Top Maryland Registered Agents – Comprehensive Guide (March 2024)


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Maryland Registered Agent: If you wish to start an LLC in Maryland, you have to appoint a registered agent. According to Maryland State Law, it is mandatory to have a Maryland Registered Agent (often known as a Resident Agent in Maryland) if you are conducting business in the state. A registered agent receives all the official and legal documents from the State. They also receive the service of process if there’s any lawsuit in concern.

In the following guide, we have shared all the required information regarding hiring a registered agent, why you need a registered agent in Maryland, and who can be a registered agent for your LLC. Read this guide carefully before you hire a Maryland Registered Agent.

What is a Maryland Registered Agent

A registered agent (or a statutory agent or a resident agent) in Maryland is an individual or a business that represents your business in receiving official documents. These official papers include formation documents, business renewal documents, tax filing, and any legal document if the LLC gets sued by other companies. All these documents go straight to the registered agent’s official address in the state. While forming an LLC, it is mandatory to appoint a registered agent.

When you file the Maryland LLC formation papers with the Secretary of State, LLCs have to mention their registered agent’s name and address. When you choose a registered agent in Maryland, you can go for two options, hiring an in-house registered agent or outsourcing the service.

Note: In Maryland, a registered agent is called a Resident Agent. The Resident Agent is an individual or a business that receives all the legal and state-related documents for your Maryland LLC. An LLC must maintain a Resident Agent till the LLC shuts down or gets dissolved. In Maryland, the requirements and duties of a Resident Agent can be found in the Maryland Code § 4A-210.

Hiring a Registered Agent in Maryland

You may have several options for hiring a registered agent in Maryland. To become a registered agent, one has to meet the basic eligibility criteria. If the minimum requirements are fulfilled, anyone residing in Maryland can represent your LLC as your registered agent.

registered agent service

Who Can Be a Registered Agent

  • The person must be above 18 years old.
  • The person must have a legal and physical address in the state where the LLC will operate.
  • The person must be physically present during normal working hours.
  • Anyone who fulfills the above requirements can act as a registered agent.
  • Recommended – You should use a professional registered agent in Maryland always.

Can I Be My Own Registered Agent

Yes, you can be your own registered agent. In fact, any member of the LLC, managers, and the owner can be a registered agent. Besides, someone from the owners’ family, such as a spouse, relatives, or other family members, can also act as a registered agent. As mentioned above, anyone who is representing the business as an agent should fulfill the basic criteria.

Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Own Registered Agent

Many small businesses do not hire a registered agent to save a chunk of money. However, it is not recommended to be your own registered agent. There are a bunch of problems one has to face while being a registered agent of his own LLC. Following are some of the issues you face,

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  • If you are operating your business from home or you are into web business, then your home address will be shared on the public portal. This address will be used for mailing and other official purposes. This will hamper your privacy.
  • A registered agent has to be physically available at the official address during working hours on working days for 52 weeks. Being your own registered agent might restrict your other work due to this.
  • The registered agent’s address must be up to date in the Secretary of State portal.

It is recommended to outsource the registered agent service to ease your work as it protects your privacy, especially if you conduct your business from home. It is always wise to outsource the RA service than be your own registered agent.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

#1 TOP PICK

LegalZoom – $299 Per Year

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Maryland

You can choose a Maryland Registered Agent in two ways, either you can employ an in-house RA or outsource the service. Another option is to be your own registered agent. However, it is recommended to outsource the service as it is less worrisome and hassle-free.

In-house Registered Agent

As far as the in-house registered agent is concerned, it can be anyone from the LLC, including you, or you can employ an individual for this position. In that case, your office or home address will be the Registered Agent’s office address. Every LLC has to share its principal office address, mailing address, and registered agent’s office address to the state public portal. Hiring a registered agent service will make it easier as you can use the RA’s address as a mailing address.

Outsourcing Registered Agent Service

You may also avail yourself of professional registered agent services. Doing so ensures that you will have the best service provider to represent your business. Following are the best Registered Agent services on our list that will provide you with registered agents to ease your worries.

LLC Service

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$99 Per Year

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$125 Per Year

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Note that availing of the services of professional registered agents would be your best option since you are guaranteed that whoever is handling your legal affairs knows their stuff well. If you are forming your LLC from scratch, then with LegalZoom Registered Agent, you will get the full formation package.

What to Consider While Choosing a Maryland Registered Agent

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a registered agent.

  • Service Fee: Since most states require formal businesses to have registered agents, selecting the best-registered agent is critical. Hiring a registered agent typically costs between $99 and $300 annually. When you consider how much time it will save you, this is a small price to pay.
  • Tenure in Business of Registered Agent: You want the registered agent to have established and time-tested procedures for handling documents. We recommend Registered Agent Services that have been in business for a long time. They are experienced and well capable of handling all your documentation.
  • State Jurisdiction Limitation: If your company expands to another state, you should use the same registered agent in all states to reduce the administrative burden of dealing with multiple registered agent service providers. Check out the best Registered Agent Services to consider for this job.
  • Offer Monitoring and Follow-up Services: You want to receive up-to-date information and alerts from your registered agent as soon as possible so that you are aware of the various statutes, rules, and regulations that apply to your company. Some of the service providers offer this service. Make sure to choose an RA service that includes this service.

How to Appoint a Registered Agent in Maryland

At the time of submitting the Maryland Articles of Organization, the registered agent can be appointed by the LLC. It can be done online or by mail. No additional fee is charged for appointing a Registered Agent. Only the state filing fee should be paid.

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Appoint Registered Agent Online

To appoint a registered agent online, you have to go to the Maryland LLC Online Filing page and provide the information of your Registered Agent accordingly.

Appoint Registered Agent By Mail

To appoint a registered agent in Maryland by mail, you need to download the Maryland LLC filing form (PDF). Fill up the “Registered Agent” section with appropriate details of the agent and submit it to the SOS office. For more information, read on Maryland Articles of Organization.

Cost of a Maryland Registered Agent

The cost of having a registered agent can be variable. It depends on whether you are employing an in-house registered agent, being your own agent, or outsourcing the service. The cost of having a registered agent can start from $99 and go up to $300 per year. It will be cost-effective if you outsource the registered agent service in Maryland.

Registered Agent services that also provide LLC formation packages can provide the same service at a lower price. For example, LegalZoom offers standalone registered agent service at $299 per year, but if you buy their LLC formation package at $0 + state fees, you might get a registered agent at a low cost.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Maryland

To change the Maryland registered agent, you must file a Change of registered agent or office by entity form. This form can be submitted to the Maryland Secretary of State via mail, online, or in person.

File By Email

For online filing, you need to get the online form, which is available on the Maryland Secretary of State portal. Fill in all the necessary information of LLC as well as current and old registered agents. This form must be completed and signed by the newly appointed registered agent and any authorized member of the LLC. The signature of the new registered agent acts like the consent to be appointed as one. Submit it online.

Fee: $25
(Expedited/in-person Fee: $75)

File By Mail

You can also choose to file the form through the mail. You need to download the Change of registered agent or office by entity form from the Maryland Secretary of State’s portal. Fill in all the details on your computer. The completed form is to be signed by the newly appointed registered agent. The duly signed form must be sent to the following address,

Mail to: State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division
301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201‐2395

How to Pay: The filing amount is payable to the Maryland secretary of state through a credit card when filing online/by email. For paper filing, you can choose to pay through money order or check.

Why Do LLCs in Maryland Need a Registered Agent Service

There are several reasons why a business should appoint a registered agent in Maryland. Some of the most important reasons are listed below,

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  • Confidentiality: Having a registered agent service in Maryland ensures the complete privacy of your business and related documentation. Appointing a registered agent company instead of an individual gets you privacy and confidentiality contracts beforehand.
  • Up-to-date Compliance: LLCs and corporates have plenty of paperwork and compliances that are to be updated on time. With a registered agent service, you don’t have to worry about those compliances, as your registered agent will maintain a compliance calendar.
  • Privacy: It is mandatory for businesses in Maryland to publicly upload their address to the Maryland Secretary of State. If you are using the home address for your business, then it would not be safe to make your private address public. On the other side, appointing a registered agent service will cover you up here as they have to provide their address to the Maryland SOS and not yours.
  • Availability: Every registered agent has to be available during office hours of work on business days. If you hire a registered agent service, then they can be available at the required time without harming other tasks at the company.
  • Online Safe Backup: Every registered agent in Maryland or any other state usually takes an online backup of all the documents and paperwork. This ensures the LLC papers are securely saved in a central system.
  • Lawsuits or Summons: Getting summoned or involved in a lawsuit does not leave a good impression on the employees. With a registered agent, all the related papers will be delivered to the Registered Agent’s official address. Hence, owners do not have to receive any such papers in their office in front of their employees.

Maryland Business Laws for Registered Agents to Note

Registered Agents handle all the business-related legal affairs of your business and other legal issues of a foreign LLC in Maryland. Every state has its own set of established business laws. Maryland also has a well-formed set of business laws to follow. Here are the significant business laws that require mandatory compliance by every business entity.

Maryland Antitrust Laws

Antitrust laws aim at countering anti-competitive practices in an open market, such as strict punishment and penalties against forming cartels or creating barriers for new entrants in the market. The federal and state laws have established well-formed antitrust laws, known as Maryland Competition Law. These laws are invoked in situations that hint at monopolization of a relevant market domain.

The relevant Antitrust Code Section is dealt with under Maryland Antitrust Act: Section 11-201. The limitation period for bringing in the antitrust claim is 4 years. The state also offers flexibility in filing private lawsuits. A successful plaintiff can also recover the Attorneys’ fee.

Maryland Deceptive Trade Practices Laws

The State of Maryland aims to protect its residents from unfair business practices. Such practices mislead the consumers into investing in invaluable market products by selling them with twisted statements and lies such as false advertising. The State also forbids the practice of odometer tampering.

Maryland does not follow the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. It has followed the precedent established by the Common Law and has a specialized Consumer Protection Division. The suit against such practices can be brought by the Consumer Protection Division, Attorney General, and the Consumer. Upon confirmation of any such prohibited activities, the State imposes a fine of up to $1000.00, actual damages, attorney fees, a misdemeanor of $1000.00, and up to 12 months of imprisonment.

The Registered Agents are the people who act as points of contact between your business and the State Authorities. They assist your business in ensuring compliance with all regulations and codes of the State. Hiring a registered agent in Maryland will help you handle your business in a smooth and legally compliant manner.

FAQ

How To Change Registered Agent In Maryland?

You must submit the RA change application form to the Maryland Secretary of State in order to modify the registered agent there. You may submit this digitally, through mail to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division, 301 W. Preston Street, 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201-2395, or via fax, depending on whatever option is most convenient for you. In Maryland, it costs $25 to switch a registered agent.

How To Become A Registered Agent In Maryland?

In Maryland, registering as an agent is simple. You must be above 18 and a resident of the state in order to register as an agent. In Maryland, being a registered agent doesn’t call for a special educational background.

Who Can Be A Registered Agent In Maryland?

A registered agent in Maryland may be anybody. Any person who meets the requirements, including your spouse, family, LLC members, and you, may act as the registered agent. The applicant must be a resident of Maryland and an adult in good standing.

How To Change Registered Agent Address In Maryland?

You must submit the RA Change Form with the new address specified if you want to modify a registered agent’s address in Maryland. You may submit the form digitally or via mail to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division, 301 W. Using whatever method is most convenient for you, send an email to Preston Street, 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201-2395. The Maryland SOS should get this paperwork.

How To Find A Company’s Registered Agent In Maryland?

It is necessary to go to the Maryland Secretary of State’s website in order to locate a company’s registered agent there. The option to search for the company by name will be provided. You may choose the registered agent’s name after entering the company name to see the data.

What Does A Registered Agent Do In Maryland?

In Maryland, a company’s registered agent is in charge of obtaining licenses and legal notifications as well as serving any processes on the company’s behalf. In Maryland, it is required to have a registered agent. In Maryland, you have the option of working with an expert or acting on your own.

How To Appoint Someone As The Registered Agent In Maryland?

By providing their information while registering a corporation in Maryland, registered agents may be designated. The formation paperwork has a part where you must provide information like the name, address, and phone number of the designated registered agent. Give your personal details if you are acting as a registered agent.

How To Search For Registered Agent Address In Maryland?

These actions must be taken in order to look for a registered agent’s address:
1. Access the Maryland Secretary of State’s website.
2. Look up a business using its name
3. Examine the Registered agent section and the address list.
You may then look for the Maryland address of the registered agent in this manner.

How Do I Look For A Business In Maryland By The Registered Agent Name?

Visit the Maryland Secretary of State’s website to do a company search in Maryland. The “Search” option may be found. A company’s name and the name of the registered agent may both be used in a search. To acquire the information about your company, choose “registered agent” and input the name of your registered agent.

What Is Required Of A Registered Agent In Maryland?

You must meet three requirements in order to be a registered agent in Maryland. The first requirement is that you must be older than 18 years old. Second, you have to be a state resident. In other words, you need a Maryland street address. Finally, you must be qualified to operate a company in Maryland.

How To Look Up The Registered Agent Of A Corporation In Maryland?

In Maryland, it is simple to locate a corporation’s registered agent. Visit the Maryland Secretary of State’s website to complete this. Visit the Business Search menu. You may search for a company using its name by choosing the Look up by name option. You may look up the registered agent information after you have the company.

How Do I Resign As A Registered Agent In Maryland?

A registered agent in Maryland must write a letter of resignation to the business that they are currently working for if they wish to quit. The Maryland Secretary of State should receive a resignation notification along with the resignation letter after a certain period of time, confirming the registered agent’s departure.

How To Update Registered Agent In Maryland Online?

You must submit the RA Change Form to the Maryland Secretary of State in order to change a registered agent there online. Not all states provide an online system for changing a registered agent. To see whether the online option is available, visit the Maryland SOS website.

How To Get A Free Registered Agent In Maryland?

There are three free registered agent options in Maryland. Becoming your own registered agent is the first option. Second, if any member of your family, partner, or acquaintances is appointed as a registered agent. Finally, there are businesses that specialize in company creation that provide free registered agent services in Maryland.

How To Research For Registered Agent Information In Maryland?

A registered agent in Maryland is simple to find online. The Maryland Secretary of State’s official website must be accessed. The “search by name” option is available if you know the company name. You may investigate a registered agent’s information from the list when you discover the firm facts.

Where To Mail Registered Agent Forms In The State Of Maryland?

Send the registered agent form to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division, 301 W. Preston Street, 8th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21201-2395 if you are a resident of the state of Maryland. You must choose a registered agent for your company and provide all of their information on the formation paperwork when you register it. Send it via mail to the aforementioned address.

If A Company Does Not Have A Registered Agent In Maryland, Who Is Served?

In Maryland, you must have a registered agent for your business. However, you can run into legal issues if your firm doesn’t have a registered agent. For this reason, it’s crucial to work with a registered agent in Maryland (although you may alternatively act as your own registered agent).

How To Serve A Deceased Registered Agent in Maryland?

Your business won’t have a registered agent if a registered agent passes away. A registered agent for your business is required in Maryland. If he or she passes away, all of the power will be lost. Companies must immediately inform the SOS if their registered agent changes or is replaced.

How To Hide Registered Agent Name From SOS Maryland?

Whether or whether the name of the registered agent may be concealed cannot be answered with certainty. In certain states, it is permissible to keep the names of LLC owners or members private. If your LLC is anonymous, that may happen. The registered agent’s name cannot be concealed in several states. For further information, go to the Secretary of State of Maryland’s company registration rules.

Who To Call To Identify Registered Agent Information In Maryland?

Call the Maryland Secretary of State’s office to get the registered agent information. The official hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To speak with the executive, dial 410-974-5521 from a landline. Get the information by following the caller’s directions.

What Is Registered Agent’s Consent In Maryland?

The consent of a registered agent is a statement in writing that the agent is prepared to act as the company’s representative. In Maryland, whether you appoint a new registered agent or replace the existing one, the newly appointed agent must get the SOS’s approval.

What Is The Difference Between Registered Agent And Resident Agent In Maryland?

Between a registered agent and a resident agent, there is no such distinction. The resident agent is another name for the registered agent in Maryland. Generally speaking, a resident agent is referred to as a registered agent. Several states refer to agents as residents.

What Happens If The Registered Agent Does Not Give A Consent In Maryland?

A legal penalty and obligation may be imposed on the person appointing a registered agent without the permission of a person who has been designated as such in Maryland without their consent. Furthermore, they are free to refuse any obligations imposed by the procedure.

Can An LLC Be Sued If There Is No Registered Agent In Maryland?

Yes, a lawsuit against your LLC is still possible even if your corporation has no registered agent in Maryland. Any corporate entity may be sued in Maryland in a number of ways. Another method of suing the firm will be available if no one is available to accept the court filings.

How To Reject The Registered Agent’s Designation In Maryland?

In Maryland, the designation is revocable by the registered agent. The statement of rejection may be signed and sent to the Secretary of State in order to reject the designation. On the SOS website, you may get the declaration of refusal.

How to Remove a Registered Agent for LLC in Maryland

A registered agent for LLC in Maryland can be removed by submitting a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent with the Maryland Secretary of State with a filing fee of $25.

The process for removing a registered agent for an LLC in Maryland is relatively straightforward, but it is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure compliance with state laws. Firstly, it is essential to understand the reasons for wanting to remove the current registered agent. Some common reasons for wanting to replace a registered agent include lack of communication, unresponsiveness, or a change in the agent’s contact information. Whatever the reason may be, it is crucial to communicate this decision to the agent in writing and provide proper notice according to Maryland state laws.

Once the decision to remove the registered agent has been made, the next step is to select a new registered agent to represent the LLC. The new agent must meet the state’s qualifications for registered agents, such as having a physical address in Maryland and being available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the company. The new agent can be an individual, such as a member of the LLC or a third-party commercial registered agent service.

After selecting a new registered agent, the LLC must file a Statement of Resignation or Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. This form can be filed online through the Maryland Business Express website or by mail. The form must include the name and address of the current registered agent, the name and address of the new registered agent, and the effective date of the change.

It is important to note that the LLC must obtain the consent of the new registered agent before filing the Statement of Change of Registered Agent. The new agent must sign the form to acknowledge their appointment as the registered agent for the LLC. Additionally, some registered agent service providers may require a fee for registering as the new agent for the company.

In conclusion, removing a registered agent for an LLC in Maryland is a straightforward process but requires attention to detail and compliance with state laws. Communication with the current agent and selecting a qualified replacement are essential steps in ensuring a smooth transition. By following the correct procedures and filing the necessary documents with the state, an LLC can effectively remove and replace its registered agent as needed.

In Conclusion

Before you choose a registered agent for your Maryland LLC, compare their price and services from the table. They will be responsible for all your documentation, filings, and other LLC-related tasks. Hence, choose the best one for your business that provides 100% accurate service at a reasonable price.

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