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

You might want to change your registered agent in California State for several reasons.

Perhaps your current agent isn’t providing the level of service you require, or you’ve found a more reliable or cost-effective alternative.

Good call!

Or maybe your business has grown or relocated; a new registered agent might better align with your current operational needs. Understanding how to change your registered agent in California is essential for keeping your business in good standing with the state.

In this article, I guide you through the steps and considerations involved in making this vital change.

The Process of Changing Your Registered Agent in California

Changing your registered agent is a straightforward process that involves five steps. Follow these steps to change your registered agent in California:

Step 1: Select a new California registered agent

The first step in changing your registered agent is to select a new California registered agent. Your new registered agent must be in California and have a physical street address (not a P.O. Box).

You can act as your registered agent or hire a registered agent service. If you would hire a registered agent service, I’d highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent or Tailor Brands. Both are among the cheapest and most reliable LLC services I’ve used.

Step 2: Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching

Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former registered agent that you’re switching. This can be done by sending a letter or email to your former registered agent.

Please include the effective date of the change and the name and address of your new registered agent.

Step 3: Complete and submit your California Statement of Information to the California Secretary of State

To change your registered agent in California, you must complete and file a Statement of Information form with the California Secretary of State. The California Statement of Information can be submitted by mail, online (corporations only), or in person.

To complete the Statement of Information, you will need to provide the following information:

• Your business name and entity number
• The name and address of your new registered agent
• The name and address of your business
• The name and address of your officers and directors (corporations only)

Double-check the information on the form before submitting it to the California Secretary of State.

Step 4: Pay the filing fee (if applicable)

There is no fee if you file your Statement of Information outside the regular filing period. However, there is a fee if you file your Statement of Information during the regular filing period.

There is a $25 fee for corporations (including a $20 filing fee and $5 disclosure fee) and a $20 fee for LLCs.

Step 5: Confirm the change of registered agent

After you submit your Statement of Information form, the California Secretary of State will process it and update your business records. You can confirm the status of your filing online. You can also request a copy of your filed Statement of Information for your records.

Congratulations! You have successfully changed your registered agent in California.

Selecting a New Registered Agent

When changing your registered agent in California, you have two options: hiring a professional registered agent or acting as your agent. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and you should consider your specific needs and circumstances before deciding.

Professional Registered Agent vs. Self-Representation

A professional registered agent is a third-party company that provides registered agent services for a fee. They are responsible for promptly accepting legal documents and other important mail on your behalf and forwarding them to you.

Hiring a professional registered agent like Northwest can be beneficial if you want to ensure that important documents are handled promptly and efficiently.

On the other hand, if you choose to act as your agent, you must be available during business hours to accept legal documents and other important mail. This option can be cost-effective, but you must be vigilant and organized in managing your mail and legal documents.

Criteria for Choosing a Registered Agent

When selecting a new registered agent in California, there are several factors to consider:

• Experience: Look for a registered agent with expertise in your industry or business.
• Reputation: Choose a registered agent with a good reputation for reliability and professionalism.
• Availability: Ensure your registered agent is available during business hours to accept legal documents and other important mail.
• Location: If you are not a California resident, you must have a registered agent with a physical address in California.
• P.O. Box: A P.O. Box is not a valid address for a registered agent in California, so ensure your registered agent has a physical street address.

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

Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent option if you’re looking for a reliable and professional registered agent service for your California LLC.

I’ve been using them for almost five years as the backbone of my LLC. I can’t run my business or LLC paperwork without them.

Here are some reasons why you should also consider using them:

Expertise in California Business Filings

Northwest Registered Agent has a team of California experts who are well-versed in all aspects of business filings and what the California Secretary of State requires. This means they can provide accurate, up-to-date information and guidance on your California business needs.

Hassle-Free Filing

Northwest Registered Agent takes care of all the paperwork for you. They will file your California Statement of Change by Business Entity and Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. You don’t have to worry about navigating the complex California filing process.

Instant Access to California Forms

Northwest Registered Agent provides instant access to California forms directly in your online account. This makes it easy to create a filing in California whenever necessary.

State Resources and Self-Filing Instructions

Northwest Registered Agent also provides state resources in your registered agent service account, including self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can file your California paperwork yourself if you prefer.

Multiple Annual Report Reminders

Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline. You can also track your due dates in your online account.

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 you can receive critical legal documents as soon as they arrive, ensuring you can respond promptly and effectively to legal issues.

Affordable Annual Price

Northwest Registered Agent offers instant registered agent services for an annual price of $125. This is a competitive price compared to other registered agent services in California.

What the State of California Says about Changing a Registered Agent

Changing your registered agent in California is straightforward, but following the state’s guidelines is essential to ensure the change is valid.

The California Secretary of State requires all LLCs to have a registered agent available during business hours to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the company.

According to the California Secretary of State’s website, you must file a Statement of Information with the California Secretary of State to change your registered agent.

The form requires you to provide information about your LLC, including the new registered agent’s name and address. You can file the form online, by mail, or in person.

Once you have filed the Statement of Information, the California Secretary of State will process the form and update your LLC’s records. You can check your filing status online and request a copy of the filed Statement of Information for your records.

If you want to file in person or send by mail, you can send to this address:

California Secretary of State
1500 11th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Final Thoughts

Changing your registered agent in California may seem daunting, but keeping your business compliant with state laws is necessary.

Here are the steps to change your registered agent in CA:

• Step 1: Select a new California registered agent.
• Step 2: Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching.
• Step 3: Complete and submit your California Statement of Information to the California Secretary of State.
• Step 4: Pay the filing fee (if applicable).
• Step 5: Confirm the change of registered agent

Be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest legal requirements and regulations, and consider seeking the advice of a professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Finally, keep accurate records of your business transactions, including any changes to your registered agent. This will help ensure that you always comply with state laws and regulations and that your business runs smoothly and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Change Your Registered Agent in California

How do I remove an agent for service of process in California?

Submit the appropriate Statement of Information form (SI-100 or SI-550 for corporations, LLC-12 for LLCs) to the California Secretary of State by mail, online (for corporations only), or in person, indicating the removal of the current agent and the new agent’s information if applicable. A fee may apply if filed during the required period. Wait for confirmation of the change.

Is there a fee for updating the registered agent information with the California Secretary of State?

If you change your California registered agent during the required Statement of Information filing period, you must pay a $25 fee for corporations ($20 filing fee and $5 disclosure fee) and $20 for LLCs. However, if you choose Northwest Registered Agents, they will cover this fee. There is no fee for changing your registered agent outside the required filing period.

Can a business owner serve as their registered agent in California?

If they meet the requirements, a business owner can serve as their registered agent in California. The registered agent must be 18 or older, have a physical California address (no P.O. boxes or UPS drop points), and be able to receive mail during regular business hours.

What is the process for changing the registered agent for an LLC in California?

To change the registered agent for an LLC in California, you must file a Statement of Information (Form LLC-12) with the California Secretary of State. The form must include the name and address of the new registered agent. You can file the form online, by mail, or in person.

How much does a registered agent cost in CA?

Registered agent services typically cost between $100 and $150 per year. Northwest Registered Agents charge a $125 fee per year.

Are there any penalties for not maintaining a current registered agent on file in California?

Yes, you may be subject to a penalty fee if you fail to file the Statement of Information or update the registered agent information within the required timeframe. However, you can request a waiver of the penalty fee in writing to the Secretary of State.

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

The processing time for changing the registered agent in California varies depending on the method of filing. If you file the Statement of Information online, it is usually processed within 24 hours. If you file by mail or in person, processing may take up to 5 business days.

How do I contact the California Secretary of State?

Contact the California Secretary of State at (916) 653-6814. For more information, visit their website at sos.ca.gov or their physical address at 1500 11th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814.