How to Change Your Registered Agent in Arizona (Guide)
If you run a business in Arizona, you might need to change your registered agent at some point.
Maybe your current agent isn’t delivering the level of service you need, or perhaps you’re looking to save some money with a more affordable option. Whatever the reason, understanding how to go about it is crucial.
In this guide, I’ll briefly explain the steps.
By the end, you’ll feel confident about managing the change of your registered agent in Arizona.
- To change your registered agent in Arizona, you must fill out a Statement of Change form and send it to the Arizona Corporations Commission (ACC).
- You can mail, fax, or take it in person. It costs $5 for LLCs, but it’s free for corporations.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they will handle the paperwork and the fee.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Arizona
Here are the steps you need to take to change your Arizona registered agent:
Step#1. Select a new Arizona statutory agent
The first step to changing your registered agent in Arizona is to select a new statutory agent. Your new agent must meet the requirements set by the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). The new agent must be a resident of Arizona or a corporation authorized to do business in Arizona.
Not long ago, I tried Northwest Registered Agent services. They handled my LLC paperwork, making everything straightforward and stress-free.
For smooth operations, it is recommended that you choose Northwest as your registered agent in Arizona. They handle paperwork, allowing you to focus on business development.
Step#2. Notify Your Former Registered Agent
Once you have selected your new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you will change agents. This notification can be done by mail, email, or fax. It is important to ensure that your former agent is aware of the change to avoid confusion.
Step#3. Completing the Statutory Agent Acceptance Form
After notifying your former registered agent, you need to complete the Statutory Agent Acceptance Form. Your new registered agent is required to complete this form to accept the appointment. The form can be completed online or on paper.
Here’s how the Arizona Statutory Agent Acceptance Form for a registered agent looks like:
Step#4. Complete and submit your Arizona Statement of Change to the ACC
The final step is to complete and submit your Arizona Statement of Change to the ACC.
You must file this form with the Arizona Corporations Commission. LLC filing fee is $5, and no corporation fee exists. You can submit the form by mail, fax, or in person.
When submitting your form, make sure to include a cover sheet that includes your name, contact information, and the name of your new registered agent. The cover sheet should also include the filing fee, if applicable.
Your Arizona statutory agent must agree to the appointment and complete and sign a section on the Statement of Change form. Normal processing for a change of agent takes about 20 business days. Expedited processing takes 2-3 days to complete and incurs an expedited fee of $35.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
This section will discuss the types of registered agents available and considerations for selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
There are two main types of registered agents: professionals who provide registered agent services and individuals who are residents of Arizona.
Professional Registered Agent Service
A professional registered agent service is a company that specializes in providing registered agent services to businesses. These companies typically offer various services, including mail forwarding, document scanning, and compliance monitoring.
One benefit of using a professional service is that it can provide a level of expertise and support that an individual may not be able to offer.
Resident of Arizona
Another option is selecting an Arizona resident as your registered agent.
This person must be at least 18 years old and have a physical address in the state. While this option may be more cost-effective, it may not provide the same level of support and expertise as a professional service.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When selecting a professional registered agent service, there are several factors to consider:
- Reputation: Look for a service with a good reputation and positive reviews from other businesses.
- Experience: Consider a service with experience working with businesses similar to yours.
- Services offered: Make sure the service offers the specific services you need, such as mail forwarding or compliance monitoring.
- Cost: Compare the costs of different services to find one that fits within your budget.
Northwest Registered Agent is one example of a professional registered agent service operating in Arizona.
It offers various services, including mail forwarding, compliance monitoring, and document scanning. It also has a good reputation and positive reviews from other businesses.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Arizona LLC Registered Agent?
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient registered agent service for your Arizona LLC, Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent option to consider.
I’ve been using them for years!
Here are some reasons why you should use Northwest as your Arizona LLC registered agent:
Expertise in Arizona business filings:
Northwest has a team of Arizona experts who know the ins and outs of all business filings and what the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) requires. This means they can provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding any changes or updates to Arizona business laws and regulations.
Efficient filing process:
When you use Northwest as your registered agent, they will file your Arizona change of registered agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. It means you won’t have to worry about the paperwork or filing process and can focus on running your business.
Secure online portfolio:
As your registered agent, Northwest doesn’t wait for any legal correspondence they receive on your behalf. They immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere. It means you can stay on top of any real-time legal notices or correspondence your business receives.
Immediate statutory agent services:
Northwest offers instant statutory agent services for an annual price of $125. Northwest is ready to step in when you require a registered agent for your Arizona LLC, eliminating potential delays or waiting periods.
Convenient online account:
Northwest provides instant Arizona forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Arizona. They also offer state resources in your statutory agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. It means that you can easily access all the information and resources you need to manage your Arizona LLC in one convenient location.
Annual report reminders:
Northwest sends multiple yearly report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. You can complete all critical deadlines and avoid unnecessary penalties or fees.
Real-time document scanning:
Northwest locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time at no added cost. You can receive any legal documents or notices as soon as your registered agent receives them without any delays or additional fees.
What does the State of Arizona Say about Changing a Registered Agent?
If you need to change the registered agent for your Arizona LLC or corporation, you must follow the Arizona Secretary of State guidelines. The state of Arizona requires that you file a Statement of Change form with the Arizona Corporations Commission (ACC).
The process of submitting the form is straightforward. You can send it by mail, fax, or in person.
The form should include the name of your LLC or corporation, the name and address of your new registered agent, and the signature of an authorized representative of your LLC or corporation. The fee to file the Statement of Change is $5 for LLCs, and there is no fee for corporations.
Once completed, mail the form to the following address:
Arizona Corporation Commission – Examination Section
1300 W. Washington St.
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
If you fail to maintain a registered agent in Arizona, your LLC or corporation may be subject to administrative dissolution or revocation of your authority to do business in the state.
Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you have a registered agent who is reliable and available to receive legal documents and other vital communications for your business.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Arizona can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps.
Here’s a quick summary of what you need to take to change your registered agent in Arizona:
- Select a new Arizona statutory agent that meets the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) requirements.
- Notify your former registered agent of the change in writing, and ensure that they are removed from your company’s records with the ACC.
- Complete the Statutory Agent Acceptance Form with your new agent, and ensure that it is signed and notarized.
- Complete and submit your Arizona Statement of Change to the ACC, along with the required filing fee of $5.
Completing the necessary paperwork can be tedious, but it’s critical to ensure that your business complies with Arizona state law. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new registered agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Arizona?
To change your registered agent in Arizona, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address with the Arizona Corporation Commission. You can do this by mail or in person, and the form must be signed by an authorized representative of the company.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Arizona?
To update your registered agent information in Arizona, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address with the Arizona Corporation Commission. This form can be downloaded from the Arizona Corporation Commission website.
Can I be my own registered agent in Arizona, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Arizona, but you must meet certain requirements. You must be a resident of Arizona and have a physical address in the state where you can receive legal documents during business hours. You must also be available during business hours to receive these documents.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Arizona?
The fee to change your registered agent in Arizona is $5. This fee must be included with your Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address form. Hire Northwest to do it all.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Arizona Secretary of State?
You cannot change your registered agent online with the Arizona Secretary of State. You must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address with the Arizona Corporation Commission by mail or in person.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona has restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. The registered agent must be a resident of Arizona or a corporation authorized to do business in the state. Additionally, the registered agent must have a physical address in Arizona where they can receive legal documents during business hours.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Arizona?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in Arizona varies, but the Arizona Corporation Commission typically takes 5-10 business days to process the form and update the records.
How do I contact the Arizona Secretary of State?
To contact the Arizona Secretary of State, you can visit their website at https://azsos.gov/ or call their office at (602) 542-4285.
Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you buy via links on our website. Commissions don’t affect our opinions or evaluations. We’re also an independent affiliate of many platforms, including ClickFunnels, Kartra, GoHighLevel, Podia, Northwest Registered Agent, and others. We’re not employees of these services. We receive referral payments from them, and the opinions expressed here are our own and are not official statements of these companies.
