​Do I really need a registered agent?

Do I really need a registered agent or is this just another thing everyone pays for but doesn’t need?

So I’m setting up my first LLC and I keep seeing this registered agent requirement pop up everywhere. The state wants one, the filing service keeps pushing their $200/year package, and honestly I’m starting to feel like it’s just another BS fee they invented to milk small business owners.

Like, I get the *concept* – someone has to receive legal docs and state mail or whatever. But can’t I just… be my own registered agent? Put down my home address and call it a day? I work from home anyway, so I’m here during business hours. Feels like paying $200-300/year for someone to forward me mail is kinda expensive when I could literally just check my own mailbox.

However a buddy of mine runs an e-commerce thing and he said he uses a service. Says it saved him once when he missed some annual report deadline and they sent him like 3 reminders before the state would’ve hit him with penalties. But then again, he’s also the type who forgets to pay his phone bill half the time, so maybe that’s just a *him* problem…

What’s been bugging me is the privacy angle too. Do I really want my home address plastered on public records? I’ve heard stories about people getting random stuff mailed to them or even process servers showing up during dinner. But is that actually a real concern or just fearmongering from companies trying to upsell their services?

And what about when you expand? Like if I eventually need to register in another state (not planning on it now but who knows), does that mean I need *another* registered agent in that state? Sounds like it could get expensive fast if you’re scaling.

So, for those of you who’ve been through this, did you DIY your registered agent situation or hire a service? Any horror stories about missed filings or legal docs getting lost? Or is it genuinely not that big of a deal and I’m overthinking this whole thing?

Trying to figure out if this is one of those spend a little now to save a headache later situations or if I’m just being paranoid. Would love to hear what worked (or didn’t work) for you guys.