Formation Requirements

New Jersey Registered Agent Rules: Statute, Fees, and Filing Guide (2026)

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services

What is a Registered Agent in New Jersey?

Every New Jersey LLC and corporation must continuously maintain a registered agent under N.J.S.A. §42:2C-14. New Jersey requires that the agent’s address be a physical location within the state and that someone be available during ordinary business hours; a P.O. box alone does not qualify. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and become part of the public business record.

Formation of a New Jersey LLC involves filing the Articles of Organization with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for $125, after which the entity must keep its registered agent information current and file an annual report ($75) annually by the end of formation anniversary month. New Jersey requires an Initial Report within 60 days of formation in addition to the annual report, with the same $75 fee.

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

New Jersey Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in New Jersey
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a New Jersey resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in New Jersey
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services
Statute referenceN.J.S.A. §42:2C-14

How to Choose a Registered Agent in New Jersey: 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 Jersey address is a physical street address. The New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services 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 Jersey commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. Submit via https://www.njportal.com/DOR/BusinessFormation or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. New Jersey charges $125 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. New Jersey requires an annual report at $75, annually by the end of formation anniversary month.

New Jersey Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$125annually by the end of formation anniversary month$75
DBA / Fictitious Name$50Every 5 years$50
Registered Agent change$25
Annual Report$75annually by the end of formation anniversary month$75

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in New Jersey?

Yes — if you are a New Jersey 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 Jersey but live elsewhere?

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

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

The New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in New Jersey later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services for $25.

How much does a New Jersey registered agent cost?

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

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

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services business records.

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

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

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