This is the person whose name and address is supplied by the corporation or receiving official documents, such as notice of a lawsuit. Also called an agent for service of process or agent for acceptance of service. States typically require that a corporation name an actual person (usually in the articles of incorporation or other filing with the Secretary of State) who is authorized to accept service of any lawsuit or claim against the corporation. Many larger corporations, particularly those which operate in several states, name a professional agent which represents many corporations.
Requirements vary by state, so the Secretary of State in your area should be consulted for specific requirements in your area. The following is an example of one state's requirements for registred agents:
"The agent may be a natural person who is a resident of this state, or may be a domestic or foreign business corporation holding a license as such under the laws of this state that is authorized by its articles of incorporation to act as such agent, and that has a business address in this state."
