Massachusetts lesson 2 of 6
Appoint your Massachusetts resident agent
Massachusetts calls this role a resident agent rather than a registered agent, but the job is the same: accepting legal papers and official notices on behalf of the LLC.
Who can act as resident agent
The resident agent can be an individual or an entity, but the office address on file must be a physical street address in Massachusetts. A post office box is not sufficient under the Corporations Division's own regulations.
Maintaining the appointment
A Massachusetts LLC must continuously maintain a resident agent and office in the Commonwealth for as long as it exists. The resident agent's name and address are entered on the Certificate of Organization and are part of the public record.
If your resident agent resigns or you move, file the change with the Corporations Division promptly. An address that is no longer accurate does not excuse the LLC from having been served.
Key takeaways
- Massachusetts calls the role a resident agent; the requirement matches other states' registered agent rules.
- The resident agent's address must be a Massachusetts street address, not a PO box.
- Keep the appointment current with the Corporations Division as changes happen.
Official sources
Or let us file your Massachusetts LLC for you
Everything above is yours to use for free. If you would rather hand it over, we prepare and file the Certificate of Organization, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team