How to Change Your Registered Agent in Arkansas (Guide)
Are you interested in changing your registered agent in AR State?
Luckily, switching up your registered agent in Arkansas is a piece of cake. Just follow a few easy steps to keep your business on the right side of state rules.
I’ll guide you through the process in this article and toss in some handy tips.
Let’s dive in!
- To change your registered agent in Arkansas, you must fill out a Notice of Change of Registered Agent Information form and send it to the Arkansas Secretary of State.
- You can do this online or with a paper form, and it’s free.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle the paperwork for you.
Steps on How To Change Your Registered Agent in Arkansas
Changing your Arkansas registered agent is a straightforward process that can be completed in simple steps.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step #1. Select a new Arkansas registered agent
The first step in changing your Arkansas registered agent is selecting a new agent. Your new agent can be an individual or a company, but they must be authorized to do business in Arkansas and have a physical address. You can find a list of registered agents on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching
After selecting a new agent, you must notify your former registered agent that you are switching. This is a courtesy and is not required by law.
You can do this by sending a letter or email to your former agent, informing them of your decision to switch agents.
Northwest is highly recommended for registered agent services. They manage all the paperwork accurately and promptly, ensuring a smooth process.
Step #3. Preparing the Statement of Change Form
The next step is to prepare the Statement of Change form. This form is available on the Arkansas Secretary of State website and must be completed and signed by an authorized representative of your company. The form requires basic information about your company, your former registered agent, and your new registered agent.
Here’s what the Arkansas Notice Of Change Of Registered Agent Information looks like:
Step #4. Obtaining Consent from the New Agent
Before filing the Statement of Change form, you must obtain consent from your new registered agent. You can do this by having your new agent sign the Consent to Appointment form, also available on the Arkansas Secretary of State website.
Step #5. Filing the Change with the Arkansas Secretary of State
The final step is to file the Statement of Change and Consent to Appointment forms with the Arkansas Secretary of State. You can file the forms online, by mail, or in person. Filing the forms is free, but you must ensure that they are completed correctly and signed by all necessary parties.
Changing your registered agent by amending your articles of incorporation or organization incurs a filing fee. This approach only makes sense if you’re already filing an amendment for another reason.
Related: How to Change Registered Agent on LLC (by states)
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Arkansas, choosing a new one that meets your business needs is essential.
Here are some essential factors to consider when selecting a new registered agent.
Types of Registered Agents
There are two types of registered agents in Arkansas: individual and commercial.
An individual registered agent is a person who resides in Arkansas and is willing to accept legal documents on behalf of your business during regular business hours. A commercial registered agent is a business entity that provides registered agent services to multiple clients.
If you opt for an individual registered agent, you must ensure they are always available during business hours to receive legal documents. On the other hand, commercial registered agents provide more flexibility as they have a team of professionals who can obtain legal documents on your behalf, ensuring that you never miss a critical document.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When you decide to use a professional registered agent service, you must ensure the service is reliable and has a good reputation. You can do this by reading reviews and asking for recommendations from other business owners.
Another factor to consider is confidentiality. A professional registered agent service must keep your business information confidential and not disclose it to third parties. Additionally, you must ensure that the service is flexible and can adjust to your business needs.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Arkansas LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice if you are looking for a reliable and efficient registered agent for your Arkansas LLC.
Here are some reasons why you should consider using them:
Expertise in Arkansas Business Filings
Northwest Registered Agent has a team of experts who are well-versed in all aspects of Arkansas business filings.
They know precisely what the Arkansas Secretary of State requires and can easily help you navigate the process. They will file your Arkansas Statement of Change by Business Entity and Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee.
Instant Registered Agent Services
Northwest Registered Agent offers instant registered agent services at an annual price of $125. With this service, you will have access to instant Arkansas forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Arkansas. You will also have state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you.
Annual Report Reminders and Tracking
Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. It ensures you always meet all deadlines and comply with Arkansas state regulations.
Real-time Document Scanning
Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time at no added cost. This means that you will receive important documents and information as soon as possible, allowing you to take prompt action.
What the State of Arkansas Says about Changing a Registered Agent
You must submit a Notice of Change of Registered Agent form to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office to change your registered agent in Arkansas. You can download this form from the Arkansas S.O.S Commercial Services and Business website.
Once you have completed the form, you must choose one of the three ways to file it with the Arkansas Secretary of State. You can file the form online, by mail, or in person. If you choose to file online, you can do so through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
If you choose to file by mail, you must send the completed form to the address listed on the form. If you file in person, you can bring the completed form to the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office during business hours.
It is important to note that there is a filing fee of $25 to change your registered agent in Arkansas. This fee can be paid online, by mail, or in person. If you choose to pay online, you can do so through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
If you choose to pay by mail, you must include a check or money order with your completed form. If you pay in person, you can pay with cash, check, or credit card at the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office.
Once completed, the form should be mailed to the following address:
Arkansas Secretary of State
Business and Commercial Services
1401 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 250
Little Rock, AR 72201
My Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Arkansas is a straightforward process that requires a few essential steps.
Here are the key takeaways on how to change your registered agent in Arkansas:
- Select a New Arkansas Registered Agent: Choose a new registered agent that meets the state’s requirements, such as having a physical address in Arkansas and being available during regular business hours.
- Notify Your Former Registered Agent: Inform your former agent that you are changing agents and provide them with your new agent’s name and contact information.
- Prepare the Statement of Change Form: Obtain a copy of the Statement of Change form from the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website and fill it out with the necessary information, including your new agent’s name and contact information.
- Obtain Consent from the New Agent: Your new registered agent must sign the Consent to Appointment form, indicating their willingness to serve as your registered agent.
- Filing the Change with the Arkansas Secretary of State: File your completed Statement of Change form, the Consent to Appointment form, and any required fees with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
It’s important to remember that changing your registered agent in Arkansas is not a one-time event. You must keep your agent information current to ensure that essential documents are received promptly.
Moreover, it’s essential to adhere to state regulations and requirements throughout the process. This will ensure that you are in good standing with the law and can conduct your business operations without any legal hurdles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Arkansas?
To change your registered agent in Arkansas, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address form with the Arkansas Secretary of State. You can download the form from the Arkansas Secretary of State website.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Arkansas?
You must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Address form with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
Can I be my registered agent in Arkansas, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Arkansas as long as you meet the following requirements:
You must be a resident of Arkansas or a corporation authorized to do business in Arkansas.
You must have a physical street address in Arkansas to receive legal documents during normal business hours.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Arkansas?
Submitting a Notice of Change of Registered Agent Information form is free. Hire Northwest to do it for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Arkansas Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online through the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Arkansas?
The registered agent must be an individual or entity authorized to do business in Arkansas and must have a physical street address in Arkansas where legal documents can be delivered during normal business hours.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Arkansas?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in Arkansas varies, but the Arkansas Secretary of State typically processes your request in 3-5 business days.
How do I contact the Arkansas Secretary of State?
You can contact the Arkansas Secretary of State at (501) 682-3409 or corporations@sos.arkansas.gov. You can also visit their website at www.sos.arkansas.gov for more information.
Change Registered Agent Services by State
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