If you’re forming a business in Maryland, appointing a registered agent (resident agent in Maryland) is a critical step. A resident agent ensures your business remains compliant with state requirements by handling official correspondence, legal documents, and service of process.
Maryland law requires every LLC and corporation to have a registered agent with a physical address in the state. Choosing a reliable service can save you time, help protect your privacy, and ensure you never miss important deadlines or notices.
In this guide, we’ll explain the role of a registered agent, what to look for in a service provider, and highlight some of the best registered agent services available in Maryland to keep your business running smoothly.
Who can be a resident agent for an LLC in Maryland?
Maryland Code for Corporations and Associations provides a clear-cut definition of who can serve as a registered agent for a limited liability company (LLC), limited partnership (LP), or corporation (INC):
- An individual of legal age (18+) with a street address in Maryland (P.O. boxes are not accepted).
- A legal entity allowed to do business in the state of Maryland.
This means that you can appoint either yourself or another close person, such as an LLC member or company employee, to act as a Maryland resident agent (registered agent).
Or you can hire a professional company for this role.
Top 7 Resident (Registered) Agent Services in Maryland
1. Hamelburg Law
Hamelburg Law offers professional registered agent services tailored to meet the compliance needs of businesses in Maryland. With a strong focus on legal expertise and reliability, they ensure your business remains in good standing by promptly handling legal notices, government correspondence, and service of process.
As a full-service law firm, Hamelburg Law goes beyond basic registered agent duties, providing access to experienced attorneys who can assist with business formation, contract drafting, and other legal matters. Their deep understanding of Maryland business law makes them a trusted partner for both startups and established companies.
- Cost: $225/year
- Visit Website
- Address: 7910 Woodmont Avenue Suite 1350 Bethesda, MD 20814
2. Northwest Registered Agent (Our Partner)
Northwest Registered Agent is a leading provider of registered agent services, known for their reliability, privacy protections, and exceptional customer support. They specialize in ensuring your business stays compliant by handling important legal documents, government notices, and service of process with efficiency and professionalism.
What sets Northwest apart is their commitment to privacy. They shield your personal information by using their own address on public filings, helping to reduce unwanted solicitations. Their service also includes access to an intuitive online dashboard for document management and compliance tracking.
With a transparent pricing model and no hidden fees, Northwest Registered Agent delivers straightforward, high-quality services.
- Cost: $125/year
- Visit Website
- Address: 5000 Thayer Center, Suite C, Oakland, MD 21550
3. Law Office of Stephen J. Reichert
If you're seeking a registered agent in Maryland with genuine local expertise and strong community ties, Stephen J. Reichert is an excellent choice. As a University of Maryland School of Law graduate, Mr. Reichert brings years of experience serving as an attorney for local nonprofits, legal firms, and government organizations before establishing his own practice. This background ensures a deep understanding of Maryland’s legal landscape and business compliance requirements.
The firm stands out for its glowing client reviews, competitive pricing, and ability to provide registered agent services across all Maryland counties, making them a trusted option for businesses of all sizes.
- Cost: Request a quote
- Visit Website
- Address: 2221 Lake Ave, Baltimore, MD 21213
4. Simms Showers
Simms Showers LLP is a legal firm with 140 years of collective legal experience under its belt.
They specialize in several legal practice areas, including criminal defense, business law, estate planning, church law, intellectual property, and family law.
On top, the team has been providing resident agent services to Maryland legal entities for the last 15 years. They are seasoned legal pros and have a strong community reputation in the two states where they operate—Virginia and Maryland.
- Cost: Request a quote
- Visit Website
- Address: 201 International Circle Suite 230 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030
5. Taylor Legal
Taylor Legal is a Maryland law firm offering professional registered agent services alongside a broad range of legal support for businesses and individuals. Known for their experienced attorneys and exceptional customer service, Taylor Legal ensures compliance with Maryland's business requirements by providing reliable registered agent services.
In addition to serving as a registered agent, the firm also assists with company formation and offers legal expertise in business law, litigation, and estate planning.
With two attorneys specializing in tax law, Taylor Legal stands out as a one-stop solution for businesses seeking comprehensive legal, compliance, and tax advice under one roof.
- Cost: Request a quote
- Visit Website
- Address: 12216 Ocean Gateway, Suite 1300 Ocean City, MD 21842
6. Lusk Law
Lusk Law is a Maryland-based law firm that offers reliable registered agent services, making them a trusted choice for businesses seeking compliance support. With expertise in litigation, business law, landlord/tenant law, family law, and real estate law, they provide a comprehensive legal foundation to support your business needs.
Specializing in small businesses, Lusk Law is known for its strong local reputation and commitment to outstanding client service, ensuring that your business remains compliant while benefiting from professional legal guidance.
- Cost: Request a quote
- Visit Website
- Address: 113 E Church Street Frederick, MD 21701
7. Arden Law Firm, LLC
Arden Law Firm in Crownsville provides reliable registered agent services backed by over 20 years of legal experience serving small business owners. Known for their transparent flat-fee structure, they ensure no surprise bills or hourly charges, making them a dependable choice for compliance needs.
In addition to registered agent services, Arden Law Firm offers business formation assistance for Maryland LLCs and corporations, starting at $750.
While not the cheapest option, their personalized service and extensive expertise provide exceptional value for small business owners looking for professional guidance and compliance support.
- Cost: Request a quote
- Visit Website
- Address: 1028 Generals Hwy, Crownsville, MD 21032
How do I appoint a registered agent in Maryland?
You must appoint a registered agent on the Maryland Articles of Organization form, a document that signifies your intention to form an LLC.
In line 4 of the form, you’ll need to type in the registered agent’s name and address. Then have them sign the document. The agent’s signature serves as the validation of their consent to the appointment.
Then submit the completed form and state filing fee to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (DAT). Once your Articles of Organization are approved, the appointment becomes official.
How do I change my registered agent in Maryland?
If you decide to change your registered agent’s address, you’ll have to complete the Resolution to Change the Principal Office or Registered Agent form.
In this form, you’ll have to include:
- The old and new resident agent address
- The old and new resident agent name (if that changed)
- Registered agent signature
Then file this form by mail, online, or in-person to Maryland DAT with a $25.00 state fee. All the requests are processed within several business days.
LLC Formation Service
- Formed 1,000,000+ LLCs
- $39 formation includes registered agent service
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- Exceptional customer reviews
Last updated:
Dec 2024
