How to Change Your Registered Agent in Alabama: (Step-by-Step)

Whether you’re looking to change your registered agent due to poor service or want to switch to a different provider, the state of Alabama makes it easy to get started. With clear guidelines and efficient procedures in place, you can ensure a smooth transition for your business.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to change your registered agent and provide some helpful tips along the way.

Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Alabama

This section will outline the steps you need to take to change your registered agent in Alabama.

Step #1. List Your Alabama entity ID number

Before changing your registered agent, you must have your Alabama entity ID number. The Alabama Secretary of State’s office assigns this number to your business entity. You can find your Alabama entity ID number on any previous filings you have made with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office.

I personally used Northwest Registered Agent services recently, and they efficiently handled all my LLC paperwork, making the process hassle-free.

Step #2. List the name of your business entity

You will also need to list the name of your business entity, which is registered with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office. Make sure that you spell the name of your business entity correctly.

Step #3. List the name of your current registered agent

You will need to list the name of your current registered agent. This is the person or company that is currently serving as your registered agent in Alabama.

Step #4. List the name of your new registered agent

Next, you will need to list the name of your new registered agent. This is the person or company that you have selected to serve as your new registered agent in Alabama.

Step #5. List the address of your new registered agent

You will also need to list the address of your new registered agent. This is the physical address where your new registered agent will be available during regular business hours to receive service of process and other legal documents on behalf of your business entity.

Step #6. Sign the document

You must sign the document once you have listed all the required information. This document is called the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office. You can download this form from the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

Here’s how Alabama Change of Registered Agent form for a registered agent looks like:

Step #7. Have your new registered agent sign the document

Your new registered agent must sign the document to confirm that they agree to serve as your registered agent in Alabama.

Step #8. Fill out your credit card information

You must complete your credit card information on the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form. This is to pay the filing fee for changing your registered agent in Alabama.

Step #9. Scan and email your completed document to the Alabama SOS

Finally, you must scan and email your completed document to the Alabama Secretary of State’s office. The email address for filing the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office is provided on the form. Once your filing has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email from the Alabama Secretary of State’s office.

Remember, your registered agent is responsible for receiving service of process and other legal documents on behalf of your business entity. It is important to keep your registered agent information up-to-date with the Alabama Secretary of State’s office.

Choosing a New Registered Agent

When choosing a new registered agent for your Alabama business, you can consider different types of registered agents. Additionally, several factors must be considered when selecting a professional service to ensure a smooth transition.

Types of Registered Agents

There are three main types of registered agents in Alabama:

• Individual: An individual registered agent is a person who resides in Alabama and is available during regular business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of your business.
• Business Entity: A business entity registered agent is a company that provides registered agent services in Alabama. This registered agent can offer additional services like mail forwarding and compliance reminders.
• Yourself: You can act as your registered agent if you have a physical address in Alabama and are available during regular business hours to accept legal documents

Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service

When selecting a professional registered agent service, there are several factors to consider to ensure a smooth transition:

• Experience: Look for a registered agent service with experience in handling legal documents and providing timely notifications.
• Cost: Consider the price of the registered agent service and any additional services that may be included.
• Location: Ensure the registered agent service has a physical address in Alabama and is available during regular business hours to accept legal documents.
• Reputation: Research the reputation of the registered agent service by reading reviews and checking with the Better Business Bureau.
• Customer Service: Consider the registered agent’s level of customer service, including availability and responsiveness to inquiries.

Considering these factors, you can select a new registered agent service that meets your needs and ensures a smooth transition for your Alabama business.

Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Alabama LLC Registered Agent?

Northwest Registered Agent can handle changing your registered agent in Alabama hassle-free. They provide a range of services for your business, all included in their flat annual fee, which never increases.

Here are some reasons why you should consider using Northwest as your Alabama LLC registered agent:

• They will file your Alabama change of registered agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. This means you don’t have to worry about the paperwork or the filing fee.
• Instant registered agent services annual price: $125. This is a competitive price for the services they offer.
• Instant Alabama forms are located directly in your online account so that you can file a claim in Alabama. This makes it easy for you to file your Alabama paperwork.
• State resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can access helpful resources to file your paperwork yourself.
• Northwest registered agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you never miss a deadline.
• They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. This means you receive essential documents promptly, without any additional fees.

What does the State of Alabama Say about changing a registered agent?

When you form a business entity in Alabama, you are required to appoint a registered agent. The registered agent is the person or entity that receives legal and official documents for your business. If you need to change your registered agent, you must follow the rules of the State of Alabama.

According to the Alabama Secretary of State, you must file a “Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity” form with their office. You can download this form from their website or request a copy by mail. The form must be typed and signed by the new registered agent.

When completing the form, it’s essential to provide the name and address of the new registered agent. The new agent must be based in Alabama and have a physical street address (PO boxes are not accepted). You also need to provide the name and address of your business entity and the name and address of your current registered agent. This information is crucial for a smooth transition.

Once you have completed the form, you must submit it to the Alabama Secretary of State along with the filing fee. The fee for changing your registered agent is $100. You can pay this fee by check or credit card.

Mail two copies of the completed form, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope, to the following address:

Secretary of State, Business Services, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, Alabama 36103.

It is important to note that the State of Alabama takes 3 to 5 working days to process your agent change. After processing your request, the Alabama Secretary of State will send you a confirmation letter.

Final Thoughts

Changing your registered agent in Alabama is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. By following the guidelines provided by the Alabama Secretary of State, you can ensure that your business entity is in good standing and compliant with state regulations.

Here are the steps you need to take to change your registered agent in Alabama:

• List your Alabama entity ID number.
• List the name of your business entity.
• List the name of your current registered agent.
• List the name of your new registered agent.
• List the address of your new registered agent.
• Sign the document.
• Have your new registered agent sign the document.
• Fill out your credit card information.
• Scan and email your completed document to the Alabama SOS.

When selecting a new registered agent, choosing someone reliable, professional, and knowledgeable about the role’s responsibilities is essential. A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and important notices on behalf of your business entity, so it is crucial to select someone who can fulfill this role effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for changing my LLC’s registered agent in Alabama?

You must follow simple steps to change your LLC’s registered agent in Alabama. First, you must find a new registered agent meeting Alabama’s requirements. Then, you need to notify your current registered agent of the change. Finally, you must file the Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form with the Alabama Secretary of State.

What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Alabama?

To update your registered agent information in Alabama, you must file the Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form with the Alabama Secretary of State. This form can be downloaded from the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

Can I be my registered agent in Alabama, and what are the requirements?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Alabama as long as you meet the following requirements: you must be a resident of Alabama or have a physical street address in Alabama, you must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and other important mail, and you must be willing to have your name and address listed on public records.

How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Alabama?

To change a registered agent in Alabama, you must pay a $100 fee when filing the “Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity” form with the Alabama Secretary of State. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.

Can I change my registered agent online with the Alabama Secretary of State?

You can change your registered agent online with the Alabama Secretary of State. You can submit the Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Alabama?

Yes, Alabama has a few restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. The registered agent must be a resident of Alabama or have a physical street address in Alabama and must be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents and other important mail.

How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Alabama?

The state of Alabama usually processes and completes the change of registered agent within 1-2 weeks of receiving the Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form.

How do I contact the Alabama Secretary of State?

You can contact the Alabama Secretary of State at (334) 242-7200 or miscellaneous.filings@sos.alabama.gov. For more information, visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s website at https://www.sos.alabama.gov/.