You are probably reading this because you are an entrepreneur starting a business in North Dakota. As you plan and prepare your articles of organization, you will find you have to appoint a registered agent with the North Dakota Secretary of State. We will help answer all your questions about what a registered agent is, why they are required, and how they can help your business. In this guide, we provide reviews for the best registered agents in North Dakota.
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 North Dakota for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.
It’s important to appoint a reliable registered agent to ensure your business stays compliant and you never miss an important service of process. If the registered agent you select fails to meet state requirements, it can hurt your business and result in penalties or important legal documents landing in the wrong hands.
As a team of entrepreneurs, we’ve personally hired some of the service providers below and have also spent 20+ hours researching these registered agent providers to find the best solutions for my personal business endeavors. These registered agent services will save you time, ensure your legal mail is securely handled, help you stay up to date on compliance requirements, and keep you organized with an online dashboard for document storage.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service in North Dakota?
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in North Dakota ($125/year)
Northwest Registered Agent is one of the leading registered agent services in the US, trusted by more than 3 million businesses. You can sign up online for registered agent service and they will provide you with the information you need to put them on file with the state. They also offer business formation services if you want to hire them to handle the filing process for you.
As your registered agent, their office will go on file for your legal mail deliveries. They will be available during normal business hours to ensure service of process is accepted and important messages are relayed to you. When mail arrives, they will send you convenience emails and upload a scanned copy to your online account for 24/7 access. You can find all your legal mail organized in your online account and pre-filled forms for fast filing and annual report reminders. They also provide free non-legal mail forwarding for up to five documents per year.
Pros
- Business Formation Service: Pay $225 to get your LLC formed and that includes your first year of registered agent service.
- Quality Customer Support: Get support for your account from corporate guides via phone or email.
- 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: If you need more than 5 non-legal mail documents forwarded, they charge a $20 fee for unlimited mail forwarding.
- Other Service Expenses: They offer basic legal services as an add-on, but the price is higher than their competitors.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Northwest Registered Agents provide quality support to keep you up to date on legal mail and compliance. Their user-friendly platform keeps all your legal documents organized.
2. ZenBusiness
Best Registered Agent in North Dakota for Startups and Small Businesses ($199/year)
If you are starting a business, you can find solutions for your start-up needs at ZenBusiness.
Get your first year of registered agent services free when you use their low-cost entity formation service. ZenBusiness registered agents will securely receive all your business mail and legal documents and notify you in real-time when service of process arrives. They will always be available during standard business hours to ensure your legal notices can be accepted, and your business stays compliant.
They will send you notifications about annual reporting deadlines to keep you in good standing with the State. Zenbusiness has other business offerings, such as tax and accounting services, funding, bookkeeping, and comprehensive reporting, all in one place. Your business is in good hands with ZenBusiness, and they are known to have great customer service. Based on the Better Business Bureau website, they have a 4.3 out of 5-star rating.
Pros
- Low Cost for Start-ups: Gets your business formed and filed and your first year of registered agent services, all for $49.
- Reliable Support: Top-tier customer service and valuable resources to help your business thrive.
Cons
- Compliance Service Fees: Their basic registered agent service does not include compliance reminders and filing support, which costs an additional $50.
- Add-on Expenses: Other services, such as annual reporting, are pricey, which costs an additional $100 + state fees.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($199/year): ZenBusiness can act as the hub for all your business needs, keeping you organized and compliant and protecting your personal information.
Additional add-on services:
$49 first-year starter package: Form your LLC + registered agent services & compliance support
$199/yearly for pro package
$299/yearly for premium package
3. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in North Dakota for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
Harbor Compliance provides essential registered agent services for $99 annually. When you sign up for their services, they will provide you with their physical address and information to put on file with the state as the point of contact for your business. This also gives you an added layer of privacy and protection. You can rely on them to be available during regular business hours, so you don’t have to be.
Your registered agent will receive important mail and legal documents on behalf of your business, eliminating the risk of a missed delivery. Have all your business mail scanned and organized for you in your online portal. Their registered agent service also includes reporting and filing reminders to keep your business up-to-date and compliant. When new mail arrives, they will send you a notification and upload a digital copy to your online portal. From your account, you can also find your annual reporting and compliance requirements.
Pros
- Affordable: Competitive prices for quality registered agent service.
- No Hidden Fees: Pay the same annual price with no hidden fees or increases.
Cons
- Customer Service: Some reviews state that the customer service process could be better.
- No Refund Policy: If you are unsatisfied or cancel services, they will not issue you a refund.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Rely on Harbor Compliance registered agents to protect your business and receive your important documents for you. They will send you alerts when mail is accepted and keep you up to date on state filing requirements.
4. LegalZoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($299/year)
LegalZoom has a lot of resources to offer new and existing businesses. The annual cost for registered agent service is higher than some of their competitors, but they are reliable and have extra benefits. They will 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. LegalZoom also has a Business Advisory Plan, which includes attorney services that come in handy if legal issues arise.
Your registered agent will accept all legal correspondences and service of process on behalf of your business. For compliance reasons, they are always open during business hours to ensure your mail can be accepted. When they receive mail, they send you same-day alerts and will store scanned copies 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 North Dakota state filing fees.
5. Inc Authority
Best Registered Agent in North Dakota for Affordability ($99/year)
Inc Authority is a top-tier service for new businesses. They will form your LLC and Corporation and give you one year of registered agent service, all for free. You pay the state filing fees, and they will handle all the documentation work to make sure your business is off to a good start. From start-up to maintaining compliance, they will save you money and time. One requirement to using Incfile is that you must form your business through them to get registered agent services.
Once you are set up, they will actively manage your incoming mail and accept service of process documents on your behalf. Their office will be open during standard business hours to maintain state compliance. They keep you up to date with same-day document scanning and messaging. Access all your important documents from your online portal. You can also count on annual reporting reminders to keep your business in good standing. Inc Authority also has upgraded business packages for growing businesses.
Pros
- First Year Free: Free Registered Agent Service for the first year when you form your business.
- Save You Money: A low-cost option to start your business and maintain compliance.
Cons
- Must Form an LLC: Registered agent services are only available for clients who form their businesses through them.
- Business Package Upgrades: Their business packages do offer you more support but cost upwards of $300 a year.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service (Free first year, then $99/year): Get all the help you need to start and maintain your business compliance for the first year, all for free. Then renew your registered agent service for $99 a year and have all the essentials covered.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Risk-Free Registered Agent Option in North Dakota ($149.99/year)
Rocket Lawyer registered agent services help you stay up to date on all your service of process mail and compliance requirements. They provide you with a convenient online dashboard where they upload and organize your legal mail and notification records. They have other business services as well that you can try out with their 7-day free trial when you sign up.
As the point of contact for your business, they will be available during standard business hours to receive mail and legal documents for you. You can count on same-day service updates and view copies of all your important scanned mail from your online dashboard. Rocket Lawyer is committed to providing quality service to their customers. They even offer a full money-back guarantee if you are unhappy with their service. You can also sign up for a premium business plan to get attorney and legal support, plus 25% off the cost of registered agent services.
7. Incfile
Best Registered Agent Customer Support & Services ($119/year)
Incfile provides business services for thousands of businesses, big and small, throughout the US. They will even file your business formation documents for free and give you a free year of registered agent services. As your registered agent, their physical address will go on file as your point of contact to accept your legal mail. This means you don’t have to worry about being available 9-5 to receive service of process, giving you flexibility and privacy.
When mail is received, they will send you a same-day notification and scan and upload a copy of your legal mail in your online portal. Incfile also provides compliance and annual reporting reminders to keep you up to date and in good standing with the state. Incfile services will help you save money and time in the long run. They also have a library of free learning guides available to you online.
Pros
- Start your Business for Free: Free business formation includes registered agent service for one year for $0.
- Instant Savings: Free start-up costs and a low-cost annual renewal.
- 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): Start your business with Incfile for $0. They will file your entity formation papers and provide your first year of registered agent service for free. Stay up to date and organized with your legal mail available to you online and compliance support.
8. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent in North Dakota for Global Business Connections ($299/year)
CSC Global has registered agent services for new business entities and established businesses looking to transfer registered agent services. Their service is more expensive than most; however, they do offer additional services for global companies, business licenses, and legal support. Their services offer flexibility, protection, and an online portal for document and mail storage.
Their registered agents will be available during normal business hours to accept your business mail and keep your business in good standing with the state. When mail arrives, they will send you email updates and scan your documents to make them available via your online account. Their service also includes automatic email reminders with the Secretary of State’s annual report and compliance deadlines and fillable PDF forms and eFiling links to save you time and guide you through the process.
9. InCorp
Quality Registered Agent Service Provider in North Dakota ($129/year)
InCorp has registered agent services and business management support for your business startup needs. When you sign up for service, they will provide you with their office address and a dedicated account representative to put on file with the state. As your registered agent, they will receive legal mail on behalf of your business, send you notifications, scan your important legal documents and make them available to you online. Their management system helps you keep your legal documents organized and see upcoming filing dates. If you need more help, they have additional services available to order, such as business licensing, annual report filing, trademarks, amendments, and more. Plus, get a discount when you pay for a few years of registered agent services at a time.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent in North Dakota for Quick Communications ($149/year)
Swyft Filings has affordable registered agent services in all 50 states. They can help you from start to finish, from business formation to entity dissolution. Sign up for registered agent service online and put their office on record with the state to accept service of process on behalf of your business. Their office will always be open during standard business hours so you can receive service of process and stay in good standing with the state.
When official mail is received, they send you email notifications and upload your documents to your online account. You can rely on their service to keep you up to date on incoming mail and annual reporting deadlines. Call or chat online with customer service if you need help with your account. You can browse their fee online learning center available on their website with business resources, state guides, and tax and finance information.
11. SunDoc Filings
Standard Registered Agent Service in North Dakota ($159/year)
SunDoc Filings can make your life easier with business management solutions. Their registered agent services give you flexibility, convenient notifications, and a layer of protection. They will provide you with an office address to put on file with the state where they will be available during normal business hours to accept service of process for you. If your business were to be sued, they would be the one to receive service of process and let you know via email, so you can handle your legal matters discreetly.
When they receive your official mail, they scan it, upload it to your online account and send you an email notification. SunDoc Filings will also help you keep track of annual reporting and state filing by sending you filing deadlines. They have filing services available for annual reporting and more at a reasonable rate.
12. North Dakota Registered Agent
Best Rates for Registered Agent Service in North Dakota ($49/year)
North Dakota Registered Agent has a cheap registered agent service that will cover your basic needs. If you want to keep it simple and aren’t looking for additional business services, North Dakota Registered Agent will save you money. Enjoy hassle-free service with no hidden fees.
When you sign up, they will give you their office address and agent contact info so you can put them on file with the state as your point of contact. They ensure all important communications between the government and your business are received and relayed to you. Their office will be open during standard operating hours for receiving legal mail on your behalf. Their service includes same-day document scanning and an online account for storing your service of process records. North Dakota Registered Agent service will also send you automated annual reporting and state filing reminders to keep you up to date on compliance.
13. Registered Agents Inc.
Best Wholesale Registered Agent Service in North Dakota ($200/year)
Registered Agents Inc. provides professional service to keep you up to date on service of process. Their service is nothing special, and other services listed here will provide the same coverage for a lower price. For nationwide business services, Registered Agents Inc offers discounted prices if you need multi-state service. They are equipped to handle receiving and storing your important documents, whether you are a small or large business.
You can sign up online, and they will give you the information you need to file them as your point of contact with the state. When they receive service of process on behalf of your business, they scan and upload the documents to your online account. You can keep track of your mail and view notifications and reminders from your online account. You can also order other services through them, such as business formation and annual reporting services.
What Is a North Dakota Registered Agent?
A North Dakota registered agent is an individual residing in the State of North Dakota or a business entity that has an office address and is listed with the secretary of state to act as the point of contact for the business it represents.
How Can a North Dakota Registered Agent Help Your Business?
Appointing a professional service to be your registered agent can make your life a lot easier. They will ensure your service of process documents can be received and recorded, and legal correspondence is relayed to you.
- Point of Contact: Your registered agent’s office address will go on file as your point of contact for receiving legal mail.
- Privacy: If your business were to be sued, your registered agent would accept the documents and notify you promptly. This gives you a layer of privacy, so you can handle your legal matters discreetly.
- Compliance: Your North Dakota registered agent’s office will always be available during normal hours for receiving important legal notices and sending you filing reminders. These state requirements help you stay compliant.
- Convenience: Rely on same-day alerts and an online dashboard where you can view and print legal mail and essential documents 24/7.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required in North Dakota?
You are required to appoint and continuously maintain a North Dakota registered agent with the Secretary of State.
North Dakota Registered Agent Q&A
How Much Does a North Dakota Registered Agent Cost?
A commercial North Dakota registered agent typically costs between $49 – $300. Some services offer additional business resources, including free entity formation and the first year of service free.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in North Dakota?
An entity cannot serve as its own registered agent in North Dakota. You can appoint a commercial or non-commercial registered agent, but an entity cannot also be the agent.
Can a Company in North Dakota Change Its Registered Agent?
You can update your registered agent’s info on the North Dakota Secretary of State online filing system.
How Long Does It Take to Get a North Dakota Registered Agent?
You can sign up for registered agent service online. Once you file your registered agent’s info with the Secretary of State, your registered agent goes into effect.
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 North Dakota for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
LegalZoom
LegalZoom is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs who want to do all of their legal correspondence themselves with certain helpful features.
Inc Authority
Inc Authority provides highly efficient registered agent services while being very affordable for all sorts of businesses and entrepreneurs.