WEBVTT

00:00:00.220 --> 00:00:06.700
<v Dan>The 5 best registered agents in Oklahoma in 2026 are Mainstay Filing, Northwest

00:00:06.744 --> 00:00:12.140
<v Dan>Registered Agent, OK Registered Agent.org, Bizee, and

00:00:12.238 --> 00:00:14.860
<v Dan>Oklahoma Registered Agent.co.

00:00:14.860 --> 00:00:17.900
<v Maya>This is The Business Formation Podcast.

00:00:18.087 --> 00:00:21.340
<v Maya>Oklahoma is a little unusual, isn't it?

00:00:21.340 --> 00:00:25.900
<v Dan>It is. An Oklahoma LLC is allowed to be its own agent.

00:00:26.000 --> 00:00:31.100
<v Dan>But the office has to be open during business hours, and a change of agent is $25.

00:00:32.167 --> 00:00:33.580
<v Maya>So what does the law say?

00:00:33.580 --> 00:00:39.740
<v Dan>Under title 18, section 2010, every Oklahoma LLC must keep a registered office and a

00:00:39.791 --> 00:00:43.500
<v Dan>registered agent for service of process, at all times.

00:00:43.500 --> 00:00:45.420
<v Maya>Who qualifies?

00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:52.300
<v Dan>The LLC itself, an individual who lives in Oklahoma, or a corporation, LLC or

00:00:52.353 --> 00:00:57.420
<v Dan>partnership that is formed in the state or qualified to do business here.

00:00:57.420 --> 00:00:58.700
<v Maya>What about the address?

00:00:58.700 --> 00:01:02.380
<v Dan>A street address. P.O. boxes aren't accepted.

00:01:02.560 --> 00:01:07.421
<v Dan>And the agent's office has to be open during regular business hours to take papers.

00:01:07.421 --> 00:01:09.981
<v Maya>I'm Maya, by the way, here with Dan.

00:01:09.981 --> 00:01:12.381
<v Dan>Good to be here, Maya. Now the five.

00:01:14.902 --> 00:01:16.662
<v Maya>Who's first?

00:01:16.662 --> 00:01:23.062
<v Dan>Mainstay Filing, $149 a year, and the renewal is the same $149.

00:01:23.062 --> 00:01:24.262
<v Maya>What's in that?

00:01:24.262 --> 00:01:28.822
<v Dan>Its Oklahoma address goes on the public record, not yours.

00:01:28.902 --> 00:01:33.302
<v Dan>Anything served on your company is scanned and uploaded the same business day, at no

00:01:33.402 --> 00:01:37.542
<v Dan>fee. Your first three government mailings each year are scanned free.

00:01:37.542 --> 00:01:40.022
<v Maya>I already have an agent.

00:01:40.022 --> 00:01:42.262
<v Dan>Then Mainstay files the switch.

00:01:42.342 --> 00:01:45.301
<v Dan>You pay the $25 state fee, at cost.

00:01:46.129 --> 00:01:47.782
<v Maya>Where's the catch?

00:01:47.782 --> 00:01:53.542
<v Dan>If the lowest flat price is the goal, two agents on this list charge $99.

00:01:54.266 --> 00:01:55.306
<v Maya>Number two?

00:01:55.306 --> 00:01:59.546
<v Dan>Northwest Registered Agent at $125 a year.

00:01:59.586 --> 00:02:04.026
<v Dan>Its page says the price hasn't changed in 20 years, and up to 10 pieces of business

00:02:04.074 --> 00:02:06.106
<v Dan>mail a year are scanned free.

00:02:06.106 --> 00:02:07.945
<v Maya>What should I watch for?

00:02:07.945 --> 00:02:11.706
<v Dan>Signing up auto-enrolls you in its annual report filing service.

00:02:11.818 --> 00:02:16.506
<v Dan>That's $100 plus state fees for each filing, until you cancel.

00:02:16.506 --> 00:02:19.226
<v Maya>Does Oklahoma even have an annual report?

00:02:19.226 --> 00:02:23.786
<v Dan>It has an annual certificate, and the state fee is $25.

00:02:23.973 --> 00:02:27.546
<v Dan>So the service could cost four times what the state charges.

00:02:28.277 --> 00:02:29.877
<v Maya>Third?

00:02:29.877 --> 00:02:36.757
<v Dan>OK Registered Agent.org, $99 a year, and still $99 at renewal.

00:02:36.777 --> 00:02:41.557
<v Dan>You get the address on your filings, same-day scanning of legal mail, and reminders

00:02:41.603 --> 00:02:43.557
<v Dan>before state deadlines.

00:02:43.557 --> 00:02:44.517
<v Maya>And moving to it?

00:02:44.517 --> 00:02:46.677
<v Dan>Only the $25 state fee.

00:02:46.677 --> 00:02:48.597
<v Maya>Is there a downside?

00:02:48.597 --> 00:02:51.077
<v Dan>Annual report filing is a separate service.

00:02:51.077 --> 00:02:53.317
<v Maya>How does it compare to Mainstay?

00:02:53.317 --> 00:02:58.437
<v Dan>$50 a year cheaper. Over three years, that's $150.

00:03:02.037 --> 00:03:03.077
<v Maya>Four?

00:03:03.077 --> 00:03:05.237
<v Dan>Bizee, which used to be Incfile.

00:03:05.417 --> 00:03:10.197
<v Dan>The registered agent is free for the first year with any formation package, then

00:03:10.257 --> 00:03:12.237
<v Dan>$149 a year.

00:03:12.237 --> 00:03:13.717
<v Maya>What's the fine print?

00:03:13.717 --> 00:03:15.877
<v Dan>The free year requires a formation order.

00:03:16.017 --> 00:03:19.637
<v Dan>And the $149 renewal happens automatically.

00:03:19.637 --> 00:03:22.197
<v Maya>What if my LLC already exists?

00:03:22.197 --> 00:03:26.677
<v Dan>Then there's no free year. You start at $149.

00:03:27.877 --> 00:03:28.757
<v Maya>And five?

00:03:28.757 --> 00:03:34.357
<v Dan>Oklahoma Registered Agent.co, a flat $99 a year.

00:03:34.457 --> 00:03:39.157
<v Dan>The registered office, same-day scanning of court papers, and reminders ahead of

00:03:39.210 --> 00:03:40.117
<v Dan>state deadlines.

00:03:40.117 --> 00:03:41.717
<v Maya>Same as number three?

00:03:41.717 --> 00:03:44.917
<v Dan>On price and on the catch, yes.

00:03:45.043 --> 00:03:48.197
<v Dan>Annual report filing is a separate service.

00:03:48.917 --> 00:03:50.357
<v Maya>Where does the first agent go?

00:03:50.357 --> 00:03:54.197
<v Dan>In your Articles of Organization, Form 0073.

00:03:54.357 --> 00:03:58.797
<v Dan>Item 4 asks for the agent's name and Oklahoma street address.

00:03:58.797 --> 00:04:00.517
<v Maya>What does that filing cost?

00:04:00.517 --> 00:04:05.477
<v Dan>$100, or $104 if you file online with a card.

00:04:06.011 --> 00:04:07.797
<v Maya>Does the agent have to sign?

00:04:07.797 --> 00:04:12.917
<v Dan>No. The form has no agent signature line, and a manager signs for the company.

00:04:12.917 --> 00:04:14.837
<v Maya>So how do I know they agreed?

00:04:14.837 --> 00:04:19.797
<v Dan>You don't, unless you ask. That's why you should confirm first.

00:04:20.956 --> 00:04:22.156
<v Maya>How do I switch later?

00:04:22.156 --> 00:04:27.276
<v Dan>With Form 0075, a change or designation of registered agent.

00:04:27.436 --> 00:04:32.156
<v Dan>The fee is $25, plus a 4% card charge online.

00:04:32.156 --> 00:04:33.276
<v Maya>Who signs it?

00:04:33.276 --> 00:04:38.636
<v Dan>Any manager. Then it takes effect when the Secretary of State files it, unless you

00:04:38.668 --> 00:04:40.636
<v Dan>pick a later date within 90 days.

00:04:40.636 --> 00:04:41.756
<v Maya>Is it online?

00:04:41.756 --> 00:04:47.356
<v Dan>Yes. The state's entity filing page has a Change of Agent and Office service.

00:04:47.596 --> 00:04:48.876
<v Dan>Or you can mail it.

00:04:48.876 --> 00:04:51.916
<v Maya>And is the office address part of the same form?

00:04:51.916 --> 00:04:57.356
<v Dan>It is. The same form covers the registered office and the principal office.

00:04:58.132 --> 00:04:59.412
<v Maya>What if the agent quits?

00:04:59.412 --> 00:05:03.172
<v Dan>It files Form 0078 and pays $25.

00:05:03.372 --> 00:05:08.132
<v Dan>But it has to tell your LLC at least 30 days before it files.

00:05:08.132 --> 00:05:08.772
<v Maya>And then?

00:05:08.772 --> 00:05:11.892
<v Dan>The resignation takes effect 30 days after filing.

00:05:12.105 --> 00:05:14.532
<v Dan>So you get at least 60 days in all.

00:05:15.372 --> 00:05:16.932
<v Maya>And if I don't name anyone new?

00:05:16.932 --> 00:05:19.332
<v Dan>The Secretary of State becomes your agent.

00:05:19.428 --> 00:05:23.012
<v Dan>That carries a $40 fee that's due every July 1.

00:05:23.730 --> 00:05:25.890
<v Maya>What happens to a lawsuit with no agent?

00:05:25.890 --> 00:05:30.530
<v Dan>Someone can serve the Secretary of State as your agent, if the LLC has none or the

00:05:30.597 --> 00:05:31.810
<v Dan>agent can't be found.

00:05:31.810 --> 00:05:35.410
<v Maya>What does that cost the person suing?

00:05:35.410 --> 00:05:37.010
<v Dan>$25 per service.

00:05:37.010 --> 00:05:39.010
<v Maya>Do I get told?

00:05:39.010 --> 00:05:43.490
<v Dan>Under Oklahoma's court rules, the state mails notice by certified mail within three

00:05:43.550 --> 00:05:48.090
<v Dan>working days. But you would be relying on the state to reach you, instead of a

00:05:48.119 --> 00:05:49.329
<v Dan>person who answers the door.

00:05:50.170 --> 00:05:52.369
<v Maya>And the answer deadline?

00:05:52.369 --> 00:05:55.170
<v Dan>40 days after service on the Secretary of State.

00:05:55.314 --> 00:06:00.050
<v Dan>That's under the court rules for corporations, so how it applies to LLCs isn't

00:06:00.100 --> 00:06:01.090
<v Dan>settled in our notes.

00:06:03.347 --> 00:06:05.387
<v Maya>What does Oklahoma ask for each year?

00:06:05.387 --> 00:06:11.067
<v Dan>An annual certificate. It's $25, due on your LLC's anniversary date.

00:06:11.067 --> 00:06:12.307
<v Maya>And if I'm late?

00:06:12.307 --> 00:06:16.707
<v Dan>Sixty days late, and the LLC ceases to be in good standing.

00:06:16.707 --> 00:06:18.547
<v Maya>Does the agent get the reminder?

00:06:18.547 --> 00:06:21.507
<v Dan>No, and this one surprises people.

00:06:21.621 --> 00:06:25.427
<v Dan>Notice goes only to the email on file for the LLC.

00:06:25.427 --> 00:06:27.347
<v Maya>So keep that email current.

00:06:27.347 --> 00:06:30.307
<v Dan>Yes. It's the only warning you'll get.

00:06:31.080 --> 00:06:32.440
<v Maya>Can I act as my own agent?

00:06:32.440 --> 00:06:38.960
<v Dan>Yes, in two ways. Name the LLC itself, or name yourself if you live in Oklahoma.

00:06:38.960 --> 00:06:40.200
<v Maya>What does that cost?

00:06:40.200 --> 00:06:41.800
<v Dan>Nothing but the filing.

00:06:41.800 --> 00:06:43.320
<v Maya>What's the tradeoff?

00:06:43.320 --> 00:06:47.560
<v Dan>The street address goes on the public record, and someone has to be there during

00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:49.721
<v Dan>regular business hours to accept papers.

00:06:49.721 --> 00:06:51.481
<v Maya>What does the agent actually do?

00:06:51.481 --> 00:06:54.761
<v Dan>Accepts service of process if someone sues the LLC.

00:06:54.889 --> 00:06:55.961
<v Dan>That's the job.

00:06:58.154 --> 00:07:00.315
<v Maya>Is there a checklist for switching in Oklahoma?

00:07:00.315 --> 00:07:03.675
<v Dan>Four steps. Confirm the new agent has said yes.

00:07:03.851 --> 00:07:08.475
<v Dan>File Form 0075 and wait for the state to accept it.

00:07:08.635 --> 00:07:12.155
<v Dan>Update the email address the LLC has on file.

00:07:12.315 --> 00:07:14.635
<v Dan>Then tell the old agent it's over.

00:07:14.635 --> 00:07:16.155
<v Maya>Why that order?

00:07:16.155 --> 00:07:20.475
<v Dan>Because the change takes effect when the state files it, not when you click send.

00:07:20.622 --> 00:07:23.955
<v Dan>Until then, the old agent is still the one on record.

00:07:24.815 --> 00:07:26.475
<v Maya>And if I want a later date?

00:07:26.475 --> 00:07:30.076
<v Dan>You can choose one, as long as it's within 90 days of filing.

00:07:30.076 --> 00:07:31.596
<v Maya>What about the office address?

00:07:31.596 --> 00:07:35.436
<v Dan>The registered office doesn't have to be your principal place of business.

00:07:35.569 --> 00:07:37.676
<v Dan>It can be, but it doesn't have to be.

00:07:40.553 --> 00:07:42.393
<v Maya>How should an Oklahoma owner choose?

00:07:42.393 --> 00:07:48.473
<v Dan>Ask three things. Does the price hold after year one, is there a real Oklahoma

00:07:48.519 --> 00:07:51.513
<v Dan>street address, and who files the change for you.

00:07:51.513 --> 00:07:52.953
<v Maya>And your pick?

00:07:52.953 --> 00:07:56.873
<v Dan>Mainstay Filing, at $149 a year.

00:07:57.622 --> 00:07:58.822
<v Maya>Give me all five again.

00:07:58.822 --> 00:08:03.942
<v Dan>One, Mainstay Filing: $149, same at renewal.

00:08:04.222 --> 00:08:10.182
<v Dan>Two, Northwest: $125, with the report service to cancel.

00:08:10.382 --> 00:08:16.183
<v Dan>Three, OK Registered Agent.org: $99 flat.

00:08:16.438 --> 00:08:21.702
<v Dan>Four, Bizee: free the first year with a formation order, then

00:08:21.802 --> 00:08:28.182
<v Dan>$149. Five, Oklahoma Registered Agent.co:

00:08:28.296 --> 00:08:30.102
<v Dan>$99 flat.

00:08:30.102 --> 00:08:32.262
<v Maya>The links are in the show notes.

00:08:32.376 --> 00:08:35.782
<v Maya>Thanks for listening to The Business Formation Podcast.
