Glossary: Agent for Service of Process

Agent for Service of Process

Agent for Service of Process or Registered Agent or Resident Agent - The laws governing corporations in most jurisdictions require you to designate (identify in writing) the name and address of the person or entity responsible for accepting legal and tax documents on behalf of your corporation. Even foreign corporations are required to designate an agent for service of process. Your corporation cannot act as its own agent for service of process. For example, if your company was incorporated in California, you first designated a person (who must be a California resident) as your agent for service of process in your Articles of Incorporation and later did so annually in your Statement of Domestic Stock Corporation filing. A plaintiff who is unable to locate your principal place of business to serve your corporation with service of process to commence a lawsuit, may serve it on your agent for service of process. If you intend to name another corporation as your agent for service of process in California, then be sure that corporation has filed a certificate with the California Secretary of State pursuant to California Corporations Code Section 1505.

Disclaimer: The foregoing is intended to provide general information and may not be suitable in specific instances. The glossary information is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather to illustrate typical considerations. The material is provided with the understanding that it is not legal, accounting, tax or any other professional advice.

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