire registered agent cost?

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

Is my registered agent's address public in New Hampshire?

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

How fast can I get a registered agent in New Hampshire?

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

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