Is Northwest Registered Agent Legit? A Straightforward Review 2026
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Yes, Northwest Registered Agent is a legitimate registered agent service founded in 1998. They charge $125/year for registered agent services and $39 for LLC formation, with strong privacy protection but higher pricing than competitors like ZenBusiness or Bizee.
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What Northwest Registered Agent Does
Northwest Registered Agent is a family-owned Washington-based company that handles legal documents and government correspondence for businesses. They’ve operated since 1998 and serve as registered agents for LLCs, corporations, and nonprofits across all 50 states.
Core services include:
- Registered agent service: $125 annually
- LLC formation: $39 flat rate
- EIN acquisition: $50
- Annual report filing
- Business address and phone services
Is Northwest Registered Agent Worth It?
Best for: Medium-sized businesses prioritizing privacy and customer service
Not ideal for: Budget-conscious startups (ZenBusiness and Bizee offer cheaper alternatives)
Pricing Comparison (2026)
| Service | Northwest | ZenBusiness | Bizee | Legalzoom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Agent | $125/year | $199/year | Free year 1, then $119 | $249/year |
| LLC Formation | $39 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| EIN Service | $50 | $99 | $70 | $79 |
Note: You can get an EIN free directly from the IRS, but paid services handle the paperwork for you.
What Makes Northwest Different
Strengths:
- No bundled packages – pay only for services you need
- Strong privacy protection (doesn’t sell your data)
- Exceptional customer support with real people
- Transparent flat-rate pricing
- Expedited VIP filing available (2 business days)
Weaknesses:
- Higher costs than budget competitors
- No free registered agent service (unlike first-year offers from Bizee)
- Charges $50 for EIN service you can get free from IRS
How Northwest Registered Agent Works
When you hire Northwest as your registered agent, they:
- Receive legal documents and government notices on your behalf
- Forward important correspondence promptly
- Keep your personal address private (not public record)
- Ensure you stay compliant with state requirements
- Handle annual report reminders and filings
Common Questions About Northwest
Do I need a registered agent?
Yes. Every LLC and corporation must have a registered agent with a physical address in their formation state to receive legal documents.
Can I be my own registered agent?
Yes, but your personal address becomes public record, and you must be available during business hours to receive documents.
Is Northwest better than ZenBusiness or Bizee?
Northwest offers better privacy protection and customer service but costs more. ZenBusiness and Bizee are better for tight budgets with their free LLC formation and lower registered agent fees.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent?
Your LLC can be administratively dissolved by the state, and you may miss important legal deadlines or lawsuits.
Who Should Use Northwest Registered Agent
Choose Northwest if you:
- Value privacy and data security
- Want customizable services without unnecessary add-ons
- Need responsive customer support
- Have a moderate budget ($125-200/year)
- Prefer dealing with a family-owned company
Choose alternatives if you:
- Need the cheapest option (try Bizee )
- Want all-inclusive packages (try LegalZoom)
- Prefer free first-year registered agent service (Bizee offers this)
How to Get Started with Northwest
- Visit Northwest Registered Agent’s website
- Select your state and service type (LLC, corporation, etc.)
- Choose individual services or create a custom plan
- Pay either upfront or via monthly installments
- Submit required business information
- Northwest files your paperwork within 2 business days (VIP) or standard processing time
Bottom Line
Northwest Registered Agent is a legitimate, reliable service with 27+ years in business. Their $125 annual registered agent fee is higher than budget competitors, but you get superior privacy protection and customer service.
Best alternative: If budget is tight, ZenBusiness or Bizee offer similar services at lower prices with free LLC formation.
The verdict: Northwest is worth the premium if privacy and personalized support matter more than saving $50-75 annually.
