Washington lesson 2 of 6
Appoint your Washington registered agent
Every Washington LLC must continuously maintain a registered agent, a role governed by the Uniform Business Organizations Code at RCW 23.95.
Who can act as agent
The agent can be an individual Washington resident, a company authorised to do business in Washington, or a commercial registered agent that has filed the required registration with the Secretary of State. Either way the agent must maintain a physical street address in Washington; a PO box or private mailbox alone does not satisfy the requirement.
Commercial versus noncommercial agents
Washington law distinguishes a commercial registered agent, which is a business that lists itself as agent for many companies and registers separately with the Secretary of State, from a noncommercial registered agent named individually for a single entity. Most LLC owners either serve as their own noncommercial agent or hire a commercial one for privacy.
A registered agent's duty under Washington law is to forward process, notices and demands to the LLC promptly. It is not the agent's job to give legal advice on what arrives.
Changing agent later
A change of registered agent is filed with the Secretary of State, most efficiently through the online filing system. Keep the address current, since notices delivered to a stale address are still treated as delivered to the LLC.
Key takeaways
- A physical Washington street address is required; PO boxes are not accepted.
- Washington law distinguishes commercial and noncommercial registered agents.
- The agent's only statutory duty is to forward what it receives to the LLC.
Official sources
Or let us file your Washington 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 Formation, act as your registered agent, and track your ongoing deadlines.
Last reviewed: September 2026 - reviewed by Gullia Filing Legal & Formation Team