Short answer: Known locally as a Resident Agent. Must have a physical street address in Massachusetts (no PO boxes). Changing agents costs $25.
We've pulled these figures from the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Who can serve as a Massachusetts registered agent
Known locally as a Resident Agent. Must have a physical street address in Massachusetts (no PO boxes).
Check the rules above before naming yourself.
Paid registered agent services
| Service | Yearly price | What stands out |
|---|---|---|
| Northwest Registered Agent | $125 | Uses its address on your public filings by default; scans state and legal mail |
| Bizee | Free year 1 with formation, then $149 | Says it runs its own offices in all 50 states; sends service of process by tracked FedEx |
| ZenBusiness | $199 | Sold as an add-on, not included with formation |
| LegalZoom | $249 | Sold separately from its LLC packages |
Compare all four in our registered agent rankings, or read the Bizee vs Northwest comparison.
How Massachusetts compares
Massachusetts's fee to change registered agents is $25. That's the 13th highest of 45 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $20, so Massachusetts runs $5 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $25 | 13 of 45 |
| New Hampshire | $17 | 25 of 45 |
| Rhode Island | $20 | 21 of 45 |
| Connecticut | Varies | Not confirmed |
| Vermont | $35 | 6 of 45 |
| Maine | $35 | 6 of 45 |
Massachusetts fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Organization | $520 | Base fee is $500 for mail or in-person. Online and fax filings carry an inescapable automatic $20 expedite fee, bringing the total to $520. |
| Change of registered agent | $25 | $25 by paper or fax, but $0 (free) if filed electronically. |
Registered agent rules: Massachusetts questions
What are the registered agent requirements in Massachusetts?
Known locally as a Resident Agent. Must have a physical street address in Massachusetts (no PO boxes).
Can I be my own registered agent in Massachusetts?
Generally yes, if you have a physical address in Massachusetts and are available during business hours. Confirm with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Corporations Division.
How much does it cost to change registered agents in Massachusetts?
The state charges $25. $25 by paper or fax, but $0 (free) if filed electronically.
Can a registered agent use a PO box in Massachusetts?
No. Registered agents need a physical street address in Massachusetts where legal papers can be delivered in person during business hours.
How much does a registered agent service cost in Massachusetts?
Commercial services typically charge a yearly fee. Northwest charges $125 a year and Bizee charges $149 a year after a free first year with formation, based on prices we checked. The state doesn't regulate these prices.
What happens if my Massachusetts LLC doesn't have a registered agent?
You can miss lawsuits and state notices, and the state can eventually move to revoke or dissolve the LLC. If the LLC misses two consecutive years, the state will initiate administrative dissolution proceedings (allowing 90 days to correct).
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.
Still being confirmed with the state: ra.self allowed, report.late penalty.