Short answer: By default, the New York Secretary of State acts as the statutory agent for service of process. An LLC may optionally designate an additional specific registered agent. Changing agents costs $30.
We've pulled these figures from the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Who can serve as a New York registered agent
By default, the New York Secretary of State acts as the statutory agent for service of process. An LLC may optionally designate an additional specific registered agent.
Check the rules above before naming yourself.
Paid registered agent services
| Service | Yearly price | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125 | Uses its address on your public filings by default; scans state and legal mail |
| Bizee | Free year 1 with formation, then $149 | Says it runs its own offices in all 50 states; sends service of process by tracked FedEx |
| ZenBusiness | $199 | Sold as an add-on, not included with formation |
| LegalZoom | $249 | Sold separately from its LLC packages |
Compare all four in our registered agent rankings, or read the Bizee vs Northwest comparison.
How New York compares
New York's fee to change registered agents is $30. That's the 8th highest of 45 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $20, so New York runs $10 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $30 | 8 of 45 |
| Michigan | $5 | 37 of 45 |
| New Jersey | $25 | 13 of 45 |
| Rhode Island | $20 | 21 of 45 |
| Connecticut | Varies | Not confirmed |
| Pennsylvania | Varies | Not confirmed |
New York fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Articles of Organization | $200 | Base filing fee. |
| Change of registered agent | $30 | Updating this information via a Certificate of Change costs $30. |
| Articles of Dissolution (Form DOS-1366-f) | $60 |
Registered agent rules: New York questions
What are the registered agent requirements in New York?
By default, the New York Secretary of State acts as the statutory agent for service of process. An LLC may optionally designate an additional specific registered agent.
Can I be my own registered agent in New York?
Generally yes, if you have a physical address in New York and are available during business hours. Confirm with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations.
How much does it cost to change registered agents in New York?
The state charges $30. Updating this information via a Certificate of Change costs $30.
Can a registered agent use a PO box in New York?
No. Registered agents need a physical street address in New York where legal papers can be delivered in person during business hours.
How much does a registered agent service cost in New York?
Commercial services typically charge a yearly fee. Northwest charges $125 a year and Bizee charges $149 a year after a free first year with formation, based on prices we checked. The state doesn't regulate these prices.
What happens if my New York LLC doesn't have a registered agent?
You can miss lawsuits and state notices, and the state can eventually move to revoke or dissolve the LLC. Not specified
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: ra.self allowed, report.dissolution note.