A registered agent is an individual or business entity designated to receive legal documents and official government communications on behalf of a company, such as an LLC or corporation. This includes service of process (legal notices, lawsuits, subpoenas), tax documents, and other important state correspondence. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state where the business is formed or registered and be available during normal business hours to accept these documents

. The role of the registered agent is crucial because they ensure that the business receives timely notification of legal actions or government filings, helping the company maintain compliance with state laws. Failure to maintain a registered agent can result in penalties or loss of good standing with the state, and potentially the revocation of the business's legal status

. The registered agent can be an employee or officer of the company, the business owner themselves (if they meet the requirements), or a third-party service provider specializing in registered agent services. Many businesses use professional registered agent services to ensure reliable handling of important documents and to maintain privacy

. In summary, a registered agent acts as the official point of contact between a business and the state or legal authorities, receiving and forwarding critical documents to the business to ensure legal compliance and timely response to legal matters