How to Change Your Registered Agent in Maine (Guide)
Are you looking to change your registered agent in Maine? The process is straightforward, whether you’re relocating your business or seeking better, more affordable service.
I got you!
In this guide, I’ll explain the steps to change your registered agent in Maine, helping you make informed decisions and achieve your business goals.
- To change your registered agent in Maine, fill out a Statement of Change form and send it to the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions.
- You can mail it or take it there yourself. It costs $35.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork and pay you the fee.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Maine
If you want to change your registered agent in Maine, following the appropriate steps is important to ensure a smooth transition. Here are the steps you need to take:
Step#1. Select a new Maine registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is selecting a new one. You can choose to hire a professional registered agent service or select an individual to serve as your registered agent. When selecting a new registered agent, it’s important to consider their reliability, experience, and reputation.
Many recommend using Northwest Registered Agent for these services because they simplify the process.
Step#2. Notify your former registered agent
Once you’ve selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former registered agent of the change. This can be done through a formal notice or by simply informing them of the change. It’s important to ensure that your former registered agent is aware of the change to avoid delays or legal issues.
Choose Northwest as your registered agent in Maine to simplify your administrative duties. They handle all the paperwork, allowing you to concentrate on expanding your business.
Step#3. Complete and submit the Maine Statement of Change form online or by mail
To make the change official, complete and submit a Statement of Change form to the Maine Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions.
The form can be completed online or by mail. It requires information about your current registered agent, your new registered agent, and your company. It’s important to ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any issues with the change.
Here’s how the Maine Statement of Change form for a registered agent looks like:
Step#4. Pay the applicable fees
To change your registered agent in Maine, you must pay a filing fee of $35, which can be paid online or by mail. Additional fees may apply if you require expedited service.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Maine, it is important to select a new one that meets your business needs. This section will discuss the types of registered agents and considerations for selecting a professional service.
Regular processing of corporate filings typically requires 5-10 business days. If you need your filings processed faster, you can select 24-hour or immediate processing for an additional expedited service fee.
Types of Registered Agents
Three types of registered agents exist: individuals, professional services, and businesses.
An individual registered agent is a person who is designated to receive legal documents on behalf of your business.
A professional service registered agent is a company that provides registered agent services for a fee. A business registered agent is a business entity that designates an employee to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When selecting a professional service registered agent, several factors must be considered. These include:
Experience: Look for a registered agent with experience in your industry and state. They should have a good understanding of the legal requirements and regulations in Maine.
Availability: Your registered agent should be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and notify you promptly.
Cost: The cost of registered agent services can vary widely. Look for a registered agent that offers competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
Additional Services: Some registered agents offer mail forwarding, compliance monitoring, and document preparation services. Consider whether these services would benefit your business.
Reputation: Check the registered agent’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from other businesses. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the registered agent.
Considering these factors, you can select a new registered agent that meets your business needs and ensures compliance with Maine’s legal requirements.
Why Should You Use Northwest as Your Maine LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a reliable and trusted registered agent service that can provide you with a wide range of benefits and services to help you maintain compliance with the state of Maine.
As your registered agent, Northwest will file your Maine Statement of Change of Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. This ensures that your business stays in good standing with the state of Maine.
One of the most significant advantages of using Northwest is their instant registered agent services, which cost $125 annually. Pretty affordable than most services I’ve used in the past.
This price includes a range of services, such as instant Maine forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Maine, state resources in your registered agent service account, and self-filing instructions to help you.
Another advantage of using Northwest is its real-time document scanning service.
As your registered agent, they don’t wait for any legal correspondence received on your behalf. They immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere. They also locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost.
Northwest Registered Agent will send multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you never miss a deadline and stay compliant with the state of Maine.
What does the State of Maine Say about changing a registered agent?
Changing a registered agent in Maine is straightforward. You can complete the process by submitting a Statement of Appointment or Change form to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State.
The State requires all entities to have a registered agent, who must be located in Maine. If you need to change your registered agent, you can do so by following the steps outlined by the State.
To change your registered agent, complete the Statement of Appointment or Change form and submit it to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State.
The form can be submitted by mail or in-person to the following address:
Secretary of State
Division of Corporations, UCC, and Commissions
101 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 044333-0101
Once the form is received, the State of Maine will take 5 to 10 working days to process the change of your agent.
It is important to note that failure to maintain a registered agent in Maine may result in the entity being administratively dissolved or revoked. Therefore, keeping your registered agent information up-to-date with the State of Maine is crucial to avoid potential issues.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Maine is a straightforward process that requires a few steps.
Here are the steps you need to take to change your registered agent in Maine:
- Select a new Maine registered agent: You can hire a professional service or appoint an individual to act as your agent. Selecting a reliable agent with a physical address in Maine is essential.
- Notify your former registered agent: Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former registered agent of the change. You can do this by sending a letter or email.
- Complete and submit the Maine Statement of Change form online or by mail: To officially change your registered agent, you must complete and submit the Maine Statement of Change form. This can be done online or by mail. The form requires you to provide information about your business, former registered agent, and new agent.
- Pay the applicable fees: Changing your registered agent in Maine involves a fee. The cost can be paid online or by mail, depending on how you submit the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Maine?
You must file a Statement of Change form with the Secretary of State’s office to change your registered agent in Maine. You can submit the form by mail or in person at the address provided on the form. The State of Maine typically takes between 5 to 10 working days to process the change of your agent.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Maine?
To update your registered agent information in Maine, you must file a Statement of Change form with the Secretary of State’s office. You can obtain the form from the Secretary of State’s website or by calling their office.
Can I be my own registered agent in Maine, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Maine. However, you must have a physical address in Maine to be reached during normal business hours. You must also be available to receive legal documents and other important communications for your business.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Maine?
The fee to change your registered agent in Maine is $35. When you submit your Statement of Change form, this fee is payable to the Secretary of State’s office. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Maine Secretary of State?
You cannot change your registered agent online with the Maine Secretary of State. You must submit a physical form via mail or in person to the Secretary of State’s office.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Maine?
Yes, Maine has restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. The registered agent must be an individual or entity authorized to do business in Maine and have a physical address.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Maine?
The State of Maine typically takes between 5 to 10 working days to process the change of your registered agent.
How do I contact the Maine Secretary of State?
You can contact the Maine Secretary of State at (207) 624-7752 or CEC.Corporations@Maine.gov. For more information, visit the Maine Secretary of State’s website at https://www.maine.gov/sos/.
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.
