What Is the Cost of a Registered Agent in Connecticut?
Every Connecticut business entity that maintains a registered agent faces two distinct cost categories: state filing fees paid to the Connecticut Secretary of State and commercial service fees paid to a private registered agent provider. Separating these two categories is the foundation for accurate cost planning at formation and throughout the entity’s life.
State filing fees are fixed, one-time charges assessed each time a document is filed with the Business Services Division. Connecticut does not impose a recurring annual state fee solely for maintaining a registered agent—fees arise only at formation, when changing an agent, or when updating an agent’s address, as published in the Secretary of the State’s complete fee schedule.
Commercial service fees are the ongoing annual charges collected by professional registered agent companies for providing a Connecticut street address and handling legal documents on the entity’s behalf. Most commercial providers in Connecticut charge between $49 and $300 per year, depending on the service tier. An entity that designates an individual resident of Connecticut as its agent pays no commercial service fee whatsoever.
Connecticut law does not require any entity to hire a commercial registered agent service. Under the Connecticut Business Corporation Act (Conn. Gen. Stat.) § 33-660, every corporation must continuously maintain a registered office and a registered agent in the state, but the agent may be any Connecticut resident age 18 or older or any business entity registered with the Secretary of the State that maintains a Connecticut address.
Connecticut State Filing Fees for Registered Agent Appointments
The registered agent designation in Connecticut is embedded within the entity’s formation document — the Certificate of Incorporation for a corporation, the Certificate of Organization for an LLC, or the equivalent filing for other entity types. No separate state filing fee is charged for the agent designation itself; it is included in the formation filing fee listed on the Secretary of the State forms and fees page.
Connecticut’s corporation formation cost is distinctive. A domestic stock corporation must file both a Certificate of Incorporation ($250) and an Organization and First Report ($150) within thirty days of incorporation, bringing the combined formation cost to $400. A domestic nonstock (nonprofit) corporation files the same two documents at sharply reduced fees—$50 each, totaling $100. LLCs, limited partnerships, and LLPs each pay a single formation filing fee.
The table below shows the formation filing fee — which includes the registered agent appointment — for every entity type recognized by the Secretary of State.
| Entity Type | Form | Filing Fee |
| Domestic Stock Corporation | Certificate of Incorporation + Organization and First Report | $400 ($250 + $150) |
| Domestic Non-stock (Nonprofit) Corporation | Certificate of Incorporation + Organization and First Report | $100 ($50 + $50) |
| Domestic LLC | Certificate of Organization | $120 |
| Domestic Limited Partnership (LP) | Certificate of Limited Partnership | $120 |
| Domestic Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) | Certificate of Limited Liability Partnership | $120 |
| Foreign Stock Corporation | Application for Certificate of Authority | $385 (includes $285 license fee) |
| Foreign Non-stock Corporation | Application for Certificate of Authority | $40 |
| Foreign LLC | Foreign Registration Statement | $120 |
| Foreign LLP | Certificate of Authority | $120 |
Entity-specific fee breakdowns and downloadable forms are available on the domestic stock corporation forms and fees page, the domestic LLC forms and fees page, and the domestic non-stock corporation forms and fees page. Online filings are submitted through the Business.CT.gov portal and may be paid by Mastercard, Visa, Discover, or American Express. Paper filings mailed to the office require payment by check or money order — credit cards are not accepted for documents delivered by mail or in person.
Note: The foreign stock corporation fee of $385 includes a $285 statutory license fee. This is not a separate registered agent charge — it is Connecticut’s license fee for foreign stock corporations seeking authority to transact business in the state.
State Filing Fee to Change a Registered Agent
When an entity changes its registered agent or registered office address after formation, it must file the appropriate change form with the Secretary of the State and pay the corresponding fee. The standard filing fee is $50 for most entity types, but non-stock (nonprofit) corporations and limited partnerships pay a reduced fee of $20 on all agent-related filings.
Connecticut provides separate filing options for appointing a new agent entirely and for updating only the existing agent’s address. Both carry their own fee. The Secretary of the State does not publish a pre-printed resignation form; under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 33-662, an agent resigns by filing a signed statement in duplicate and notifying the entity. The resignation becomes effective thirty-one days after filing, giving the entity time to appoint a replacement.
| Action | Form | Filing Fee |
| Change of registered agent — stock corporation, LLC, LLP (domestic or foreign) | Change of Agent | $50 |
| Change of registered agent — non-stock (nonprofit) corporation (domestic or foreign) | Change of Agent | $20 |
| Change of registered agent — limited partnership | Change of Agent | $20 |
| Change of agent’s address — stock corporation, LLC, LLP (domestic or foreign) | Change of Agent’s Address | $50 |
| Change of agent’s address — non-stock (nonprofit) corporation (domestic or foreign) | Change of Agent’s Address | $20 |
| Change of agent’s address — limited partnership | Change of Agent’s Address | $20 |
| Resignation of agent — stock corporation, LLC, LLP (domestic or foreign) | Resignation of Agent (filed in duplicate; no standard form) | $50 |
| Resignation of agent — non-stock (nonprofit) corporation (domestic or foreign) | Resignation of Agent (filed in duplicate; no standard form) | $20 |
| Resignation of agent — limited partnership | Resignation of Agent (filed in duplicate; no standard form) | $20 |
Fees for foreign entities are listed on the foreign LLC forms and fees page, the foreign stock corporation forms and fees page, and the limited partnerships forms and fees page. All agent-related filings may be submitted online through the Business.CT.gov portal or mailed to the Secretary of the State, Business Services Division, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115-0470. Hand delivery is accepted at 165 Capitol Avenue, Suite 1000, Hartford, CT 06106.
What Is Included in a Registered Agent Service Fee?
The annual service fee paid to a commercial registered agent provider generally covers the core obligations of the registered agent role, though specific inclusions vary by provider and pricing tier.
Core services (generally included at all price levels):
- A physical street address in Connecticut to serve as the entity’s registered office on file with the Secretary of State, satisfying the requirement that the address not be a P.O. Box.
- Receipt and handling of service of process, legal notices, tax correspondence, and official state communications during normal business hours.
- Same-day or next-day scanning and uploading of received documents to a secure online account.
- Email or text notification alerts when a document arrives on behalf of the entity.
Additional services (included by some providers or at higher tiers):
- Compliance reminders for annual report deadlines and other periodic filing requirements.
- Use of the registered agent’s address on formation documents keeps the owner’s personal home address off the public record.
- Mail forwarding for general business correspondence beyond legal and government documents.
- Pre-populated Connecticut state forms and document templates are accessible within the online account.
What is NOT included in a standard registered agent service fee:
- State filing fees for formation, agent changes, annual reports, or any other filings—these are paid separately to the Secretary of the State.
- Preparation or filing of annual reports or other periodic compliance documents, unless purchased as a separate add-on service.
- Legal advice, legal representation, or tax preparation services.
- Expedited processing fees charged by the state for faster turnaround on filings.
Registered Agent Cost When Forming a New Connecticut Business
When forming a new entity in Connecticut, the registered agent is designated within the formation document itself — no separate filing is required, and no separate state fee is assessed for the agent designation. The total year-one cost combines the state formation filing fee with the first year of commercial registered agent service, if the entity chooses to use one. Fee amounts by entity type are listed on the Secretary of State forms and fees page.
| Entity Type | State Formation Fee | Commercial RA (Year 1) | Total Year 1 Cost |
| Domestic Stock Corporation | $400 | $0–$300 | $400–$700 |
| Domestic Non-stock (Nonprofit) Corporation | $100 | $0–$300 | $100–$400 |
| Domestic LLC | $120 | $0–$300 | $120–$420 |
| Domestic LLP | $120 | $0–$300 | $120–$420 |
| Domestic LP | $120 | $0–$300 | $120–$420 |
| Foreign Stock Corporation | $385 | $0–$300 | $385–$685 |
| Foreign Non-stock Corporation | $40 | $0–$300 | $40–$340 |
| Foreign LLC | $120 | $0–$300 | $120–$420 |
| Foreign LLP | $120 | $0–$300 | $120–$420 |
The $0 figure in the Commercial RA column reflects entities in which a Connecticut resident serves as the entity’s registered agent, eliminating the commercial service fee entirely. Any resident age 18 or older qualifies, as described on the Secretary of the State’s registered agent eligibility page.
Many commercial registered agent services bundle the first year of agent service within a formation package. Before purchasing, confirm whether the quoted price includes the state filing fee, the registered agent service fee for year one, and the renewal price for subsequent years. Some providers advertise introductory rates as low as $0 for the first year but charge substantially higher renewal fees beginning in year two.
Note: Connecticut stock corporations face a uniquely high formation cost — $400 — because the state requires two separate filings: the Certificate of Incorporation ($250) and the Organization and First Report ($150), which must be filed within thirty days of incorporation. All formation filings can be submitted through the Business.CT.gov portal.
Cost of Serving as Your Own Registered Agent in Connecticut
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 33-660, any Connecticut resident who is at least 18 years old may serve as a registered agent for a business entity. A separate business entity registered with the Secretary of the State and maintaining a Connecticut address may also serve. The entity itself, however, cannot serve as its own registered agent—the agent must be a natural person or a distinct registered business entity.
Cost of self-designation:
- Commercial service fee: $0.
- State filing fee at formation: Included in the standard formation filing fee. No additional charge for designating an individual as the agent.
- State filing fee to update address: If the agent’s address changes, a Change of Agent’s Address filing is required at the applicable fee — typically $50 for most entities and $20 for non-stock corporations and limited partnerships.
Tradeoffs of self-designation:
| Factor | Self as Registered Agent | Commercial Service |
| Annual cost | $0 | $49–$300 per year |
| Privacy | The agent’s name and home address appear on the public record | The provider’s business address appears on the public record |
| Business hours availability | Must be personally available at the registered address during normal business hours | The provider’s staff handles availability |
| Service of process delivery | Received personally, potentially at a home address | Received, scanned, and forwarded electronically |
| Address updates | Must file Change of Agent’s Address form ($50 or $20) each time the address changes | The provider’s address remains stable; no filing needed |
| Compliance monitoring | Self-managed with no automated reminders | Most providers include annual report deadline reminders |
| Eligibility requirement | Must be a Connecticut resident age 18 or older | The provider handles eligibility |
Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Agent Costs in Connecticut
Is there a fee to designate a registered agent when forming a Connecticut LLC or corporation?
There is no separate state filing fee solely for designating a registered agent at formation. The designation is part of the formation document and covered by the formation filing fee. For a domestic LLC, the Certificate of Organization costs $120. For a domestic stock corporation, the combined Certificate of Incorporation and Organization and First Report costs $400. A domestic non-stock (nonprofit) corporation pays $100 total. All fees are listed on the Secretary of the State forms and fees page.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Connecticut?
The filing fee to change a registered agent is $50 for stock corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and statutory trusts — both domestic and foreign. Non-stock (nonprofit) corporations pay $20, and limited partnerships also pay $20. Filings may be submitted online through the Business.CT.gov portal or mailed to the Secretary of the State, Business Services Division, P.O. Box 150470, Hartford, CT 06115-0470. Online payments are accepted by credit card; mailed filings require a check or money order payable to the Secretary of the State.
Can I designate myself as a registered agent to avoid the annual service fee?
Yes, provided the eligibility requirements are met. The individual must be a Connecticut resident, at least 18 years old, and must maintain a physical street address in Connecticut—not a P.O. Box—where they are available during normal business hours to accept service of process. The tradeoff is that the individual’s name and address become part of the public business record, and any address change triggers a filing with the applicable fee.
What is the annual cost of Northwest Registered Agent in Connecticut?
Northwest Registered Agent charges $125 per year for Connecticut registered agent service. The fee covers a physical Connecticut street address, service of process handling, document scanning and forwarding, a business mailing address, mail scanning, and compliance monitoring. The first year of service is often included in Northwest’s formation package when forming a new entity.
Does the registered agent service fee include the state filing fee?
No. The commercial registered agent service fee and the state filing fee are entirely separate charges. The service fee — typically $49 to $300 per year — compensates the provider for maintaining a physical address and accepting legal documents. State filing fees, such as the $120 LLC formation fee or the $50 change-of-agent fee, are paid directly to the Secretary of the State and are never included in the registered agent service fee unless a provider explicitly bundles them into a formation package.
Is there a fee to file the consent of registered agent form?
Connecticut does not require a separately filed consent-of-registered-agent form. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 33-660, the registered agent’s appointment is documented within the formation filing itself. The agent’s written consent is obtained before designation and retained by the entity, but is not submitted to the Secretary of State as a standalone document. No separate state filing fee applies.
Is there a fee for the registered agent to resign?
Yes. The resignation filing fee is $50 for stock corporations, LLCs, LLPs, and statutory trusts, and $20 for non-stock (nonprofit) corporations and limited partnerships. Connecticut does not provide a pre-printed resignation form; the agent files a signed statement in duplicate with the Secretary of the State Business Services Division. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 33-662, the resignation takes effect thirty-one days after filing, giving the entity time to appoint a replacement.
How does the cost compare for a nonprofit corporation versus a for-profit corporation?
Non-stock (nonprofit) corporations pay substantially lower filing fees across every registered-agent-related transaction in Connecticut.
| Transaction | For-Profit (Stock) Corporation | Nonprofit (Non-stock) Corporation |
| Formation (Certificate of Incorporation + Organization and First Report) | $400 ($250 + $150) | $100 ($50 + $50) |
| Foreign registration (Application for Certificate of Authority) | $385 | $40 |
| Change of registered agent | $50 | $20 |
| Change of agent’s address | $50 | $20 |
| Resignation of registered agent | $50 | $20 |
| Annual report | $150 | $50 |
Commercial registered agent service fees do not differ based on entity type. A nonprofit corporation pays the same annual service fee to a commercial provider as a for-profit corporation. Fee details for non-stock corporations are available on the domestic non-stock corporation forms and fees page and the foreign non-stock corporation forms and fees page.
Are there any hidden fees associated with registered agent services?
State filing fees in Connecticut are fixed, publicly available, and transparently listed on the Secretary of the State’s forms and fees page. No hidden state costs apply. On the commercial side, however, common pricing traps include significantly higher renewal fees after a low introductory first-year rate, upselling of add-on services during formation, per-document scanning charges beyond a set monthly limit, and fees for forwarding mail or accessing documents beyond a basic tier. Always review the provider’s full pricing schedule—particularly the year-two renewal rate — before committing.
Does the cost change if I move my business to a new address in Connecticut?
The answer depends on which address is changing and how the move affects the registered agent designation.
- Entity’s principal office address only: If only the business’s mailing or physical office address changes but the registered agent and registered office remain the same, a Change of Business Address filing is required at $50. No agent-related filing is needed.
- Registered agent’s address changing (same agent, new location): If the current agent moves to a new Connecticut address, a Change of Agent’s Address filing is required at $50 for most entities or $20 for non-stock corporations and limited partnerships.
- Replacing the registered agent entirely: If the move involves designating a new agent, a Change of Agent filing is required at $50 (or $20 for non-stock corporations and limited partnerships).
- Using a commercial registered agent service: If a commercial provider serves as the agent, the provider’s address stays unchanged regardless of where the entity’s principals relocate. No state filing is needed for the registered agent, and no additional cost is incurred.