Formation Requirements

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

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against New York Department of State, Division of Corporations

What is a Registered Agent in New York?

The registered agent designation in New York is governed by N.Y. LLC Law §301, which applies to LLCs, corporations, and most other formal business entities. An acceptable registered agent in New York 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 New York Department of State, Division of Corporations and become part of the public business record.

In practice, the registered agent designation sits within a wider compliance cycle: a $200 formation filing with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, an annual report at $9 biennially during formation anniversary month, and a $30 Statement of Change whenever the agent changes. New York requires newspaper publication of LLC formation in two papers over six consecutive weeks, plus a $50 Certificate of Publication — adding $1,000 to $2,000 in New York County.

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

New York Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in New York
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a New York resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in New York
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via New York Department of State, Division of Corporations
Statute referenceN.Y. LLC Law §301

How to Choose a Registered Agent in New York: 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 York address is a physical street address. The New York Department of State, Division of Corporations 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 York commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. Submit via https://dos.ny.gov/division-corporations or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. New York charges $200 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. New York requires an annual report at $9, biennially during formation anniversary month.

New York Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$200biennially during formation anniversary month$9
DBA / Fictitious Name$25Every 5 years$25
Registered Agent change$30
Annual Report$9biennially during formation anniversary month$9

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in New York?

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

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

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

The New York Department of State, Division of Corporations can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in New York later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations for $30.

How much does a New York registered agent cost?

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

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

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

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

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

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