New York registered agent
New York registered agent requirements
Who must appoint a registered agent in New York, which office keeps the record, how to change agents, and what reliable coverage costs.
Direct answer
Does New York require a registered agent?
In New York the Secretary of State is every entity's statutory agent for service of process by default, and appointing an additional registered agent is optional but common. New York Department of State, Division of Corporations keeps the agent of record under N.Y.
Last verified July 29, 2026
The New York requirement
New York is unusual: the Secretary of State acts as every entity's statutory agent for service of process by default, so appointing an additional registered agent is optional. Many companies appoint one anyway so lawsuits and time-sensitive state notices arrive at a monitored address the same day instead of the address on file.
- Filing office
- New York Department of State, Division of Corporations
- Statute
- N.Y. Bus. Corp. Law § 304
- Cornerstone Licensing service fee
- $99 per year (renews at $149)
Changing your registered agent in New York
File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
New York registered agent FAQ
- Does New York require a registered agent?
- In New York the Secretary of State acts as every entity's statutory agent for service of process by default, and appointing an additional registered agent is optional. Many companies appoint one anyway so lawsuits and state notices reach a monitored address the same day.
- Who keeps the registered agent records in New York?
- New York Department of State, Division of Corporations maintains the registered agent of record for each entity. The requirement comes from N.Y. Bus. Corp. Law § 304.
- How do I change my registered agent in New York?
- File a statement of change of registered agent (and registered office, if it moves) with the New York Department of State, Division of Corporations. Many states also accept the update as part of the annual or biennial report; the change takes effect once the filing is accepted.
- What does registered agent service cost in New York?
- Cornerstone Licensing provides New York registered agent service for $99 per year, with renewals at $149 per year. Same-day document scanning and forwarding is included; there are no per-document charges.
- Can I be my own registered agent in New York?
- New York is unusual: the Secretary of State is every entity's statutory agent for service of process by default, and appointing an additional registered agent is optional. Many companies still appoint one so legal documents arrive at a monitored address instead of the address on file with the state.