How to Change Your Registered Agent in Illinois (Guide)

Changing your registered agent in Illinois is easy—just a few easy steps, and you’re good to go!

Whether you’re fed up with your current agent or just moved, keeping up with Illinois state rules is key.

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing your registered agent in Illinois.

Steps on How To Change Your Registered Agent in Illinois

Here are the steps to change your Illinois registered agent:

Step #1. Select a new Illinois registered agent

The first step in changing your Illinois registered agent is to select a new one. While you can choose to act as your registered agent, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional service.

The registered agent must have a physical address in Illinois and be available during business hours to receive legal documents on your behalf.

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

Before changing your registered agent, you must inform your current agent of your decision to switch. This can be done by sending them a letter or email. It is essential to ensure that you have received confirmation from your current registered agent that they have been notified of the change.

Step #3. Preparing the Statement of Change Form

The next step is to prepare the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office form. This form can be obtained from the Illinois Secretary of State website or a registered agent service provider. The form requires you to provide information about your company, former registered agent, and new agent.

Here is what the Illinois Statement of Change form for a registered agent looks like:

Step #4. Obtaining Consent from the New Agent

Before filing the Statement of Change form, you must obtain written consent from your new registered agent. This can be done by providing them with a Consent to Appointment form, which they must sign and return to you.

Step #5. Filing the Change with the Illinois Secretary of State

The final step is to file the completed Statement of Change form with the Illinois Secretary of State. You can file the form online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $25. Once the form is processed, the Illinois Secretary of State will update their records and send a confirmation to your new registered agent.

Choosing a New Registered Agent

In this section, I will discuss the types of registered agents available and the considerations you should consider when selecting a professional service.

Types of Registered Agents

You can choose from two types of registered agents: an individual or a professional registered agent service. An individual can be anyone who is a resident of Illinois or a corporation that is authorized to transact business in the state. A professional registered agent service is a company that specializes in providing registered agent services.

If you choose an individual as your registered agent, they must have a physical address in Illinois to receive legal documents on your behalf. If you choose a professional registered agent service, they will provide you with an address to use as your registered office address.

Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service

When selecting a professional registered agent service, there are several considerations you should keep in mind.

These include:

• Experience: Look for a registered agent service that has experience serving businesses in Illinois. They should be familiar with the state’s laws and requirements.

• Flexibility: Choose a registered agent service that can accommodate your business’s needs. For example, if you have multiple locations in Illinois, ensure the service can provide registered agent services at each location.

• Registered Agent’s Address: Ensure the registered agent service provides a physical address in Illinois where legal documents can be served.

• Registered Office Address: If you choose a professional registered agent service, they will provide you with an address to use as your registered office address. Make sure this address complies with Illinois’s requirements.

• Cost: Compare the costs of different registered agent services to find one that fits your budget.

Considering these factors, you can choose a new registered agent that meets your business’s needs and ensures compliance with Illinois’s requirements.

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

Northwest Registered Agent is a great option for changing your registered agent in Illinois.

Here’s why:

• Expertise in Illinois Business Filings: Northwest has a team of Illinois experts who know the ins and outs of all business filings and what the Illinois Secretary of State requires. This means you can trust them to handle your paperwork accurately and efficiently.

• Instant Forms and State Resources: When you use Northwest as your registered agent, you can access Illinois forms directly in your online account. Additionally, you’ll have access to state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you.

• Annual Report Reminders: Northwest sends multiple annual report reminders, so you never miss a deadline. You can also track your due dates in your online account, making it easy to stay on top of your annual filing requirements.

• Real-Time Document Scanning: Northwest locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. This means you’ll receive important legal documents as soon as they arrive, giving you more time to respond.

• Competitive Pricing: Northwest offers instant registered agent services at an annual price of $125. This is a competitive price compared to other registered agent services, making it an affordable option for small business owners.

• Filing Assistance: When you choose Northwest as your registered agent, they will file your Illinois Statement of Change by Business Entity and Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. You can focus on running your business while they handle the paperwork.

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

If you want to change your registered agent in Illinois, follow the Illinois Secretary of State guidelines. The state requires all businesses to have a registered agent in Illinois to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits and tax notices. The registered agent must have a physical address in Illinois where they can be reached during normal business hours.

You must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Illinois Secretary of State to change your registered agent. The form can be filed online or by mail. If you file online, you will receive a confirmation email once your form has been processed.

If you file by mail, send your completed form to:

Illinois Secretary of State
Department of Business Services
501 S. 2nd Street, Room 350
Springfield, IL 62756

The fee for changing your registered agent in Illinois varies based on your business type. Nonprofits are charged $5, LLCs and corporations are charged $25, and LPs are charged $50. You can pay this fee by check or credit card in person.

It’s important to note that the State of Illinois will take 7 to 10 days to process the change of your agent. Once the change has been processed, the new registered agent will receive a notification from the Illinois Secretary of State.

Related: How to Change Your LLC Registered Agent (by states)

Final Thoughts

Changing your registered agent in Illinois is straightforward. It ensures your business complies with state regulations. Following these simple steps, you can smoothly transition to a new registered agent and stay organized with your business filings.

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

• Select a new Illinois registered agent: Choose an agent who meets state requirements.
• Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching: Inform them of the change in writing or using the required form.
• Prepare the Statement of Change Form: Complete the necessary form with your new agent’s details.
• Obtain consent from the new agent: Ensure your new agent signs the consent form.
• File the change with the Illinois Secretary of State: Submit the completed form and any required fees to the address provided earlier.

Frequently Asked Questions

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