As an entrepreneur myself, I have used some of the registered agent services listed below. After 20+ hours of research and comparing registered agent services, I have put together this list of service providers to make it easy for you to select from the best registered agents in Maryland.Â
If you are starting a business in Maryland, you will need to put a registered agent on file with the secretary of state. A registered agent is responsible for accepting your official mail, legal correspondence, and service of process on behalf of your business and relaying the information to you. They will be available during standard business hours to keep your business compliant while providing flexibility and privacy.
Hiring the right registered agent ensures you never miss a service of process, and your legal documents are securely handled. The wrong registered agent could put your business at risk by not fulfilling state compliance requirements and mismanaging important documents. For this reason, most business owners appoint a commercial registered agent.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Maryland for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service in Maryland?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in Maryland ($125/year)
Northwest Registered Agent is the leading registered agent provider with more than 3 million customers throughout the US. They have business formation solutions and can help you maintain compliance and stay up to date on mail with quality registered agent service. You can sign up online, and they will guide you through the process to get them on file as the point of contact for your business.
As your registered agent, they will be available at the office on file during normal business hours to ensure your service of process can be accepted. When official mail arrives, they relay the message to you and scan and upload a copy to your online account for 24/7 access. Their online system keeps all your legal mail organized and includes features like pre-filled forms for fast filing and annual report reminders. They also provide free mail forwarding for up to five unofficial mail documents per year.
Pros
- Great Customer Service: Get quality support from corporate guides when you need it.
- LLC Formation Deal: Pay $225 to get your LLC formed and your first year of registered agent services, all done in one place. Bulk service for 10 or more states is discounted.
- Same-Day Service: Rely on same-day notifications and view your official mail from your online account as soon as it’s received.
Cons
- Not the Cheapest: Other companies offer lower prices for similar services.
- Mail Forwarding Fees: They charge $20 for unlimited mail forwarding If you need more than 5 non-legal mail documents forwarded.
- High Prices on Other Services: They have basic legal services, but the price is steep compared to their competitors.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Northwest Registered Agent has business solutions to keep you up to date on legal mail and compliance requirements and keep you organized with an online portal for easy access to your documents.
2. ZenBusinessÂ
Best Registered Agent in Maryland for Startups and Small Businesses ($199/year)
ZenBusiness can act as a hub for all your business solutions. They have services for filing taxes, accounting, funding, bookkeeping, comprehensive reporting, and more. For new businesses, they provide a low-cost business formation service which includes your first year of registered agent service for free. ZenBusiness is a preferred registered agent provider with a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on the Better Business Bureau website.
To appoint ZenBusiness as your Maryland registered agent, you can sign up online, and they will give you the information you need to put them on record with the state as your point of contact. Your registered agent will be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and relay information to you. You can rely on convenient notifications and get scanned copies of your important documents sent to you, so you are always up to date. You can also view and print copies of your important mail and documents from your client porta. For an additional fee, you can get automated reminders for compliance and annual reporting.
Pros
- Low-Cost Formation Service: Form your business for $49 + state fees and get your first year of registered agent services for free.
- Good Customer Service: Their customer service team is committed to your success. They also have a free online library full of business tips.
Cons
- Compliance Reminders Not Included: Receive compliance alerts for $50 a year, and reporting service is another $100 + state fees.
- They Charge You for an EIN: If you get an EIN number, it is an additional $99; however, you can get it free on the IRS website.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): ZenBusiness registered agent services give you flexibility and help you maintain compliance by being available to accept service of process for you and relay the information to you.Â
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in Maryland for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
Harbor Compliance has registered agent services that can save you time and money and make your life easier. You can appoint them as your registered agent by signing up online, and they will provide you with pre-filled forms to streamline your filing process. As your point of contact, they will be available during normal business hours to ensure your legal mail can be received and processed.
When you get official mail, they send you same-day notifications and scan the documents to make them available to you online. Harbor Compliance’s convenient business management software keeps your important mail organized, plus annual reporting and tax deadlines and state compliance reminders. Their service gives you flexibility and protects your privacy, so you don’t have to be available at an office for legal mail deliveries.
Pros
- Competitive Rates: Get essential registered agent services at a competitive price.
- No Hidden Fees: Pay the same fee annually, with no surprises or price changes.
Cons
- Additional Service Fees: Annual report filing service costs an additional $175 annually.
- No Refunds: If you are unhappy with your service and decide to change service providers, they don’t offer a refund.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Harbor Compliance will help you stay organized with an online portal for storing your legal mail, same-day mail alerts, local document scanning, and compliance reminders to stay in good standing with the state.
4. Inc Authority
Best Registered Agent in Maryland for Affordability ($99/year)
Inc Authority registered agent services can help new businesses save money and streamline their filing process. They offer free business formation and the first year of registered agent services for free. If you sign up for their registered agent service, they will go on record as the point of contact for your business. All your legal mail and service of process will be delivered to your registered agent, and they will notify you, scan your official documents, and make them available to you in your online account. Your online account will help you manage your mail and keep track of compliance.
Inc Authority also offers business packages for new businesses that include checking your business name, filing entity formation documents with the state, a free year of registered agent service, digital document storage, customer support, tax consultation, and business funding support and credit analysis. Sign up for registered agent service only or check out their other service and get your business formed for free!
Pros
- Free Formation Package: Inc Authority will file your LLC documents for you at no charge and give free registered agent service for the first year.
- Competitive Prices: For $99 a year, you can rely on mail management, organization, alerts, and complimentary compliance notifications.
Cons
- Exclusively for Start-ups: Registered agent services are available if you form your business through them.
- No Annual Reporting: Annual reporting is not included with registered agent service.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service (Free first year, then $99/year): Inc Authority has solutions for every phase of your business, from formation to compliant registered agent services, reporting, and more. Get started for free with their business formation package, then pay $99 a year to maintain service.
5. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($299/year)
LegalZoom has a lot of resources and services to help new and existing businesses. Their service price is a bit higher than some of their competitors, but they have many services that you can add-on to your plan. You can rely on LegalZoom to cover the basic registered agent duties like accepting service of process and notifying you, plus additional support such as compliance alerts, tax, and annual report reminders, identity theft protection, and business credit monitoring. They will always be available during business hours to ensure your mail can be accepted, and you can reach them if you have questions about your account.
LegalZoom also has a Business Advisory Plan that includes access to attorney services in case legal issues arise and you need questions answered. Your registered agent will accept all legal correspondences and service of process on behalf of your business to keep you compliant. When mail is received, they will send you same-day notifications and will make a scanned copy available in your online account for convenient access.
Pros
- Chat support
- Business document storage
- Tracking important deadlines
- Renewing licenses
- Compliance alerts
Cons
- Can be expensive for some startups
- Relatively weak free features
Pricing
The registered agent service provided by LegalZoom includes acceptance of business correspondence, along with reminders of tax and annual reporting requirements for $299/year. Although the service is more costly than others, the annual fee includes the cost of Maryland state filing fees.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Risk-Free Registered Agent Option in Maryland ($149.99/year)
Rocket Lawyer registered agents can help small and large businesses by ensuring their service of process and official mail is received and recorded. When you appoint them as your agent, they take on the responsibility of accepting your legal mail, and they will be available during normal business hours. This keeps your business in good standing with the state.
Rocket Lawyer has solutions to help you reduce your work load and stay flexible and on top of state requirements. They will separate your important mail from junk mail, send you new mail alerts and compliance and annual reporting reminders. Access your important mail and documents from your online account at any time. When you sign up online, they give you a 7-day free trial to explore their other services, and they have a money-back guarantee. You can also get 25% off registered agent services if you sign up for a premium member plan.
7. Incfile
Best Registered Agent Customer Support & Services ($119/year)
Incfile offers registered agent services at a competitive price. They also have a complimentary free business formation service for start-ups. If you get your business formed with them, you will also get the first year of registered agent service for free. As your point of contact, Incfile registered agents will be available during normal business hours at the office address on file to accept service of process for your business.
They will notify you when new mail is received and provide a scanned copy of your important documents online. Their service helps you stay organized and provides an extra layer of protection for you. If you were sued, your agent would receive the documents and then notify you so you could handle the matter discreetly. Enjoy the convenience of same-day mail alerts, state compliance, and annual reporting reminders. Find free learning guides and business management tips on their website.
Pros
- First Year Free: Incfile will file your business documents and provide the first year of registered agent service all for free.
- Competitive Pricing: After your first year of free service, pay only $119 a year to maintain a registered agent.
- Bilingual Customer Support: Incfile’s customer support team can help you in English and Spanish.
Cons
- Lack of 24/7 Support: Incfile’s customer support team is only available between 9AM and 6PM CST.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service (Free first year, then $119/year): Incfile will form your business and give you a year of registered agent service all for free, then pay the annual rate to maintain compliance and stay up to date on your incoming mail.
8. InCorp
Quality Registered Agent Service Provider in Maryland ($129/year)
InCorp is another quality registered agent service that can help your Maryland business stay organized and up to date on new mail and compliance requirements. Since 1998, InCorp has provided services and resources to help businesses maintain compliance and ensure their legal mail is handled with safety and care in a timely manner. InCorp registered agents will be available to receive your service of process at their secure address during business hours.
This gives you flexibility and relieves you of the responsibility of needing to be present during business hours. You will get notifications when important mail comes in, and they will provide you with an online business portal where you can access and store your important legal documents and keep track of compliance calendar alerts. InCorp is dedicated to protecting your personal data and making your life simpler by providing reliable, compliant service. If you sign up for a few years of registered agent services at a time, they will give you a discount.
9. SunDoc Filings
Standard Registered Agent Service in Maryland ($159/year)
SunDoc Filings has resources to help you run your business smoothly and keep up to date on compliance. You can order basic registered agent services, entity formation, and business licensing services. When you sign up for registered agent service, their physical address will go on file with the state as the point of contact for receiving official mail. Their primary job is to be available during normal business hours to accept service of process on behalf of your business and relay the message to you.
If your business were to be sued, they would receive the service of process and notify you right away so that you can handle your legal matters discreetly. When your agent accepts official mail for you, they scan it, and upload it to an online account where you can view and print it. SunDoc Filings will also help you stay on top of annual reporting and filing deadlines to help you keep track of state compliance requirements. Your online account will keep you organized and make it convenient for you to access your documents anywhere, anytime.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent in Maryland for Quick Communications ($149/year)
Swyft Filings has business solutions from start to finish. You can order business formation, registered agent services, and entity dissolution services. Their registered agent services are offered for a competitive price, and it is easy to sign up online. When you appoint them as your registered agent, they will go on record with the state to accept service of process on behalf of your business.
You can count on them to be open during standard business hours for receiving official documents and service of process. Their service helps your business meet compliant standards. When you get official mail, they will send you email notifications and upload the documents to your online account, so you are always informed. When you log in to your account, you will be able to see your service of process history and keep track of deadlines for annual reporting. Browse their free online learning center for business resources, state guides, and tax and finance information.
11. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent in Maryland for Global Business Connections ($299/year)
CSC Global can help businesses on the local level that are managing finances on a global level. Their registered agent service alone is above the average price point. However, CSC Global is a great choice if you are interested in other business services, such as entity management, business licenses, or legal and global financial assistance.
If you sign up for their registered agent service, they will handle your mail, accept service of process for you and send you same-day messages when new mail comes in. Your registered agent represents your business and is legally bound to be available during normal business hours to receive official mail on behalf of your business. They will scan your documents, upload them to your online portal, and keep you on track with deadlines. You can enjoy flexibility and convenience with easy access to your documents from your online account. From your account, you can manage your annual reports, corporate filings, service of process, litigations, business licenses, and contracts.
12. Resident Agent LLC
Local Registered Agent Service in Maryland ($97/year)
Resident Agent LLC has a great deal for basic registered agent services. You can sign up online and name the price you are willing to pay for service. They want to give you the best price to stay competitive. When you sign up, they will provide you with the documentation you need to put them on file with the secretary of state as the point of contact for your legal business mail.
Their registered agents will be available at the physical address to accept all official mail deliveries for your business. Their service gives you an added protection buffer, keeping your personal address off the public record. Since they receive service of process for you, it helps keep legal matters private if you were sued. Resident Agent LLC can help your business stay up to date on legal mail and keep your documents organized in an online portal. When mail is received, they will send you a message, so you never miss an important notice. Their service also includes compliance and annual report reminders to help you stay compliant.
13. Maryland Resident Agent Inc
Low-Cost Maryland Registered Agent Services ($49/year)
Maryland Registered Agent service will save you money and make sure your basic needs are met. This is one of the cheapest registered agent services we could find. You can hire them for the low price of $49 a year, and they will make sure your mail is received, and the message is relayed to you. If you appoint them as your registered agent, you will need to put their address on file with the state as the point of contact for your business. They also have an expedited 1-day business formation service for LLCs and incorporations.
They will take responsibility for receiving your mail by being available during standard business hours so nothing is missed and you stay in good standing with the state. They will also remind you about compliance requirements and annual report deadlines. Hiring them keeps your address off the public record, giving you a little more privacy and freedom, so you don’t have to be at the office from 9-5. You will have access to all your scanned mail from your online account. Their service is very basic, and they don’t offer add-ons, so don’t expect much.
What Is a Maryland Registered Agent?
When you form your business, you are required to appoint a registered agent. A Maryland registered agent is responsible for accepting service of process and legal mail on behalf of your business. They are committed to being available at a physical address during normal hours to receive and relay messages to you.
How Can a Maryland Registered Agent Help Your Business?
A commercial registered agent helps keep your business organized and compliant by receiving your official mail and service of process, sending you notifications, and keeping you up to date on compliance requirements.
Secure Mail Delivery: Your registered agent accepts your legal and official mail deliveries and will always be available at their physical office address during standard business hours to make sure you meet state compliance standards.
Privacy and Protection: A professional registered agent service gives you added privacy protection keeping your personal address off the public record and accepting your legal documents for you. If you were sued, they would receive the papers for you and relay the message so you could handle things privately.
Digital Document Storage: Your registered agent will scan your important mail and upload it to your online account, so you always have convenient access to your files.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required in Maryland?
You are required to appoint and maintain a registered agent, also called a resident agent. When you form your business, you will need to document your registered agent and keep an active agent on file to meet compliance standards.
Maryland Registered Agent Q&A
How Much Does a Maryland Registered Agent Cost?
Hiring a commercial registered agent service in Maryland starts at $49 and can go up to $300 a year for premium service.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Maryland?
If you are a resident of the state of Maryland and you have a physical address, you can appoint yourself as the registered agent for your business. However, an entity cannot be the registered agent.
Can a Company in Maryland Change Its Registered Agent?
You can change or update your registered agent’s information online by filing a RESOLUTION TO CHANGE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OR RESIDENT AGENT form.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Maryland Registered Agent?
You can sign up for a registered agent online and get instant service once you submit your registered agent’s information with the state. Some registered agent services will file these documents for you. Processing times may vary depending on the documentation that is requested to verify your business.
N.W. Registered Agent
Northwest Registered Agent is the best overall due to its numerous pros and a minimal number of cons. Perfect for all sorts of registered agent work.
ZenBusiness
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice if you're interested in starting and growing your business with all sorts of registered agent services right at your fingertips.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in Maryland for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.