How Much Does a Registered Agent Cost in Georgia? 2026 Pricing Breakdown

A registered agent in Georgia typically costs $25 to $150 per year, depending on the services, privacy needs, and compliance support they offer.

You can act as your own registered agent for $0, but that comes with trade-offs most founders don’t expect.

doola helps business owners, especially non-U.S. founders, handle registered agent services, formation, and compliance in one place, without hidden fees or missed deadlines.

But first, let’s start by understanding how much a Georgia registered agent costs, why prices vary, and how this can save you money, protect your privacy, and help you avoid compliance issues down the line.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• The real price ranges behind Georgia registered agent services

• What you get at each pricing tier (and what’s often not included)

• Whether being your own registered agent actually makes sense

• How to spot hidden renewal fees and “cheap first year” traps

• How doola simplifies registered agent service, formation, and compliance in Georgia

If you’ve been Googling “How much does a registered agent cost in Georgia” or “Do I need a registered agent in Georgia,” you’re in the right place.

Georgia Registered Agent Cost Breakdown

Georgia registered agent cost depends less on the state and more on how much responsibility you want to handle yourself. 

While Georgia law sets the requirement, it doesn’t fix the price, so services range from free (DIY) to premium compliance bundles.

Here’s a clear breakdown of the Georgia registered agent fee by tier, what you’ll actually get, and who each option is best for.

Option	Typical Cost	What’s Included	Who It’s Best For
DIY (You as Registered Agent)	$0	Your home or office address is listed publicly, directly receive legal documents	Georgia residents with a physical address and reliable availability
Budget Services	$25–$50/year	Basic service of process, limited online access, minimal notifications	Cost-focused founders are comfortable managing compliance themselves
Standard Services	$75–$125/year	Service of process, document scanning, email alerts, online dashboard, privacy protection	Most LLCs and corporations seek reliability and convenience
Premium / Compliance Bundles	$125+/year	Everything in standard plus compliance monitoring, annual report reminders, multi-state support, formation, or tax integrations	Growing businesses, remote founders, and compliance-heavy operations

What These Tiers Really Mean in Practice

DIY (yourself)

This is technically free, but your name and address are public record, and you must be available during business hours to receive legal documents. 

Miss a delivery, and you could miss a lawsuit or state notice.

Budget Services ($25–$50)

These look attractive upfront, but often include only the bare minimum. Many have introductory pricing that jumps significantly at renewal, and compliance alerts are either limited or upsold later.

Standard Services ($75–$125)

This is where most businesses land. You get privacy, scanned documents, email notifications, and a clean online dashboard, without constant upsells. 

For most founders, this offers the best balance of cost and protection.

Premium/Compliance Bundles ($125+)

Designed for founders who want fewer moving parts. These often bundle registered agent service with formation help, annual report reminders, and ongoing compliance support, reducing the risk of missed deadlines or penalties.

🔖 Related Read: Georgia Registered Agents: Understanding Their Role and Responsibilities

What Affects the Cost of a Registered Agent in Georgia?

Georgia registered agent fees are all over the map. Two services can look similar on the surface, and be priced very differently once you dig into what’s actually included.

Here are the real factors that drive registered agent Georgia price differences, and what to watch for before you choose.

1. Level of Compliance Monitoring

Not all registered agents actively help you stay compliant. Lower-cost services often do just one thing: accept legal documents and forward them to you.

Professional services go further by tracking Georgia-specific deadlines, sending reminders for annual reports, flagging missed filings or state notices, and keeping documents organized in a dashboard.

The more proactive the compliance support, the higher the cost, but also the lower the risk of missing something important.

2. Mail Scanning vs. Mail Forwarding

This detail matters more than most founders realize. Some agents scan documents and upload them digitally (faster, safer, searchable).

Others physically forward mail (slower, sometimes extra fees, higher chance of delays).

Mail scanning is usually included in mid-range and premium services, while cheaper plans often limit scans or charge extra per document.

3. Multi-state vs. Georgia-only Coverage

Services that operate nationwide typically charge more, but offer consistency if your business grows beyond Georgia. If you only operate in Georgia, a Georgia-only agent may be enough. 

But if you plan to expand into other states, register as a foreign LLC in another state, or run a remote or multi-state business, you may need a provider that offers multi-state registered agent coverage.

4. Business Formation Bundles

Some registered agents are standalone services. Others bundle registered agent service with LLC or C-Corp formation, EIN assistance, compliance tools, and tax or bookkeeping support.

Bundled services often cost more upfront but can be cheaper and far less stressful than piecing everything together from multiple providers.

This is where platforms like doola stand out for founders who want formation, registered agent service, and compliance handled in one place.

5. Renewal Pricing vs. Intro Offers

This is the most common trap. Many providers advertise $25 or $39 for the first year, then quietly raise the price to $99, $149, or more on renewal.

By the time founders notice, their business is already formed, and switching feels like a hassle.

Before choosing a registered agent, always check renewal pricing (not just year one), whether compliance alerts cost extra, and how easy it is to cancel or switch.

If renewal pricing isn’t clearly listed, that’s a red flag.

Related Read: How to Start a Business in Georgia

Can You Be Your Own Registered Agent in Georgia?

Yes, you can be your own free registered agent in Georgia. And it’s completely legal. But while the price is appealing, this option comes with trade-offs that aren’t obvious at first.

Legal requirements to be your own registered agent in Georgia

To act as your own Georgia LLC registered agent, you must have a physical street address in Georgia (P.O. boxes are not allowed).

You’ve to be available at that address during normal business hours (typically 9–5, Monday–Friday) to accept service of process and official state mail in person.

If you miss a delivery, whether it’s a lawsuit notice or a state compliance document, the consequences can be serious.

Pros of Being Your Own Registered Agent

✔ It’s free: There’s no annual fee if you handle it yourself.

✔ Full control over documents: Legal and state documents come directly to you.

Cons (And Why Many Founders Regret It Later)

✖ No privacy: Your name and address become public record, searchable by anyone, including marketers, spammers, and litigators.

✖ Risk of missed lawsuits or notices: If you’re traveling, working remotely, out sick, or stepping away during business hours, you could miss time-sensitive documents.

✖ Hard to scale: If you move, travel frequently, or grow into other states, being your own agent quickly becomes impractical.

Acting as your own registered agent in Georgia usually only makes sense if you are:

• running a small, local business

• working from a fixed address

• comfortable with public exposure

• confident you won’t miss deliveries

For most remote founders, e-commerce businesses, non-U.S. founders, or growing companies, using a professional registered agent is safer and far less stressful.

Related Read: How to Change a Registered Agent in Georgia

Paid vs Free Registered Agent in Georgia: Which Is Better?

Choosing between a free (DIY) registered agent and a paid professional service in Georgia really comes down to how much risk, visibility, and admin work you’re willing to take on.

Here’s a clear, side-by-side comparison to help you decide.

Factor	Free (You as Registered Agent)	Paid Registered Agent
Cost	$0	~$25–$150/year
Privacy	❌ Your name & address are public	✅ Agent’s address listed instead
Risk Exposure	❌ High (missed lawsuits or notices)	✅ Low (documents handled professionally)
Compliance Support	❌ None	✅ Alerts, reminders, document tracking

Which option is better for you?

Solo Founders (Georgia-based, Local Businesses)

If you live in Georgia, work standard hours, and don’t mind your address being public, the free option can work, especially in the very early days. Just know the risks.

International Founders

A paid registered agent is essential. Georgia law requires a physical in-state address, which non-U.S. founders don’t have. A professional agent is the only realistic option.

Remote Business Owners

If you travel, work flexible hours, or run your business from outside Georgia, a paid service is the safer choice. Availability requirements alone make DIY risky.

E-commerce Businesses

Paid agents are strongly recommended. Online businesses often deal with payment processors, disputes, and rapid growth.

So, missing legal mail or compliance notices can quickly escalate into bigger problems.

What Services Are Included in a Georgia Registered Agent Fee?

When you pay a Georgia registered agent fee, you’re not just paying for an address. You’re paying for a set of services that keep your business legally reachable and compliant.

That said, not all registered agent services include the same features, so it’s important to know what’s typically covered and what’s often extra.

1. Service of Process Handling

If your business is sued or receives official legal notices, the agent accepts the documents on your behalf, records the delivery date and time, and notifies you promptly.

This is the primary legal role of a registered agent. This ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines that could lead to default judgments.

2. State Mail Receipt

Registered agents receive official mail from the Georgia Secretary of State, state agencies, courts, and legal entities.

Instead of these documents being sent to your home or office, they go to the agent, keeping your personal address off public records.

3. Online Document Dashboard

Most standard and premium services provide an online portal where you can view scanned documents, download official notices, and keep records organized in one place.

This is especially useful if you run your business remotely or across multiple locations.

4. Compliance Reminders

Better registered agents don’t just passively receive mail. They help you stay on track by sending deadline reminders, flagging time-sensitive state notices, and alerting you to potential compliance issues before they arise.

This reduces the chance of accidental non-compliance.

5. Annual Report Alerts (Georgia-specific)

Georgia requires annual registrations for businesses. Many agents include reminders about your Georgia annual report due date and send alerts before deadlines (not after penalties start).

This is one of the most valuable features for avoiding late fees and administrative issues.

What’s Often not Included Unless Stated

This is where many founders get caught off guard. Unless clearly listed, registered agent services usually do not include:

• filing the annual report for you

• paying state fees on your behalf

• tax filing or bookkeeping services

• business address services for general mail

Some providers offer these as add-ons or bundle them in higher-tier plans, but you shouldn’t assume they’re included by default.

Always check exactly which services are included, whether compliance actions are reminders or actual filings, and what costs extra after the first year.

Knowing this upfront helps you choose a registered agent that fits your business, not just your budget.

How to Choose the Best Registered Agent in Georgia

With dozens of options on the market, choosing the best registered agent in Georgia isn’t about finding the lowest price.

It’s about picking a service that actually protects your business and reduces compliance risk. Here are the key criteria that matter most.

Transparent Renewal Pricing

Many registered agent providers advertise a low first-year rate, then quietly raise prices at renewal. Before signing up, confirm:

• The renewal price after year one

• Whether discounts are introductory only

• If price increases are disclosed upfront

A reliable provider is clear about long-term costs, not just the signup deal.

A Real Georgia Address (not virtual forwarding)

Your registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Georgia, not just a mail-forwarding or virtual office setup. This matters because:

• Service of process must be accepted in person

• Virtual forwarding setups increase the risk of missed legal notices

• The state expects real, in-state availability

Always verify that the address listed is a legitimate Georgia office.

Proven Compliance Expertise

The best Georgia-registered agent services go beyond just receiving mail. Look for providers that:

• Understand Georgia-specific filing rules

• Track annual registration deadlines

• Alert you before, not after compliance issues arise

This is especially important if you’re not familiar with Georgia’s business regulations or manage your company remotely.

Responsive Customer Support

When legal or state documents arrive, timing matters. Strong customer support means:

• Clear explanations of what the document means

• Easy access to real humans (not just automated emails)

If support is hard to reach during onboarding, it won’t be any easier when you need help most.

Integration with Formation and Tax Services

Registered agent duties don’t exist in isolation. Make sure you choose a provider that integrates:

• LLC or corporation formation

• Annual filings and tax compliance

This offers a smoother, lower-risk experience, especially for non-U.S. founders and growing businesses. This reduces handoffs, errors, and missed steps.

Georgia Registered Agent Costs for LLCs vs Corporations

Most registered agent providers charge the same annual fee, regardless of whether you’re operating as an LLC or a corporation.

That said, the value you get from a professional registered agent can differ significantly depending on your business structure.

Cost: Usually Identical for LLCs and Corporations

Georgia law requires both entity types to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Georgia, so providers rarely differentiate pricing based on structure alone.

From a pricing standpoint, there’s little difference. LLCs typically pay $25–$150 per year for registered agent services, and Corporations also fall in the same price range.

Where The Difference Shows Up: Compliance Needs

While the cost may be the same, corporations usually have more complex compliance obligations than LLCs, such as:

• More formal governance requirements

• Stricter record-keeping expectations

• A higher risk of penalties if filings or legal notices are missed

LLCs, especially single-member LLCs, tend to have simpler ongoing requirements, making compliance easier to manage on your own.

Why Corporations Benefit More From Professional Registered Agents

Corporations face greater scrutiny from investors, banks, and regulators, more frequent legal and administrative correspondence, and higher consequences for missed service of process.

Therefore, they need a professional registered agent for added protection.

Timely handling of lawsuits, state notices, and compliance alerts can prevent costly legal issues or administrative dissolution.

For corporations planning to scale, raise capital, or operate across state lines, the reliability of a professional registered agent often outweighs any perceived cost savings from DIY options.

How doola Helps With Georgia Registered Agent, Formation & Compliance

Choosing a registered agent is just one piece of building a compliant Georgia business, and it’s usually not the part founders want to manage long-term. 

When you form your Georgia LLC or corporation with doola, registered agent services are included (where applicable). 

You also get a reliable U.S. address and ongoing compliance support to keep your business in good standing year after year.

So, you don’t have to shop around, compare fine print, or worry about missing legal notices.

That’s why doola is especially well-suited for:

🚀 Non-U.S. founders who need a trusted U.S. presence without living in Georgia

🚀 Remote entrepreneurs who don’t want their home address on public records

🚀 E-commerce operators who need compliance handled quietly while they focus on sales and growth

Instead of juggling formation filings, renewals, annual reports, and compliance reminders yourself, doola centralizes everything in one place, so you can focus on building, not babysitting filings

Let us handle the paperwork, deadlines, and compliance, saving you time, reducing legal risk, and eliminating costly mistakes. 

Start your Georgia business the right way with doola.

FAQs

Is a registered agent required by law in Georgia?

Yes. Georgia law requires every LLC and corporation to maintain a registered agent with a physical address in Georgia. This agent is the official point of contact for legal notices, lawsuits, and state correspondence.

What happens if I don’t maintain a registered agent in Georgia?

If your registered agent resigns or becomes invalid and you don’t replace them, your business can:

• Fall out of good standing

• Miss legal notices or lawsuits

• Be administratively dissolved by the state

In short: no registered agent = serious compliance risk.

Can I change my registered agent in Georgia later?

Absolutely. You can change your registered agent at any time by filing an update with the Georgia Secretary of State. There’s usually a small filing fee, and the change takes effect once approved.

Why are some Georgia registered agents so cheap?

Ultra-low prices often mean:

• Minimal services (no compliance reminders or document scanning)

• Aggressive renewal price hikes after year one

• Slow or unreliable customer support

Cheap isn’t always bad, but you should always check what’s not included.

Do Georgia registered agent fees increase after the first year?

Often, yes. Many providers advertise low first-year pricing and then raise fees at renewal. Always look for transparent renewal pricing to avoid surprises.

Is a registered agent tax-deductible in Georgia?

Yes. Registered agent fees are typically considered a legitimate business expense and are generally tax-deductible. Confirm with your accountant based on your tax situation.

Do non-U.S. founders need a registered agent in Georgia?

Yes, and it’s even more important.

Non-U.S. founders must use a Georgia-based registered agent since they can’t provide a physical in-state address themselves.

A professional agent ensures compliance and prevents missed legal notices.