What are the registered agent rules in Georgia?

Georgia requires every business to appoint a registered agent—either a Georgia resident individual or an authorized business entity—with a physical street address in Georgia where service of process can be delivered in person. Members of your business may serve as registered agents. The agent's office must be a physical street address, not a P.O. box. To change your registered agent, file an Amended Annual Registration with the Georgia Secretary of State for a $30 filing fee (O.C.G.A. §§ 14-11-209, 14-11-703).

Who Can Serve as a Registered Agent

Your registered agent must be either a Georgia resident individual or a business entity authorized to conduct business in Georgia. Members and managers of your LLC or corporation are eligible to serve as your registered agent without restriction. The Georgia Secretary of State cannot serve in this capacity.

Physical Address Requirement

Georgia law mandates a physical street address in Georgia—not a P.O. box, mailbox service, or virtual office. This address is where legal documents and service of process will be delivered in person. The registered agent must be available at this location during business hours to accept service.

Changing Your Registered Agent

To change your registered agent, file an Amended Annual Registration with the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division. The filing fee is $30.00. No consent from the new agent is required before filing, though confirming acceptance beforehand is prudent.

File online: https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/Account

Contact information:

Phone: (404) 656-2817
Address: 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SE, Suite 313 West Tower, Atlanta, GA 30334

Next Steps

Designate your registered agent before or during business formation
Verify the agent maintains a physical Georgia street address
File your formation documents with the Secretary of State
Update your agent using Amended Annual Registration if changes occur

Verify your current registered agent information through the Georgia Business Search.

This is general information, not legal advice.