Every entity formed within a state must have a local registered agent. The registered agent is a person or business physically located within the state and is ultimately responsible for accepting Service of Process on behalf of the entity. The registered agent may also provide additional services, such as mail forwarding.
For example, John Taxpayer is a Florida resident and wants to open a Delaware corporation. John hires a registered agent service business located in Dover, DE. John files the Certificate of Incorporation in Delaware and lists the registered agent’s name and address.
The fees for registered agent services can vary greatly, but most providers charge between $50 and $200 per year.