NOTIFICATION: Online payment acceptance will be unavailable in CCFS from 5:00pm June 17th to 8:00pm PDT. If you experience any issues during this timeframe, please try back later. [POSTED 06/11/2025]
FAQ - Registered Agent
- What is a Registered Agent?
-
RCW 23.95.105(35)
A Registered agent means an agent of an entity which is authorized to receive service of any process (such as legal Summons and Complaints), notice, or demand required or permitted by law to be served on the business entity. The term includes a commercial registered agent and a non-commercial registered agent.
- Do I need a Registered Agent?
-
RCW 23.95.405: Entities required to designate and maintain registered agent. (wa.gov)
The following shall designate and maintain a registered agent in this state:
1. A domestic entity; and
2. A registered foreign entity.
- Who can be Registered Agent?
-
Anyone who consents to receive all legal mail and accept Service of process on behalf of the entity/business.
- How do I change or update our Registered Agent?
-
Most Registered Agent information can be updated using a Statement of Change, applicable to both Commercial and Non-Commercial Registered Agents. This service is free of charge.
You may also update your Registered Agent information when you file the Annual Report. If it is too early to file the Annual Report (beyond 180 days of your expiration date) and you need to update other information (in addition to the Registered Agent), such as Governors, Principal Office, Nature of Business, etc. you can file an Amended Annual Report. - What are the different types of Registered Agents?
-
RCW 23.95 Article 4 creates two types of Registered Agent, the Non-Commercial Registered Agent, and the Commercial Registered Agent.
Non-Commercial Registered Agent Any person or business with an address in Washington who agrees to accept legal mail on behalf of the entity/business. Businesses can appoint a position or office title to perform the service of the registered agent no matter who holds the position; the person holding the designated position at the time of the filing must sign the Registered Agent Consent Statement.
Commercial Registered Agent (CRA) A person or a business may be listed as a commercial registered agent by filing a Commercial Listing Statement with the agent’s name, physical address located in Washington State, and an email address. Changes can be made to the Commercial Registered Agent information for all represented businesses by filing a Statement of Change by Commercial Registered Agent.
Once registered, Commercial Registered Agents are added to a public list which is made available on the Corporations and Filing System (CCFS) login page. Businesses filing with the Secretary of State can hire Commercial Registered Agents to provide registered agent services.
- What is the Registered Office?
-
The registered office in the office address where the Registered Agent must be located during business hours.
The registered office address must be a physical address in Washington State. A mailing address in Washington State can be provided as well but is not required.
- Does the Registered Agent address have to be in Washington State?
-
Yes, a physical address in Washington State is a requirement per state statute.
A registered agent is required to have a physical address (not a PO BOX or PMB) in the State so legal process can take place. The agent may also provide a PO Box address in addition to a physical address for receiving notice.
If you are unable to meet this requirement and do not have a physical address in the state of Washington, you can hire a Commercial Registered Agent to provide registered agent services. Commercial Registered Agents are added to a public list of Commercial Registered Agents which is made available on the Corporations and Filing System (CCFS) login page.
- How do I resign as Registered Agent?
-
In order to resign as the Registered Agent, you must file with the Secretary of State's office the Statement of Resignation and follow the procedures under RCW 23.95.445. You may also file online using the Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS).
- Why am I still showing as the Registered Agent? I resigned!
-
Both the Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS) and our forms record the true effective date of the resignation.
Review the business’s filing history to verify the effective date of the resignation and the current date, or if another filing was filed.
Statement of Resignations become effective 31 days from the filed/effective date.
If the resignation has not taken effect more than 31 days after the Statement of Resignation’s filed or effective date, please contact our office for assistance.
- Why am I showing as the Registered Agent? I never agreed or signed consent!
-
RCW 23.95.415(2)
In the event any individual or entity has been appointed registered agent without consent, that individual or entity may deliver to the Secretary of State a notarized statement attesting to that fact, and the name shall immediately be removed from the records of the Secretary of State.