Registered Agent Pricing in 2026: LegalZoom, Northwest, Harbor, and ZenBusiness Compared

If you formed through LegalZoom or ZenBusiness, check the agent renewal separately from the formation price. A lower-priced agent may suit you just as well, but compare the included services before switching.

Start with three questions: what renews, what does it cost, and do you still need it?

The core job is receiving lawsuits and official notices. Support, mail handling and report-filing services can differ. New York is a special case: the Secretary of State receives legal papers by default, and a separate registered agent is optional. Our multi-state guide compares costs when you need coverage in several states.

Here is what each major service charges in 2026, side by side.

At current rates, LegalZoom costs $620 more than Northwest over five years for one state. Use that saving only if the lower-priced service covers what you need. Volume discounts can change the math for several states.

What you actually get for the money

A registered agent accepts lawsuits and official notices for your LLC. A commercial service usually gives you online access to those documents and sends alerts. Check delivery arrangements and keep your contact details current.

An agent is not automatically your bookkeeper, tax adviser or annual report filing service. Check what the subscription actually includes.

What happens after a free first year

Several providers advertise free registered agent service if you also pay for LLC formation through them. Northwest includes a full free first year. Bizee includes a full free first year on all three packages, including its $0 Basic. ZenBusiness no longer includes it on any formation plan; it is a paid add-on on every tier. LegalZoom does not bundle it at all and charges from day one. Compare the included year and the renewal together.

Check the renewal before taking a free first year. Bizee's agent renewal is $149 and Northwest's is $125/year. ZenBusiness lists a $199 agent add-on on its formation plans but also advertises a $99 first-year offer. Confirm the rate in your order. These prices do not include separate services you may have selected.

If you went with the cheapest formation deal you could find and now your renewal feels expensive, you are not stuck. Switching registered agents is a one-form filing with the state, and most states charge $0 to $100. Our change-of-agent guide walks through the process.

Multi-state pricing adds up faster than you think

For multiple states, compare the total quote. Standard per-state prices multiply, but volume discounts may apply. State filing fees and taxes are separate from the agent bill.

For five states, Northwest's published volume rate of $100 per state annually totals $500 a year. Compared with LegalZoom's standard renewal rate, that is a $745 annual gap and $3,725 over five years at those rates. Harbor's multi-state rate requires a quote; compare its renewal terms before deciding.

Before switching several states, compare the current contract, the new quote and any filing costs. Our state guides cover the government charges.

Can you skip this and be your own agent?

You may be able to act as your own agent if you meet your state's rules and can receive legal papers at the listed street address during business hours. You avoid the service fee, but take on that responsibility yourself.

This can work well for an owner who is reliably at a fixed address and is comfortable making it public. If you travel or need an agent in another state, consider hiring one there. You can use a paid agent in one state and act as your own in another where you qualify.

For a deeper look at the tradeoffs, see our guide to being your own registered agent.

Common questions

Is LegalZoom's higher price worth it? Compare what you use, not just the brand. If another provider covers those needs for less, switching may save money. The price table alone cannot establish which company gives better service.

Is the cheapest option always the best? No. Compare renewal, document delivery, support and any filing help you need. Harbor lists $99 for the first year. ZenBusiness is modeled at its $199/year standard rate; its formation offer is separate.

Can I switch registered agents mid-year? Yes. You can change your registered agent at any time by filing a Statement of Change (or your state's equivalent) with the Secretary of State. Most states charge $0 to $100 for this. Our change-of-agent guide covers the process by state.

Does choosing an agent change my taxes or ownership? Appointing an agent does not change who owns the LLC or how it is taxed. It does give someone responsibility for receiving legal notices, so reliable delivery matters.

What if my agent stops operating? Arrange a replacement and update the state record promptly. Do not assume mail will keep reaching you after service ends.

Bottom line

Choose the least expensive service that does the work you need. If you will file your own reports, compare agent-only pricing. If you want someone to file them, include that charge too.

Northwest at $125/year has the lowest five-year standalone total in this table at current standard rates. Registered Agents Inc costs $200/year and includes annual report filing work. Those are different packages, so the lower agent price is not the whole comparison.

When switching, appoint the replacement before canceling the old service. Check the renewal date and refund terms so you know when the saving starts.