Best Registered Agent Service in North Carolina

1. Northwest Registered Agent

Northwest is our selection for the best registered agent service in North Carolina based on their quality and transparency in pricing. Northwest offers an easy-to-navigate user experience and unrivaled customer service as well as privacy protection.

With Northwest, you will receive an online account to easily access essential documents, mail forwarding, and business address services. In addition, you can expect the most straightforward and transparent pricing of any platform.

Plus, Northwest's virtual mailbox service will scan your mail and forward it to you digitally, allowing you to keep track of your business's mail from anywhere you are.

Northwest's $125 Basic Package Includes:

• NC Registered Agent Services
• Privacy by Default®
• Local Corporate Guides®
• Free Limited Mail Forwarding/Scanning
• Same-Day Local Document Scanning
• Free Phone Service for 60 Days
• Lifetime Customer Support

Northwest receives service of process on behalf of small businesses at its Raleigh location.

2. ZenBusiness

ZenBusiness is another ideal registered agent platform because of the company's great customer service and the value of their packages.

ZenBusiness’ Standard Package ($199/year) Includes:

• High-quality registered agent services
• Access to business documents through a user-friendly digital dashboard
• Expert support

Note that if you have already formed your company and are just looking to change your registered agent service to ZenBusiness, they offer 50% off ($99) for the first year.

Another valuable service worth mentioning is ZenBusiness’ Worry-Free Compliance guarantee ($199/year as a standalone service or included in Pro and Premium LLC formation packages). This guarantee includes:

• Annual report reminders
• Important documents submitted on your behalf (you'll only be responsible for state filing fee)
• Two free changes to your filings per year (state filing fees may still apply)
• Protection for any costs if you fall out of compliance with state law

3. Incfile

Incfile boasts 150,000 customers since 2004, and its Learning Center offers valuable information for entrepreneurs.

Incfile's Basic Package Includes:

• A free year of registered agent service with LLC formation
• $119 annual fee after the first year (or $119 annual fee without LLC formation)

Additionally, Incfile offers a helpful North Carolina registered agent dashboard, allowing you easily to track and instantly access vital business documents. Plus, you will receive email and SMS notifications to stay updated on the status of your legal documents.

Incfile's digital mailbox also provides international businesses with a physical street address for their company.

4. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer has served over 800,000 businesses. This platform is ideal for business owners who expect to require legal assistance.

Rocket Lawyer is known for providing high-quality legal information and support to business owners and entrepreneurs. The company is highly experienced in offering legal information and registered agent services. Rocket Lawyer also promises a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

Exclusive Deal: Looking for affordable incorporation, registered agent, and legal resources? TRUiC has partnered with Rocket Lawyer to offer our users a discounted price.

5. LegalZoom

LegalZoom boasts brand awareness and a strong foothold in their industry, however, this is also coupled with higher pricing.

LegalZoom Registered Agent Pricing:

• $249 for the first year with LLC formation
• $299 annually on its own

LegalZoom's registered agent service is loaded with extra features such as business data protection, a compliance calendar, and unlimited cloud storage. 

While LegalZoom's prices are higher than the competition, you may be comforted by its service because it has experience and brand recognition.

Electing a Registered Agent for a New Company

If you're forming an LLC yourself, you will need to also elect a registered agent service, choose the guide that matches your business entity type:

• How to Form an LLC in North Carolina
• How to Start a North Carolina Corporation
• How to Form a Nonprofit in North Carolina

Alternatively, if you choose to hire a formation service to start your LLC or corporation, your registered agent will be elected for you when formation documents are filed. 

Recommended: If you use a formation service to form an LLC or corporation, you can get free registered agent services from providers like Northwest.

Changing Your North Carolina Registered Agent

Already have an LLC, corporation, nonprofit, or other business entity in North Carolina? If you'd like to hire a registered agent service to replace your existing registered agent, the new registered agent will complete the following form on your behalf: 

• Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent

Compliance

Your registered agent service will ensure your business stays compliant with North Carolina law.

Peace of Mind

With a registered agent, you may have more time to dedicate to growing your new venture.

Flexibility

North Carolina registered agents allow you to select your own business hours rather than being required to be available between the normal business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. every weekday to accept service of process.

Privacy

The public record will list your registered agent's address — not your personal or office address.