How to Change Your Registered Agent in Indiana (Guide)
Attention Indiana business owners!
Maintaining an active registered agent is vital for handling legal matters smoothly.
This guide provides clear steps for changing your registered agent in Indiana, whether updating your current agent or transitioning to a new one.
- To change your registered agent in Indiana, you need to fill out and submit a Notice of Change of Registered Agent form to the Indiana Secretary of State.
- You can mail or deliver it in person, and there’s no fee to file.
- When you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork for you.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Indiana
Changing your registered agent in Indiana is a straightforward process that requires a few steps.
Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Indiana:
Step #1. Select a new Indiana registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent in Indiana is to select a new registered agent. Your new registered agent must be a resident of Indiana or a registered business entity authorized to do business in Indiana. You can select an individual or a business entity to serve as your registered agent.
My experience with Northwest’s services has been exceptional. Their top-notch customer service guided me through the process with clarity and professionalism.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent
Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are changing your registered agent. You should write to your former registered agent and provide them with your new agent’s name and contact information.
It is important to ensure that your former registered agent is aware of the change so they can forward any legal documents they receive on your behalf to your new registered agent.
By choosing Northwest’s services, you can streamline your administrative tasks. They handle all paperwork and filings for changing your registered agent, ensuring compliance with state regulations.
Step #3. Complete your Indiana Change of Registered Agent
The next step in changing your registered agent in Indiana is to complete your Indiana Change of Registered Agent form. This form is available on the Indiana Secretary of State’s website and can be completed online or by mail.
When completing the form, you must provide the name and contact information of your new registered agent and business entity. You will also need to sign the form and include the filing fee.
Here’s what the Indiana Statement of Change of Registered Agent looks like:
Step #4. Submit your Form to the Indiana Secretary of State
The final step in changing your registered agent in Indiana is to submit your completed Change of Registered Agent form to the Indiana Secretary of State.
The Indiana Notice of Change of Registered Agent must be submitted by mail or in person and has no filing fee.
Documents delivered to the Secretary of State (SOS) by walk-in or express mail will be processed accordingly:
- If received before noon, processing is completed by noon the following business day.
- Processing is completed by noon on the second business day if received after noon.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
This section will discuss the types of registered agents and the considerations for selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
Three types of registered agents exist: individuals, professional services, and businesses. An individual can serve as a registered agent for your business if they are a resident of Indiana and have a physical address in the state. A professional service is a company that specializes in registered agent services. A business can also serve as its registered agent, but it must have a physical address in Indiana.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to use a professional service as your registered agent, there are a few things to consider.
First, ensure the service is reputable and has a good track record. Look for reviews and testimonials from other businesses that have used the service.
Second, consider the cost. Some services may charge a flat fee, while others may charge a monthly or yearly fee. Make sure you understand the costs associated with the service before signing up.
Third, consider the level of support the service provides. Will they be available to answer your questions and provide assistance when needed?
Finally, consider any additional services the service may offer, such as mail forwarding or compliance monitoring.
Related: How to Change Your LLC Registered Agent (by states)
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Indiana LLC Registered Agent?
When changing your registered agent in Indiana, choosing a reliable company to handle your business’s legal correspondence is important. Northwest is that company.
Here are some reasons why you should consider using Northwest as your Indiana LLC registered agent:
- They will file your Indiana Notice of Change of Registered Agent paperwork, making the process quick and easy.
- As your registered agent, they don’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. This ensures that you never miss an important document or deadline.
- Their instant registered agent services annual price is only $125, which is an excellent value for the level of service you receive.
- Instant Indiana forms are located directly in your online account, saving you time and hassle when filing in Indiana.
- State resources and self-filing instructions are also available in your registered agent service account if you prefer to handle filings yourself.
- Northwest registered agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures you never miss a deadline and stay in good standing with the state.
- They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and send all documents to you in real time for no added cost. This ensures you receive all legal documents promptly and respond quickly if needed.
What does the State of Indiana Say about changing a registered agent?
Changing the registered agent of your business in Indiana is a straightforward process. The state of Indiana requires that you file a Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Indiana Secretary of State. You can complete and submit this form online through the INBiz portal or by mail to the Secretary of State’s office.
If you choose to file by mail, you will need to print the form, fill it out, and mail it to the Secretary of State’s office at the following address:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
302 West Washington Street, Room E018
Indianapolis, IN 46204
It is important to note that the State of Indiana will take 3 to 5 working days to process the change of your Registered Agent. Therefore, it is recommended that you submit your request well in advance of any deadlines or important dates.
Once the change has been processed, the state of Indiana will send a confirmation notice to the old and new registered agents. It is essential to ensure that your new registered agent is aware of their responsibilities and is prepared to accept service of process on behalf of your business.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Indiana can be simple if you follow the necessary steps.
Here is a quick recap of what you need to do to change your registered agent in Indiana:
- Step #1. Select a new Indiana registered agent: You can choose an individual or a business entity to act as your registered agent. Ensure your new agent meets Indiana’s requirements and is willing to accept the position.
- Step #2. Notify your former registered agent: Inform your former agent that you will be changing to a new registered agent. They must sign a consent form to confirm they know about the change.
- Step #3. Complete your Indiana Change of Registered Agent: File a Change of Registered Agent/Office form through INBiz. You can do this online or by mail.
- Step #4. Submit your form to the Indiana Secretary of State: Once you have completed it, submit it to the Indiana Secretary of State. The processing time for changing your registered agent is 3 to 5 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Indiana?
To change your registered agent in Indiana, you must file a Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Indiana Secretary of State. The form can be filed online through INBiz or by mail. Once the state submits and processes the form, your new registered agent will be updated.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Indiana?
To update your registered agent information in Indiana, you must file a Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Indiana Secretary of State. The form can be filed online through INBiz or by mail.
Can I be my registered agent in Indiana, and what are the requirements?
No, you cannot be your registered agent in Indiana. You must appoint an individual or business entity as your registered agent. The registered agent must have a physical address in Indiana and be available during regular business hours to receive legal and tax documents for your business.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Indiana?
There is no filing fee to change your Indiana registered agent.
It is easy to switch your Indiana registered agent. Just sign up for our registered agent service. You’ll see the pre-populated change of agent form in your online account. Fill it out with your company info, sign it, and email or mail it to the Northwest agent. They’ll file it with the state. It’s that simple!
Can I change my registered agent online with the Indiana Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online through INBiz, the Indiana Secretary of State’s online business portal. Log into your INBiz account, navigate to the Secretary of State section, and select Change of Registered Agent/Office.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Indiana?
The registered agent for your business in Indiana can be an individual or a business entity. However, the registered agent must have a physical address in Indiana and be available during regular business hours to receive legal and tax documents for your business.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Indiana?
Indiana typically takes 3 to 5 working days to process and complete the change of registered agent. However, processing times may vary depending on the filings the Secretary of State’s office receives.
How do I contact the Indiana Secretary of State?
You can contact the Indiana Secretary of State’s office at (317) 232-6576 or INBiz@sos.in.gov. You can also visit their website at https://www.in.gov/sos/
Change Registered Agent Services by State
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