Statutory Agent vs. Registered Agent: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve started a business or manage compliance filings, you’ve probably noticed that some states refer to a “registered agent,” while others use the term “statutory agent” or “resident agent” or “agent for service of process.” The terminology can be confusing — but the function is the same. Every state requires an official contact person or company authorized to receive legal and government correspondence on behalf of your business. The sole exception would be the state of New York where the designated agent is optional.  

In this guide, we’ll clarify what each term means, where the differences appear, and why understanding them matters for compliance — especially as your company expands into multiple states.

What these terms actually mean

A registered agent, statutory agent, resident agent, and agent for service of process all serve the same purpose:They’re the legally designated contact for your business, responsible for receiving service of process (SOP) — such as lawsuits and subpoenas – and government mail,and ensuring it’s delivered to the right people inside your company.

The agent must:

• Maintain a physical address (no P.O. boxes) in the state of registration.

• Be available during normal business hours to accept documents on behalf of the company.

• Forward official correspondence promptly and accurately.

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The differences between the terms are purely state-specific naming conventions.

States that use “statutory agent” or “resident agent”

While most states use “registered agent,” a few have their own terminology:

Term Used	Example States
Agent for Service of Process	California, New York, West Virginia
Statutory Agent	Arizona, Ohio, Maine
Resident Agent	Maryland, Michigan, Kansas
Registered Agent	The majority of states, including Delaware, Texas, Florida, and Nevada

Despite the different labels, each refers  to the same statutory role. You’ll see these terms used interchangeably in different state instructions and business formation documents.

Why the terminology matters

Even though the duties are identical, using the correct term for the state you’re filing in ensures:

• Accurate filings: Some states’ business formation portals reject filings with incorrect terminology.

• Legal clarity: If your formation documents, bylaws, or annual reports reference an “agent,” using the right term avoids confusion.

• Professionalism: It signals that your company understands state-specific compliance nuances — helpful when working with attorneys or regulators.

In practice, most service providers (including SingleFile) handle these variations automatically. But if you’re managing filings yourself, it’s worth paying attention to what each Secretary of State requires.

Can one company act as more than one?

Yes. A professional service provider can act as your registered agent, statutory agent,  resident agent, or agent for service of process — depending on the terminology used in the states where your business is registered.

For example:

• A Delaware corporation that also registers to do business in Arizona will list SingleFile as its registered agent in Delaware and statutory agent in Arizona.

• The agent’s function is identical; only the title on the state record changes.

This flexibility makes multi-state compliance simpler, especially for businesses expanding operations or opening additional locations.

Why most states require an agent

Having a registered or statutory agent ensures the state and litigants in the state can reach you. Without a reliable contact:

• You could miss critical deadlines (lawsuits, tax notices, annual report reminders).

• Your business could fall out of good standing, leading to penalties or even administrative dissolution.

• You may forfeit certain rights and courts may proceed with legal actions without your knowledge if you do not properly respond to received service of process. .

The agent exists to prevent these issues.

Why businesses use professional agents instead of handling it themselves

Many small business owners wonder:

“Can’t I just be my own registered agent?”

Technically, yes — but there are several reasons most organizations choose a professional service like SingleFile:

1. Availability: A registered agent must be available at the listed address during normal business hours, every business day.

2. Privacy: The agent’s address appears on public records. Using a professional agent keeps your personal or office address private. This also ensures that employees don’t see what might be sensitive legal documents.

3. Multi-state coverage: If you register in multiple states, you’ll need an agent in each. A single provider can handle all locations.

4. Continuity: Employee turnover, moves, or vacations won’t interrupt compliance.

5. Automation & reminders: SingleFile automatically tracks deadlines, jurisdictional changes, and filings across states.

Ultimately, appointing a commercial registered agent saves time, reduces risk, and creates an auditable trail for your compliance program.

The SingleFile difference

While most registered agent providers simply forward mail, SingleFile’s platform integrates registered agent services with annual report filing, foreign qualification, UCC filing, and entity management tools — creating one unified compliance experience.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Immediate scanning and secure delivery of SOP and government documents

• AI SOP summaries delivered digitally

• Automatic deadline reminders and annual report filing service

• Centralized entity dashboard covering all your entities in all states

• Easy expansion into new jurisdictions with one provider with national coverage

Whether your business is registered in just one state, spread across many states, or manages multiple entities, SingleFile’s team and platform keep your compliance consistent and your records organized.

Common misconceptions

My LLC only operates in one state — do I still need an agent?

Yes. Every state (with the exception of New York), must designate an in-state agent for every formed entity, even if it only does business locally.

Does a “statutory agent” have more authority than a registered agent?

No. The term “statutory” just reflects that the role is required by statute — not that the agent holds special powers or duties.

What happens if my agent resigns or changes address?

If an agent resigns, a new agent must be appointed. If an agent has a change of address, it is on the agent to update the state. Professional providers like SingleFile manage these updates for you.

Can I switch to a new agent easily?

Absolutely. The process is straightforward — SingleFile handles change-of-agent filings across states with minimal downtime.

Bottom line

Whether a state requires a registered agent or a statutory agent, the responsibility is the same: receiving and delivering critical legal or government communications on your behalf.

Choosing a professional agent service gives you reliability, privacy, and peace of mind — especially if you’re registered in multiple states. SingleFile takes this further by integrating registered agent services with state compliance filings through our technology platform, saving time and reducing risk as you grow.

Ready to simplify your compliance filings?

See how SingleFile’s automated platform helps businesses stay compliant in every state — without the headaches. Request a Demo today and experience compliance done right.