When you set up an LLC in Arizona, you’re going to need a registered agent. This is someone who will receive your legal documents, have their address printed in public records and be available to receive deliveries.
Today, we’ll review the best registered agent services in Arizona, how much value they can bring to you for the price and other services they may be able to provide to you. While all of them operate in Arizona, each one also operates in the 49 other states, too, so they’ll be ready to serve you as your business and registered agent needs expand.
Featured registered agent service offers
Cost
$199 annually
Same-day document delivery
No
Phone support
Yes
Same-day document delivery
Yes
Phone support
Yes
Pricing
$0 + state fee + up to $50 Amazon gift card
Service time
Varies by State & Package
Best Arizona registered agent services
Why you our small business experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of business products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 15 companies reviewed.
- 540 data points analyzed.
- 100+ hours of research.
Featured registered agent service offers
Cost
$199 annually
Same-day document delivery
No
Phone support
Yes
Same-day document delivery
Yes
Phone support
Yes
Pricing
$0 + state fee + up to $50 Amazon gift card
Service time
Varies by State & Package
Best Arizona registered agent services comparison
Methodology
We extensively research the key competitors within an industry to determine the best products and services for your business. Our experts identify the factors that matter most to business owners, including pricing, features and customer support, to ensure that our recommendations offer well-rounded products that will meet the needs of various small businesses.
We collect extensive data to narrow our best list to reputable, easy-to-use products with standout features at a reasonable price point. And we look at user reviews to ensure that business owners like you are satisfied with our top picks’ services. We use the same rubric to assess companies within a particular space so you can confidently follow our blueprint to the best registered agent services of 2024.
Expert score (10%): Our expert score summarizes the main factors that small businesses consider when choosing a registered agent. We gave equal weight (2.5%) to a vendor’s reputation, features, overall value and ease of use. A convenient, user-friendly solution is a sign of a solid investment.
Still, we are looking for a company that’s reliable and able to support your business long-term. Your registered agent is a partner who handles essential legal documents, and you don’t want to hand this responsibility over to a fly-by-the-night agency.
Value (33%): While most companies displayed annual pricing on their websites, we delved deeper into the terms of service and user feedback to see if the vendor delivered the best value for your money. We particularly looked for discounts for businesses that signed up for multiple years, states or entities.
Our research also examined when and how the vendor raised rates. We understand that few small businesses can afford unexpected price increases, and since you must file paperwork with your state before canceling the service, you should look for providers who give you enough time to take appropriate action. This emphasis on long-term planning and financial savvy can help you feel more prepared in your decision-making process.
Features (37%): To assess features, we verify that each service meets the basic legal requirements, including a physical address and online document access. Next, we looked for tools some businesses require, such as same-day document scans and compliance calendars. These can assist companies in more complex industries or those managing client accounts.
When possible, we accessed the mobile apps or dashboards to see how well they functioned. As business owners, you want to always be able to download, print and view your documents, but not every service necessarily offers each function.
Service and support (20%): We interacted with agents when possible and evaluated user feedback for our service and support component. We noted time zones, as many registered agent companies keep business hours on Pacific time, a three-hour time difference from Eastern.
Vendors with extended support hours typically received higher ratings, especially if they were responsive on one or more channels. Since many entrepreneurs prefer the convenience of live chat, we attempted to contact companies this way and noted when they claimed to offer live chat, yet it wasn’t available.
What is a registered agent service, and how does it work?
A registered agent is an individual or entity that’s named by a business to accept legal documents, tax notices, annual reports and other important notices on its behalf. Arizona requires registered agents to be located in the state. You can name yourself a registered agent, another individual you trust or a third-party that provides registered agent services.
The main role of the registered agent is to be available to receive documents on behalf of the company. The registered agent must notify the appropriate parties that a document has been received and forward it to the right person.
Learn more: For more information about the benefits of using a registered agent service, read our best registered agent services of 2024 guide.
Arizona registered agent requirements
Registered agents may be known by different terms based on the state in which they operate. Registered agents in Arizona are also referred to as a statutory agent.
The main function of a registered agent in Arizona is to be available to receive any official legal or state documents on behalf of the company. A registered agent in the state can be any adult resident, Arizona corporation or LLC authorized to transact business in the state. Companies in Arizona can use their registered agent’s address as a business address as long as the business must have an Arizona address.
You can serve as your own registered agent in Arizona, but your business cannot. In your state, a registered agent needs to consent in writing, so the registered agent has to sign the Statutory Agent Acceptance.
Learn more: For more information on requirements, read our what is a registered agent? guide.
Who can be a registered agent in Arizona?
Any adult resident, Arizona corporation or LLC authorized to transact business in the state can operate as a registered agent in Arizona. A legal entity cannot serve as its own registered agent, but the business owner can serve as the agent on behalf of the company, as long as they have a physical street address within the state. A legal entity operating as a registered service agent must have an active Arizona filing or registration.
Can I be my own registered agent in Arizona?
Yes. The business owner can serve as their own registered agent in the state of Arizona. They must be an adult resident, Arizona corporation or LLC authorized to transact business in the state.
How do you change your registered agent in Arizona?
You can change your registered agent in Arizona by submitting a Statement of Change via the state’s online ACC eCorp system. You can also physically deliver paper copies of the form to the ACC. Be sure you choose the right paperwork for the type of company you run, and include your Statutory Agent Acceptance form.
Who can be a registered agent in Arizona?
The best Arizona registered agent services offer excellent value at a reasonable price. Among other features, it’s important to consider costs, availability and customer service.
Key features to look for
- Cost: Cost is a critical factor in any business service. Registered agents can cost anywhere from around $50 per year to well over $500 per year. Business owners should weigh costs with other aspects of the service.
- Document delivery speed: Some registered agents offer same-day delivery guarantees. If a legal document arrives during business hours, your service will scan and upload the file online so you can access it right away.
- Additional support: Some providers offer free registered agent form updates, handle all business mail and other perks.
Add-ons and extras
Though not necessary, you can consider the following add-on features to help you run your business:
- Legal assistance, such as having access to a lawyer to answer your questions or a call with an attorney.
- Custom notifications for different authorized users.
- Free or low-cost LLC formation services.
- Customizable document templates to help run your business, such as nondisclosure agreements, operating agreements and employee onboarding documents.
Customer service
Most registered agent services in Arizona have limited weekday hours, typically from around 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. That said, LegalZoom and ZenBusiness do offer weekend customer support availability, which is relatively rare.
In addition to availability, pay attention to online reviews and whether or not the company offers any online resources besides the registered agent service.
How much do registered agent services cost in Arizona?
The registered agent services we analyzed ranged in price from $90 to $249 per year, except for BetterLegal, which has a $10 per month option and Swyft Filings, which runs $149 per quarter. BetterLegal also has the lowest annual rate ($90), but InCorp’s fee drops to $87 per year with a five-year contract. Other services offer long-term or multi-state discounts as well.
Five of the registered agent services on our list offer a free year of registered agent services as part of their LLC formation packages, making them a good option for small business owners just getting started. Upon renewal, their annual fees increase to $119 for Bizee, $179 for Inc Authority, $125 for Northwest Registered Agent, $199 for ZenBusiness and $249 for LegalZoom.
Featured registered agent service offers
Cost
$199 annually
Same-day document delivery
No
Phone support
Yes
Same-day document delivery
Yes
Phone support
Yes
Pricing
$0 + state fee + up to $50 Amazon gift card
Service time
Varies by State & Package
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Yes. Registered agents are required in Arizona for every corporation, LLC, and limited partnership in the state or those organized in another state but do business within Arizona.
It’s possible for a registered agent to be held liable if they fail to adequately comply with or perform their duties — chiefly, accepting key documents and correspondence and forwarding it to the appropriate channels. This can include service of process documents, state notices and compliance information. In Arizona many choose to work with a registered agent service provider who can act as the registered agent on the business’ behalf.
If you operate in multiple states, you may be required to register your business in additional states and list a registered agent in that state. Requirements vary by state.
Arizona companies can use a registered agent’s address as a business address. A business cannot be its own registered agent. If privacy is a top concern, it could be worthwhile to consider using a registered agent service provider as your business address.
Registered agents in Arizona may not use a virtual address. A physical address within the state is required for all registered agents.
Ashley Gutierrez, Deirdre Mundorf, Eric Rosenberg, Robert Bruce, Sarah Li-Cain and Teresa Bitler also contributed to this article.
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