Every formal business entity in South Dakota (LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs, etc.) is required by state law to appoint a registered agent. South Dakota registered agents accept service of process on behalf of the business to which they’ve been appointed to serve. In lay terms, that means South Dakota registered agents are who receives notice of a lawsuit when a business entity like an LLC or corporation is sued. That is their primary purpose, but it’s not a South Dakota registered agent’s only duty. Registered agents in South Dakota also receive annual reports, tax notifications, and other important mail from the state.

In short, South Dakota registered agents are a South Dakota business entity’s official point of contact.