How to Find a Registered Agent in New Hampshire (Step-by-Step Guide)
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New Hampshire registered agent requirements
Registered agents in the state of New Hampshire need to meet certain requirements. Specific requirements will depend on what type of registered agent you’ve chosen.
Being your own registered agent
If you’re going to be your own registered agent or have another individual take on the role, this person must be at least 18 years old and a resident of New Hampshire.
They must have a physical address within the state. This can’t be a P.O. box address. Finally, the individual must be reliably available at this address during normal business hours from Monday through Friday.
Hiring a New Hampshire registered agent service
Hiring a professional registered agent company to be your LLC’s registered agent is another option. If you choose this option, the business you hire needs to have a physical address in the State of New Hampshire.
They must also be officially registered to conduct business in New Hampshire. Finally, they need to have a non-P.O. box address in New Hampshire where they will hold reliable business hours throughout the week.
Why use a registered agent service
One of the most important steps in incorporating your limited liability company or corporation in New Hampshire is selecting who will be your registered agent.
While it may tempt you to act in this position yourself, it’s generally a better choice to hire the role out to a company that specializes in registered agent services. Here are a few of the top reasons why.
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You’ll remain in good standing with the state.
A large part of remaining in good standing with the state is filing your Annual Report and other important notifications on time and in full every year. These can be difficult to keep track of, however.
Fortunately, your registered agent company can help you stay on track. They will alert you to looming deadlines and help keep your important documents and business filings up-to-date and organized.
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You won’t have to list your home address publicly.
A lot of New Hampshire small businesses refuse to consider hiring a registered agent company when they are just beginning because they don’t want to spend the extra money.
However, they are shocked to find out that they need to publicly list their home address if they act as their own registered agent. Fortunately, you can simply hire a registered agent company to fill this role for you, and they’ll use their own office address instead.
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It will be easier to grow your business.
As your business continues to be successful and grow, you may want to expand your services and operations into other states. Only large registered agent companies can seamlessly make this transition for you. Without them, you’d have to locate a new registered agent in each new state.
New Hampshire registered agent costs
A few factors will influence the cost of your New Hampshire registered agent.
First, it’s important to know that it’s free to be your own registered agent. It’s also free to hire a close friend, spouse, child, or other relatives to be your registered agent. If you want to pay them, you can. However, it is not required.
You will, however, need to pay a commercial registered agent service if you decide to hire one of those for this position. Typically, registered agent services in the state of New Hampshire cost between $50 and $300 every year.
Some companies will offer discounts for their first year of services. Usually, this type of discount combines registered agent services and incorporation services for the first year. For the following years, you would only need to pay for registered agent services as your business will already be incorporated.
Keep in mind that any fees related to having a registered agent will be charged by the registered agent company themselves. The State of New Hampshire does not charge registered agent fees.
How to change a registered agent in New Hampshire
To change your New Hampshire registered agent, you will need to file a special change of agent document with the New Hampshire Department of State, Corporate Division (DOS). There is a modest filing fee that must accompany the change as well. If you would like to avoid this fee and have the filing performed for you, ask your new registered agent company if they provide this service, as many do.
Follow the steps outlined below to change your registered agent in New Hampshire.
- Choose a new registered agent, and tell your current registered agent that you will no longer be needing their services. Request any business-related documents they may still have in their possession.
- Obtain the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form from the New Hampshire Department of State, Corporate Division (DOS). Fill out the form and file it with the New Hampshire DOS.
- Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or money order. The Department of State may not accept payment by credit card.
Why you need a registered agent
Looking to incorporate your business in New Hampshire? According to New Hampshire state law, you need to have a registered agent — also known as a statutory agent or a resident agent.
Registered agents are required for all businesses that want to incorporate in the State of New Hampshire. In fact, all states require that official LLCs (limited liability companies) and corporations have registered agents for state business.
If you do not have one, you risk paying hefty fines. Furthermore, it’s actually impossible to incorporate your business in the first place without a registered agent.
The role of registered agent is to receive legal service of process on behalf of your business. Service of process is the function of letting an individual or business entity know that a lawsuit is being filed against them. It is official correspondence that must be taken seriously and acted upon right away.
Other important correspondence may be received by your registered agent as well. Essentially, the state wants to know that you will definitely receive these legal notices and other official documents.
Therefore, they require that all incorporated businesses have an up-to-date, functional address where someone will be reliably located throughout the week to receive mail.
When you need a registered agent
You need to choose your registered agent when incorporating your business. First, you’ll choose a business name. Next, on your Articles of Incorporation (Articles of Organization) and other formation documents, you’ll outline who you plan on having as a registered agent.
We will go over more of the details below, but essentially, you have three options when it comes to choosing your registered agent. First, you can decide to be your own registered agent.
Next, you can choose another reliable individual to be your registered agent — such as a friend or family member. Or third, you can hire a commercial registered agent service company to act as your official registered agent.
Useful links
Need to select a registered agent or perform other critical business filings in New Hampshire but unsure where to begin? Use these government sites and links to get started.
FAQs
How do I change the registered agent for my LLC in NH?
Changing your registered agent in New Hampshire is a simple process. Essentially, you must obtain and file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the New Hampshire Department of State, Corporate Division (DOS). This filing requires payment of a filing fee, which can be made by check, cash, or money order.
Can you use a P.O. box for an LLC in NH?
No. P.O. box addresses cannot be used as registered agent addresses for LLCs in New Hampshire. When filling out your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization forms, you will need to include the contact information for your registered agent, and their address must be an actual street address located in New Hampshire.
Who can be a registered agent in New Hampshire?
Registered agents can be individuals or businesses. Most New Hampshire corporations and LLCs opt to hire businesses that specialize in registered agent services. These businesses offer more services, more flexibility, improved security and privacy, and seamless assistance with important business filings.
What does an agent for service process mean?
An agent for the service process is a registered agent. This person is in charge of receiving important legal notices such as service of process for your business. They must be at least 18 years old and a resident of New Hampshire. They must also have a street address that is not a P.O. box address where they can receive mail.
How long does it take to form an LLC in New Hampshire?
This depends. Basically, you can form an LLC as long as it takes you to fill out the necessary paperwork and file it. Some states offer faster services if you pay a higher filing fee to incorporate your business. The best way to incorporate your business efficiently is to hire a company that specializes in these services.
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