West Virginia businesses are expected to appoint a registered agent for all official business mail. According to West Virginia Code §31D-5-504, if a business fails to appoint a registered agent, the secretary of the corporation may be served by registered mail.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the best registered agents in West Virginia. We’ll also discuss how a registered agent may benefit your business, and some frequently asked questions.
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.
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.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in West Virginia for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.
What Is the Best Registered Agent Service in West Virginia?
There are more than 111,000 small businesses in West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, small businesses account for 98% of state businesses. Here’s a closer look at the best registered agents in West Virginia.
1. Northwest Registered Agent
Best Overall Registered Agent in West Virginia($125/year)
With a consistently growing business market, there’s an increased need for registered agents. Northwest Registered Agent is the best registered agent in West Virginia overall. The team wins points in price, customer service, and additional business service options.
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent support for new and growing LLCs. They receive and forward mail, scan and upload documents to a digital customer portal, and offer advanced privacy options.
Northwest Registered Agent never shares or sells customer data. They also supply all new customers with a designated West Virginia business guide. The team also offers pre-filled forms, and compliance and filing tips.
Pros
- 5 Free Forwards: Your first 5 mail forwards with Northwest Registered Agent are free.
- Discreet Privacy by Default®: Northwest Registered Agent will never sell or share your data.
- Free Phone Service: Customers receive 60 days of free phone service.
- Local Corporate Guides®: West Virginia business guide for new clients.
Cons
- Business fee: If you form an LLC, Northwest Registered Agent requires a $100 fee.
- Pay for forwarding: There are 5 free mail forwards. After this, all mail forwarding costs an additional fee. You can purchase a forwarding package.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($125/year): Registered agent services through Northwest Registered Agent is $125 annually. Along with this cost for standard services, you can add on paid features, including:
- Premium mail forwarding: $20 per month
- Trademarking services: $499
- Legal documents service: $9 a month
2. Zen Business
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia for Startups and Small Businesses ($0-$299/year)
Opening a new business in West Virginia is easier with a registered agent service you can count on. For new businesses in WV, Zen Business offers a combination of registered agents and near-business setup services.
Some of the main features of Zen Business include:
- Web design
- Domain name registration
- EIN (employee ID Number) registration
- LLC formation assistance
- Business banking organization
Zen Business provides top-notch registered agent services. All documents are scanned and uploaded within 24 hours of receipt. The team offers a 100% accuracy guarantee. No worries about lost mail.
Pros
- Affordable: When you register your business with Zen Business for just $49, you receive your first year of registered agent services free.
- 3 packages: No one-size-fits-all service packages. Three packages with three unique price points.
Cons
- No reminders: Although Zen Business has a strong focus on business, they don’t send reminders.
- Premium price: Zen Business has some affordable options. The premium package is one of the most expensive in West Virginia at $299 annually.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($0 to $299/year): Zen Business charges three prices, for three different registered agent packages.
- Free starter package
- Pro package: $199/year
- Premium package: $299/year
Filing speeds get faster as you upgrade packages. More expensive packages also include additional services.
3. Inc Authority
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia for Affordability ($99/year)
Not all West Virginia registered agents host their customer service center here in the U.S. This isn’t an issue with Inc. Authority. Inc Authority services are all U.S.-based. When you call for help, you can rest assured you’re speaking to a local agent with knowledge of the domestic market.
Inc Authority is an affordable registered agent service. For $99 per year, you get all the standard services, along with a few special bells and whistles, including:
- Business credit services
- Long-term digital storage
- Tax planning services
- Funding analysis
Rest easy knowing all your junk mail is separated from official business documents. Mail is uploaded quickly and efficiently to an online dashboard.
Pros
- Quick uploads: View all new documents within 24 hours of receipt.
- Free business services: Get business accounting services, including financial analysis, at no extra cost.
- West Virginia support: Talk to a registered agent team based right here in America. No worrying if the person you’re speaking to understands local compliance regulations.
Cons
- Zero reports: Inc Authority offers a lot to business owners, but reporting isn’t one of them. No compliance or filing reports.
- Must register with Inc Authority: For registered agent services, you must register your LLC through Inc Authority.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Register your LLC for free, and receive one free year of registered agent services. Following your first year, pay only $99 per year.
4. Legal Zoom
Best Registered Agent for DIY Entrepreneurs ($0 to $299/year)
Another company with a legal mind is Legal Zoom. This registered agent service also offers an “Ask an Attorney” option. They also have three plans at three unique price points. Choose from Basic, Pro, or Premium services.
Legal Zoom puts the zoom into your business with speedy services. Accounting alerts, a compliance calendar, tax reminders, and unlimited cloud storage, make Legal Zoom a popular option for West Virginia business owners.
Form your LLC through Legal Zoom, or let them help you grow your existing brand.
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 West Virginia state filing fees.
5. Harbor Compliance
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia for Compliance Monitoring ($99/year)
Harbor Compliance puts the compliance in registered agent services. For West Virginia business owners it pays to have a registered agent with state compliance knowledge. Harbor Compliance provides alerts and reminders to keep you on your toes. That’s one less thing to worry about.
Along with its focus on compliance, Harbor Compliance offers a proprietary software experience and user portal. Log on and view all your documents at your convenience. Mail is scanned and uploaded within 24 hours of being received.
Some special services include annual report notices, LLC formations, business amendments, foreign qualification, charitable registration, and more.
Pros
- Yearly reporting: Free annual file notices and compliance reports.
- Proprietary compliance software: Harbor Compliance uses its bespoke software service for registered agent work and compliance monitoring.
Cons
- No money-back guarantee: Harbor Compliance offers a lot, but your money back isn’t one of those things. A zero refund policy makes them a hard sell.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($99/year): Work with Harbor Compliance for registered agent services for only $99 per year. Receive an extra 5% to 10% off when you register for a multi-year contract.
6. Rocket Lawyer
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia For Countrywide Service ($149.99/year)
Rocket Lawyer offers West Virginia registered agent services in and out of state. If you’re looking for a registered agent with knowledge of the business market across the country, this is your go-to registered agent services.
Along with federal registered agent services, Rocket Lawyer adds a little legal emphasis to its services. Try the Rocket Lawyer, “Ask a Lawyer” feature. Part of the allure of this company is its ability to support you across a range of business needs.
With all these extra services, Rocket Lawyer also offers standard registered agent services for $149.99 annually.
7. IncFile
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia For Bilingual Support ($119/year)
Inc File is a great registered agent option in West Virginia for bilingual business owners. If you receive documents in English and Spanish, it helps to have English and Spanish support agents.
Along with bilingual customer care, Inc. File offers 24/7 access to your digital files. Receive your first year of service free and pay $199 a year afterward. For West Virginia business owners, Inc. File is a major help when it comes to handling sensitive documents.
Forget worrying about prying eyes spying legal documents or debt collecting mail. Inc File organizes and uploads each document with care. Everything is done with the utmost discretion.
Pros
- Bilingual support: For English and Spanish care, Inc. File is the best registered agent in West Virginia.
- Add-on services: Inc File offers several additional services, such as LLC formation, foreign qualifications, business tax services, and certificates of good standing.
- Free registered agent services: West Virginia business owners receive their first year of registered agent services free. Following your first year, pay only $119 per year.
Cons
- Weekday customer care: Bilingual customer care is only available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Pricing
Registered Agent Service ($119): Pay nothing your first year with Inc File. The registered agent service only charges $119 afterward.
8. InCorp
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia For Proprietary Software ($87/year)
InCorp is not a one-size-fits-all registered agent service. Its digital support is above par with proprietary software including EntityWatch®. EntityWatch® keeps tabs on your business, offering real-time reports for annual filing, security, and business status.
InCorp charges $87 per year, for one of the lower-priced registered agent services in the state. InCorp provides advanced security and privacy control. Don’t miss a beat and keep your mail organized and away from curious glances.
Long-term document storage, 24-hour mail uploads, and impeccable organization make InCorp a popular choice among local businesses.
9. Rapid Registered Agent
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia for Transparency ($100/year)
Rapid Registered Agent charges $100 per year for full registered agent services. This is an excellent choice for businesses that want to get what they pay for. No hidden fees, fine print, or unreadable jargon. Rapid Registered Agent is open and honest with its customers.
One of the great things about Rapid Registered Agent is they don’t place a cap on forwarding. You can send as many copies of documents to yourself, or another recipient, as needed. Forward legal documents, state forms, or registered business mail.
Rapid Registered Agent mail forwarding offers a chance to keep paper copies of important documents on hand. Other mail can be stored online through long-term document storage in your customer portal.
10. Swyft Filings
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia For Fast Replies ($199/year)
Swyft Filings comes in on top for fast and reliable customer service. For a registered agent you can count on, Swyft Filings ticks all the boxes. Live customer service is available between Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. After this, online support is still available through your customer account.
One of the leading features of Swyft filings is its prompt filing and uploading speeds. All mail is sent to your customer dashboard within 24 hours of arrival. You can also count on a fast notification sent to your email or mobile phone to let you know when new mail has arrived.
Swyft Filing’s services are a little on the pricy side. Customers pay $199 per year and receive services such as:
- Registered agent name change
- Company amendments
- Annual reporting
- Foreign qualification
- Business name change
To file with Swyft Filings, West Virginia companies pay $99 plus the obligatory state filing fees.
11. West Virginia Registered Agent
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia For Affordability ($49/year)
West Virginia Registered Agent doesn’t bother with all the bells and whistles. This is a registered agent service, not a business, accounting, or legal service. With West Virginia Registered Agent you receive a team with a deep knowledge of local compliance and business laws.
West Virginia Registered Agent sends notifications in real-time, making it easy to track new documents as they appear in your online account. Everything is available to you 24/7 from your customer account.
No hidden fees, fine print, or add-on costs. Pay $49 annually for standard registered agent services, including mail receipt and forwarding, scanning and uploading to a digital account, and organizing mail to remove spam.
12. Resident Agent LLC
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia For Form Access ($75/year)
Resident Agent LLC is known for its diverse form library. The registered agent service offers pre-filled documents, common form templates, and standard business forms for its clients. Forget filling in your business name and registered agent on every document, Resident Agent LLC does it for you.
Resident Agent LLC sends biennial statement reminders, and forwards specified documents to addresses of your choosing. The company stands in as a local official West Virginia business address. Whether you’re a local or simply want to offer your services here in West Virginia Resident Agent has you covered.
Pay only $75 annually for all your registered agent needs when you sign a contract with Resident Agent LLC.
13. CSC Global
Best Registered Agent in West Virginia For Global Business ($299/year)
CSC Global has been in the resident agent business for 120 years. They serve businesses across the U.S., and global businesses hoping to enter the U.S. market. CSC Global offers a local West Virginia mailing address and an on-site team to sign all official documents.
Along with its wide range of experience in the WV market, CSC Global provides access to a proprietary SOC 2® software and CSCNavigator® portal. All documents are kept safe and discreetly uploaded for your eyes only.
CSC offers several add-on business services including UUC search and filing, and business license services.
What Is a West Virginia Registered Agent?
A West Virginia registered agent is a person or business entity that manages official business correspondence. A registered agent must have a civic mailing address and be available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The mailing address must be in West Virginia to operate a West Virginia business.
Many registered agent services offer additional business services and an online customer portal. Documents can be forwarded to another address, or simply scanned and uploaded to your portal for viewing and safekeeping.
How Can a West Virginia Registered Agent Help Your Business?
Registered agents offer a wide range of business advantages. The most obvious benefit of a West Virginia registered agent is the amount of time saved. No more juggling mail, sorting through documents, or leaving customers waiting to go sign for an official package.
Some other advantages of registered agents include:
No Spam
Weed out unwanted documents, flyers, coupons, and other junk mail with a registered agent. All your official business mail can be sent to your registered agent. They will remove any unwanted documents so you only sort through what’s important.
No Missed Mail
Sometimes mail slips between the cracks. With a registered agent, there’s a professional handling your correspondence at all times. Some registered agents even offer 100% accuracy with uploads, ensuring nothing gets missed.
Alerts
West Virginia business owners receive notifications and alerts for annual filing, compliance, and mail uploads. You’re always in the know about your correspondence.
Privacy
A registered agent keeps business mail private. No employees, customers, or shareholders witness legal documents, debt collection notices, or other sensitive documents in your office.
Is a Registered Agent Legally Required in West Virginia?
Yes. All West Virginia businesses must have an official registered agent.
West Virginia Registered Agent Q&A
Through this guide we talked about the best registered agents in West Virginia, what they do, and how they benefit local businesses. Here are a few more frequently asked questions on the subject:
How Much Does a West Virginia Registered Agent Cost?
West Virginia Registered Agent offer one year of free registered agent service. Contracts run between $49 to $299 annually with the chance of a discount on multi-year contracts.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in West Virginia?
Absolutely. You can be your own registered agent in West Virginia as long as you have a civic mailing address and are available during normal business hours.
Can a Company in West Virginia Change Its Registered Agent?
Yes. Anyone can change a registered agent. You might be able to change to a new agent, through the agent you are hoping to move your services to. You can also change a registered agent through the West Virginia Business Portal.
How Long Does It Take to Get a West Virginia Registered Agent?
The entire process to change your official business mailing address can take one to two weeks. You should gain access to the online account within 24 hours of signing your contract, depending on your registered agent of choice.
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.
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.
Harbor Compliance
Harbor Compliance is the best registered agent in West Virginia for monitoring compliance. All documents are processed the same day; perfect if you're in a rush.