The basics
What is a statutory agent? The person or company named on the Ohio Secretary of State's record to accept lawsuits and official notices for a business. What an Ohio statutory agent does.
Is it the same as a registered agent? Yes, in practice. Ohio's law and forms say statutory agent; most other states say registered agent. The difference is only the term.
Who needs one? Every Ohio LLC, corporation, and nonprofit corporation, plus out-of-state entities registered here. Sole proprietors do not.
Who can serve
Can I be my own agent? Yes, if you are an Ohio resident using your primary home address. Weigh it first.
Can I use a P.O. box? No. It must be an Ohio street address. Address rules.
I moved out of Ohio. Can I keep serving? No. A person serving must be an Ohio resident, so you need a replacement right away. Out-of-state owners.
Changing or losing an agent
How do I change agents? File Form 521 for a $25 state fee. The steps.
My agent resigned. What now? Appoint a replacement promptly. An LLC or for-profit corporation has 30 days from the filing before the resignation takes effect. What to do.
What happens with no agent at all? The state can cancel your business after notice, and you can be sued through the Secretary of State. Consequences.
Our service
What do you charge? $49 per business per year. Pricing.
Do you file the appointment? You can file it yourself using our instructions, or have us file it.
How fast do I see documents? The same business day they arrive.
Are you a law firm? No, and we cannot advise you on what to do about what arrives.
How do I cancel? In the portal, for that specific business. It stays active until the period you paid for ends, and you can undo the cancellation until then. Be sure a new agent is on file before then.
Reviewed by Sean Webb, owner of Ohio Registered Statutory Agent LLC. Updated 2026-11-06. General information, not legal advice.