What must a corporation have in order to establish personal jurisdiction in a state?

To establish personal jurisdiction in a state, a corporation must have a registered agent within that state. A registered agent serves as the official point of contact for legal documents and proceedings, ensuring that the corporation can be served with notice of lawsuits or other legal actions. This requirement is established to provide a clear and accessible means for a state to exert jurisdiction over a corporation doing business within its borders, even if that corporation does not have a physical office located there.

Having a registered agent signifies that the corporation has a presence in the state and is thus subject to that state's legal authority, allowing it to engage in business while also protecting the interests of the public and ensuring fair legal practices. This contrasts with the options involving a physical office, an owner residing in the state, or a sales representative, which do not necessarily guarantee jurisdiction on their own without the formal recognition established by having a registered agent.