In United States business law, a registered agent, also known as a resident agent or statutory agent, is a business or individual designated to receive service of process when a business entity is a party in a legal action such as a lawsuit or summons. The registered agent's address may also be where the state sends the paperwork for the periodic renewal of the business entity's charter. The registered agent for a business entity may be an officer or employee of the company, or a third party, su