How to Change Your Registered Agent in Louisiana (Guide)
Changing your registered agent in Louisiana can be crucial for various reasons, whether you aim to enhance reliability, cut costs, meet local requirements post-relocation, or align with new management strategies.
In this guide, I’ll explain the steps to change your LLC service/registered agent in LA, United States.
- Are you looking to switch your registered agent in Louisiana? It’s straightforward: You must fill out and submit a Notice of Change of Registered Agent form to the Louisiana Secretary of State, Commercial Division.
- This can be done via mail, in person, fax, or online, with a filing fee of $25.
- Choosing Northwest as your new registered agent makes it even easier. They handle all the paperwork and cover your state filing fee, ensuring a hassle-free transition.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Louisiana
Changing your registered agent in Louisiana is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few steps. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step#1. Select a new Louisiana registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is to select a new one. Your new registered agent can be an individual or a company located in Louisiana willing to accept legal documents for your business. You can choose to be your registered agent, but hiring a professional registered agent service is highly recommended.
Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend hiring Northwest for all these services.
Step#2. Notify your former registered agent
Once you have selected your new registered agent, you need to notify your former registered agent that you are changing to a new one. You can do this by sending a written notice via certified mail, requesting a return receipt, or by personal delivery. It is important to note that your former registered agent must provide written consent to be released from their duties.
Choose Northwest as your registered agent in Louisiana; they will handle all the paperwork, allowing you to focus on growing your business.
Step#3. Preparing the Statement of Change
The next step is to prepare the Statement of Change. This document is used to officially notify the Louisiana Secretary of State that you are changing your registered agent. The Statement of Change must include the name and address of your new registered agent, as well as the name and address of your business entity.
Here’s how the Louisiana Statement of Change form for a registered agent looks like:
Step#4. Submitting the Change of Registered Agent Form
After preparing the Statement of Change, you must submit the Change of Registered Agent Form to the Louisiana Secretary of State. You can submit the form online or by mail. If you choose to submit the form by mail, you must include a check or money order for the filing fee.
Step#5. Confirming the Change with the Louisiana Secretary of State
Once the Louisiana Secretary of State receives your Change of Registered Agent Form, they will review it to ensure it is complete and accurate. They will approve the change and notify you if everything is in order. It is important to keep this confirmation notice for your records.
It is also important to note that the Statement of Change must be signed by an authorized representative of your business entity and notarized by a notary public.
Business documents submitted to the Louisiana Secretary of State typically undergo processing within three to five days. However, expedited filings and online submissions are processed within 24 hours for faster processing. If you choose priority expedited service, your filings can be processed in approximately one hour.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Louisiana, you must choose a new one to represent your business. Here are some things to consider when selecting a new registered agent:
Types of Registered Agents
You can choose from two types of registered agents: an individual or a professional service.
An individual registered agent can be anyone who is a resident of Louisiana and has a physical address in the state. This can be a company member, friend, or family member living in Louisiana. However, remember that the registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of your company.
A professional registered agent service is a company that specializes in acting as a registered agent for businesses. These services typically charge a fee but can provide added benefits such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to use a professional registered agent service, here are some things to consider:
Reputation: Research the company’s reputation and read reviews from other customers.
Cost: Compare the fees charged by different registered agent services and make sure they fit within your budget.
Services offered: Look for a service that provides additional benefits, such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring.
Availability: Make sure the registered agent service is available during regular business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of your company.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Louisiana LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice if you want to change your agent for your Louisiana LLC. Here’s why:
They Will Handle the Paperwork for You
Northwest Registered Agent will take care of filing your Louisiana Notice of Change of Registered Agent paperwork and pay the state filing fee. This means you don’t have to worry about navigating the process yourself.
Instant Access to Louisiana Forms
Instant Louisiana forms are located directly in your online account, making it easy to file in Louisiana. This saves you time and effort in finding the right forms.
State Resources at Your Fingertips
Northwest Registered Agent provides state resources in your registered agent service account, including self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can access helpful information and resources to ensure you meet all of Louisiana’s requirements.
Annual Report Reminders
Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders so you never miss a deadline. You can also track your due dates in your online account, making staying on top of your obligations easy.
Real-Time Document Scanning
As your registered agent, Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents to you in real time for no added cost. This means you’ll receive important legal correspondence as soon as possible so that you can take action quickly.
Affordable Annual Price
Northwest Registered Agent’s instant registered agent services annual price is $125. This is an affordable price for the quality of service you receive.
What does the State of Louisiana Say about changing a registered agent?
In Louisiana, changing your LLC’s registered agent can only be done by filing the appropriate form with the Secretary of State’s office. Louisiana has certain requirements for changing your LLC’s registered agent.
The Louisiana Secretary of State requires the Change of Registered Agent form to be completed and filed with their office. The form must include the name and address of the new registered agent, as well as the name and address of the LLC. The form can be filed online or by mail.
If you choose to file the form by mail, you should send it to the following address:
State of Louisiana Secretary of State
P.O. Box 94125
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
It is important to note that a filing fee is charged for changing the Louisiana registered agent. The fee is $30 for credit card payments and $25 for other modes of payment. This fee will be paid to the Louisiana Secretary of State by check or credit card.
Once the Change of Registered Agent form has been filed and the fee paid, the Louisiana Secretary of State will process the request and update the LLC’s registered agent information. It is important to ensure that the new registered agent is aware of their responsibilities and is willing to accept the role before making the change.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Louisiana may seem daunting, but following the steps is straightforward. Remember that your new registered agent must be located in Louisiana and have a physical address.
Here are the steps you need to follow to change registered agent in Louisiana:
- Select a new Louisiana registered agent.
- Notify your former registered agent.
- Prepare the Statement of Change.
- Submitting the Change of Registered Agent Form.
- Confirming the Change with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Remember that changing your registered agent is important in maintaining your business’s compliance with Louisiana state law. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, don’t hesitate to contact the Louisiana Secretary of State’s office for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Louisiana?
You must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Louisiana Secretary of State to change your agent in Louisiana. You can file the form online, by mail, or in person. Once the Secretary of State processes and approves the form, your new registered agent will be officially recognized.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Louisiana?
The Change of Registered Agent form is only required to update your registered agent information in Louisiana. This form can be filed online, by mail, or in person.
Can I be my own registered agent in Louisiana, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Louisiana. To do so, you must be a legal resident of Louisiana and have a physical address in the state. Additionally, you must be available during normal business hours to receive legal notices and other important documents for your business.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Louisiana?
The fee to change your registered agent in Louisiana is $25. You can pay this fee online, by mail, or in person. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Louisiana Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Louisiana Secretary of State. Log in to the Secretary of State’s website and file the Change of Registered Agent form online.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Louisiana?
The only restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Louisiana are that the person or company must be a legal resident of Louisiana and have a physical address in the state. Additionally, the registered agent must be available during normal business hours to receive legal notices and other important documents for your business.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Louisiana?
The processing time for a Change of Registered Agent form in Louisiana varies depending on the method of filing. If filed online, the form is typically processed within 24 hours. If filed by mail or in person, processing can take up to 10 business days.
How do I contact the Louisiana Secretary of State?
The Louisiana Secretary of State can be reached by phone at (225) 925-4704 or by visiting their website at http://www.sos.la.gov/ for more information and to file forms online.
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.
