Louisiana Registered Agent: What You Need to Know (2025)
Every Louisiana LLC and corporation is legally required to have a registered agent. But what exactly does a registered agent do, and how do you choose the right one for your business?
This guide explains everything Louisiana business owners need to know about registered agents—from legal requirements to cost comparisons—so you can make an informed decision that protects your business without overpaying.
What Is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent (sometimes called a "statutory agent" or "agent for service of process") is a person or company officially designated to receive legal and government documents on behalf of your business.
Documents Your Registered Agent Receives
- Service of process: Lawsuits, subpoenas, and legal notices
- State correspondence: Annual report reminders, tax notices
- Secretary of State filings: Compliance notifications
- IRS communications: Tax-related documents sent to your business address
Your registered agent acts as your business's official point of contact with the Louisiana Secretary of State and the court system. When someone sues your LLC, the lawsuit is formally delivered to your registered agent—not mailed to a random address.
Louisiana Registered Agent Requirements
Louisiana Revised Statutes (La. R.S. 12:1-501 for corporations, La. R.S. 12:1308 for LLCs) set specific requirements for registered agents:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Physical Address | Must be a street address in Louisiana (not a P.O. Box) |
| Availability | Must be available during normal business hours (typically 9 AM–5 PM) |
| Residency | Individual agents must be Louisiana residents; companies must be authorized to do business in Louisiana |
| Consent | Agent must consent to appointment (implied or written) |
Important: Your registered agent's address becomes part of the public record. Anyone can look up your LLC on the Secretary of State website and see the registered agent address. This is a key reason many business owners use a professional service rather than their home address.
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Louisiana Registered Agent Service
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Get Started TodayYour Three Options for a Louisiana Registered Agent
Option 1: Be Your Own Registered Agent
Louisiana allows LLC members and corporate officers to serve as their own registered agent.
Pros
- Free—no annual fee
- Direct control of documents
- No third party involved
Cons
- Home address becomes public record
- Must be available during business hours
- Embarrassing if served lawsuit at work or home
- Miss a document = potential default judgment
Option 2: Ask a Friend or Family Member
Any Louisiana resident can serve as your registered agent with their consent.
Pros
- Free or low cost
- Personal relationship
Cons
- They must be consistently available
- Burden on personal relationship
- Not professionally trained
- What happens when they move or become unavailable?
Option 3: Hire a Professional Registered Agent Service
Professional services handle registered agent duties for thousands of businesses.
Pros
- Privacy—use their address, not yours
- Reliability—always available during business hours
- Expertise—know how to handle legal documents
- Compliance reminders included
- Document forwarding and scanning
Cons
- Annual fee ($50–$300/year)
Louisiana Registered Agent Cost Comparison
Registered agent pricing varies significantly. National "big box" providers often charge premium rates, while Louisiana-based services offer more competitive pricing.
| Provider Type | Typical Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Providers (LegalZoom, ZenBusiness, etc.) | $150–$299/year | Often bundle with other services; watch for auto-renewals |
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125/year | Well-known national provider |
| Inc Authority | $99–$149/year | Often discounted first year |
| Geaux File (Louisiana-based) | $50/year | Flat rate, no hidden fees, Louisiana-focused |
| DIY (Yourself) | Free | Your address is public; you must always be available |
Why the Price Difference?
National providers spend heavily on advertising and operate in all 50 states, which drives up overhead. Louisiana-based services like Geaux File focus specifically on Louisiana businesses, keeping costs low while providing the same core service.
The actual work of a registered agent is straightforward: receive documents, notify the business owner, forward documents. There's no reason to pay $200+ for this service.
What to Look for in a Registered Agent Service
1. Louisiana Physical Address
Verify they have an actual office in Louisiana—not just a virtual mailbox or mail forwarding service posing as an address.
2. Same-Day Document Notification
When legal documents arrive, you need to know immediately. Look for services that notify you the same day documents are received.
3. Document Scanning and Forwarding
Quality services scan and email documents to you, so you don't have to wait for physical mail.
4. Compliance Reminders
Your registered agent should remind you about annual report deadlines and other compliance requirements.
5. Transparent Pricing
Avoid services with hidden fees, "premium" document handling charges, or automatic upsells. A registered agent service should be simple: one annual fee, one service.
6. Easy Cancellation
If you ever need to change agents, the process should be straightforward—not locked behind retention calls or complicated procedures.
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Start Your ServiceWhat Happens Without a Registered Agent?
Operating a Louisiana LLC or corporation without a registered agent has serious consequences:
- Loss of Good Standing: The Secretary of State will flag your business as non-compliant.
- Certificate Denial: You won't be able to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing, which banks and partners often require.
- Default Judgments: If you're sued and service of process can't be completed, the court may enter a default judgment against you—meaning you automatically lose.
- Administrative Dissolution: Continued non-compliance can result in your LLC being dissolved by the state.
- Personal Liability Exposure: Operating without proper formalities can weaken your liability protection.
Real Risk: The most dangerous scenario is missing service of process in a lawsuit. If a plaintiff attempts to serve your LLC and there's no registered agent to accept service, they can petition the court for alternative service—and you may never know you've been sued until there's a default judgment against your business.
How to Change Your Louisiana Registered Agent
Changing your registered agent is straightforward:
- Select your new registered agent and confirm they consent to the appointment.
- File a Statement of Change with the Louisiana Secretary of State (online via GeauxBIZ or by mail).
- Pay the $25 filing fee.
- Notify your previous agent that you've changed (optional but professional).
The change is effective immediately upon filing. There's no waiting period.
Pro tip: If you're switching to Geaux File, we handle the filing for you at no extra charge.
Why Louisiana Businesses Choose Geaux File
| Feature | National Providers | Geaux File |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Price | $125–$299 | $50 |
| Louisiana Focus | One of 50 states | Louisiana-only expertise |
| Hidden Fees | Common (document handling, mail forwarding) | None |
| Document Notification | Varies (1-3 days) | Same day |
| Support | Call centers, chat bots | Real people, Louisiana-based |
| Ownership | Large corporations | Veteran-owned small business |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a registered agent in Louisiana?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents, tax notices, and official correspondence on behalf of your Louisiana business. Louisiana law requires every LLC and corporation to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
How much does a Louisiana registered agent cost?
Louisiana registered agent services typically cost between $50 and $300 per year. National providers often charge $150–$299/year, while Louisiana-based services like Geaux File offer flat-rate pricing at $50/year with no hidden fees.
Can I be my own registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you have a physical Louisiana address (not a P.O. Box) and are available during normal business hours (typically 9 AM to 5 PM). However, this makes your home address public record and requires you to always be available to receive documents.
What happens if I don't have a registered agent in Louisiana?
Operating without a registered agent in Louisiana can result in loss of good standing, inability to conduct business, default judgments in lawsuits if you miss service of process, and potential administrative dissolution of your LLC or corporation.
Can my registered agent be in a different state?
No. Louisiana law requires your registered agent to have a physical street address within Louisiana. The agent must be available at that address during normal business hours to accept service of process and other legal documents.
How do I change my registered agent in Louisiana?
To change your registered agent in Louisiana, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Secretary of State. The filing fee is $25. The change becomes effective upon filing.
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