> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pluvel.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How Registered Agent Works

> Understand what a registered agent does and how Pluvel handles it.

The state needs someone to accept legal documents for your business. Lawsuit papers, tax notices, compliance reminders — someone has to receive them and make sure you know about them. If that someone isn't available, you might miss a lawsuit deadline and lose by default.

That's what a registered agent does. Every LLC and corporation is legally required to have one, and Pluvel handles it so you don't have to be tied to a physical address during business hours.

## What a registered agent does

Your registered agent:

* **Receives service of process** — If someone sues your business, the lawsuit papers are delivered to your registered agent
* **Accepts state correspondence** — Annual report notices, tax documents, and compliance reminders
* **Maintains a physical address** — Must be a street address (not a PO Box) in your state of formation
* **Is available during business hours** — Someone must be present to accept documents Monday-Friday, 9-5

## Why you need one

Every state requires LLCs and corporations to designate a registered agent. The registered agent:

* Creates a reliable contact point for legal matters
* Ensures you don't miss important deadlines
* Provides an address for your public filings

<Warning>
  If you don't have a registered agent, your business can lose good standing, and you may not receive notice of lawsuits filed against you.
</Warning>

## Pluvel as your registered agent

When you form a company through Pluvel or transfer your registered agent service:

| What we provide      | Details                                      |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------- |
| Physical address     | In your state of formation                   |
| Document acceptance  | Business hours, every business day           |
| Instant notification | Email and dashboard alerts when mail arrives |
| Digital copies       | Scanned documents available immediately      |
| Forwarding           | Physical mail forwarded on request           |
| Compliance tracking  | We remind you of deadlines                   |

## How documents flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Document arrives">
    Legal or government mail arrives at our registered agent address.
  </Step>

  <Step title="We scan it">
    Documents are scanned and digitized within 1 business day.
  </Step>

  <Step title="You're notified">
    You receive an email and dashboard notification with the scan.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Take action">
    Review the document and take any required action. We track deadlines for you.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Service of process

If your business is served with a lawsuit:

1. **We accept service** — The process server delivers papers to our office
2. **Immediate notification** — You receive an urgent alert (email, SMS if enabled)
3. **Scanned copy** — Document uploaded to your dashboard within hours
4. **Physical forwarding** — Original documents shipped to you via overnight mail
5. **Deadline tracking** — We note the response deadline in your compliance calendar

<Info>
  Service of process triggers immediate notification, not next-business-day. We understand the urgency.
</Info>

## Coverage by state

We provide registered agent service in all 50 states plus Washington DC. If your business is registered in multiple states, we can serve as your agent in each.

| Situation         | Coverage                           |
| ----------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| Single state      | Your formation state               |
| Foreign qualified | Each state where you're registered |
| Multiple entities | Each entity can use our service    |

## Included with formation

Registered agent service is included with Pluvel:

* **First year free** with company formation
* **Ongoing** — Included in your subscription
* **No hidden fees** — No per-document charges

## Using your own address

You can be your own registered agent, but consider:

| Your address                      | Pluvel as agent               |
| --------------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Your address is public record     | Our address is listed instead |
| You must be available 9-5, M-F    | We handle availability        |
| Miss a delivery = missed deadline | We never miss deliveries      |
| Home address exposed              | Business address only         |

<Card title="View your mail" icon="envelope" href="/features/registered-agent/mail-forwarding">
  Learn how mail forwarding works.
</Card>