The name and address of the registered agent of a Georgia corporation or Limited Liability Company (LLC) is of public record.
This means anyone with access to the Internet can find the registered agent of an LLC or corporation in Georgia by using the Business Search tool on the Georgia Corporations Division website.
What Is a Registered Agent?
Sometimes known as a resident agent or statutory agent, a registered agent is an individual or business entity that is officially recognized by a state government to receive official documents and papers for qualified organizations and businesses. These official documents usually include things like official government correspondence and legal service of process papers.
The requirements to become a registered agent in Georgia are fairly simple to meet. For example, the owner or controlling officer of the business can be the registered agent, although this isn’t always the best thing to do.
If you’re also trying to find an owner of a business, you can sometimes find out who they are using the same process used for finding the registered agent. This is because a manager, partner or corporate officer will sometimes show up during a registered agent search. In some cases, this key individual will also be the owner.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Georgia?
Entities that may serve as the registered agent for an LLC or corporation in Georgia are similar to most other states. But there are some differences based on the type of Georgia LLC or corporation that needs a registered agent.
Domestic Profit and Nonprofit Corporation
The registered agent must be:
- An individual or entity that resides in Georgia;
- A domestic corporation or LLC; or
- A foreign corporation or LLC that’s authorized to do business in Georgia.
Foreign Profit and Nonprofit Corporation
The registered agent must be:
- An individual who resides in Georgia and has a business office that’s the same as its registered office;
- A domestic corporation or LLC; or
- A foreign corporation or LLC that’s authorized to do business in Georgia.
Domestic or Foreign LLC
The registered agent must be:
- An individual that resides in Georgia;
- A domestic corporation or LLC; or
- A foreign corporation or LLC that has a certificate of authority to do business in Georgia.
How to Lookup the Registered Agent and Owner in Georgia
Step 1: Business Search
Go to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Georgia Corporations Division website and click on the Business Search icon.
Step 2: Input Business Information
You can search for the business by using its business name, control number, registered agent name, or officer name.
Step 3: Search Results
If the search tool finds one or more businesses that match your search data, you will have a list of businesses to search through. Once you find the business you’re looking for, click on the business name, and it will take you to a page that lists a wide range of information about the entity, including:
- Business name, type, purpose, and status
- Control number
- Formation or registration date
- Last annual registration year
- Principal office address
- Registered agent name, address and county
Names, titles and business addresses of officers of the business (if a corporation)
Note that when browsing the search results, it will list abbreviated information, such as the name of the registered agent. However, if you want the address of the registered agent, you’ll need to click on the business name and review its Business Information and Registered Agent Information page.
How Can I Find the Registered Agent of a Nonprofit in Georgia?
The process for finding the registered agent of a Georgia nonprofit business entity is the same as looking for a for-profit corporation or LLC.
Conclusion
The Georgia Corporation Division’s Business Search page makes it easy to find important information about an LLC or corporation in Georgia. You can have the option to use various types of information to find what you’re looking for, whether you’re providing an exact match, part of a business name or control number. If you want to search with just a control number, you must provide the full control number as searches with a partial control number aren’t allowed.