🏠 Business Address Options
| Option | Can Be Used? | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Address | ✅ | Sole props, new LLCs | Public record; may affect privacy |
| Commercial Office | ✅ | Any entity | Most credible option |
| Virtual Office | ✅ | Startups, remote teams | Must offer real street address |
| P.O. Box | ❌ | N/A | Not accepted for LLC/corporate formation |
| UPS Store / Mailbox | ⚠️ Sometimes | Budget-friendly workaround | Must offer “Suite” style address, not PO Box |
🧠 Use a commercial address if you want to build business credit faster — D&B and lenders view this more favorably than a residential address.
🧑💼 How to Set Up a Registered Agent
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Be your own | Free | Must be available during business hours |
| Hire a registered agent service | ~$99–$149/year | Handles mail, legal docs, privacy |
| Use a business attorney | $$$ | Often bundled with legal services |
✅ Registered Agent Must:
- Be 18+
- Have a physical address in the state of formation
- Be available during normal business hours
- Accept legal mail on your behalf
🔄 Registered Agent vs Business Address
| Factor | Registered Agent | Business Address |
|---|---|---|
| Can be home address? | Yes | Yes (but not preferred) |
| Used for service of process? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Appears on public records? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Mail forwarding? | ✅ Often | ❌ Not guaranteed |
| Used for vendor verification? | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
💡 Tips & Tools
- Services like Northwest Registered Agent, Incfile, or Opus Virtual Office can bundle address + registered agent for <$200/year
- Keep records updated — if your registered agent quits or your address changes, you must notify the Secretary of State
✅ Checklist to Set Up
☐ Choose your business address
☐ Decide who will act as registered agent
☐ Confirm state requirements (some require both addresses in-state)
☐ Enter both addresses when filing Articles of Organization/Incorporation
☐ Add registered agent email and phone to CRM for tracking and alerts
