Parties, Roles, and Litigation Teams
Parties
Entities must designate a registered agent in each state where they are qualified to do business. Service on the agent constitutes service on the entity. Secretary of state records identify the agent.
Failure to maintain an agent may permit substituted service.
Alternative Names:
Agent for Service, Statutory Agent
Why it Matters?
Service on a registered agent is the reliable method and service on other personnel frequently is not, which is where defective service arises. An entity that dissolved, withdrew, or allowed its registration to lapse may be served through the secretary of state under substituted service provisions. Verifying the agent designation at the time of service, rather than currently, is what determines whether service was proper.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Why is registered agent service reliable?
What if the agent designation lapsed?
