How to Change Your Registered Agent in Maryland (Guide)
At some point, you might need to change your registered agent. Whether you’re unhappy with your current agent or your business needs have changed, it’s important to know the process.
Luckily, it’s straightforward and can be done online or by mail.
In this article, I’ll explain how to change your registered agent in Maryland, including which forms you need and where to send them.
- To change your registered agent in Maryland, you must fill out a Change Resident Agent form and send it to the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), Charter Division.
- You can do this by mail or in person, which costs $25 to file.
- When you choose Northwest to be your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork for you and cover the state filing fee.
Steps on How To Change Your Registered Agent in Maryland
If you want to change your Maryland registered agent, follow a few steps to ensure the process is completed smoothly.
Here are the steps you need to take:
Step #1. Select a new Maryland registered agent
The first step in changing your Maryland registered agent is to select a new agent. You can choose an individual or a business entity to act as your new agent. Ensure that the new agent is authorized to act as a registered agent in Maryland and has a physical address in the state.
I recommend that Northwest change your registered agent. When I switched mine, they handled everything seamlessly, from paperwork to filing fees, making the process stress-free.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching
Before changing your registered agent, you must notify your current agent that you are switching to a new one. This is important because the current agent must know they are no longer responsible for receiving legal documents on your behalf.
Consider switching to Northwest for your registered agent needs to streamline the process with expert handling of paperwork and filing fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Step #3. Preparing the Statement of Change Form
You must complete a Statement of Change form to change your registered agent. This form is available on the Maryland Secretary of State’s website.
The form requires you to provide your business name, current registered agent’s name, new registered agent’s name, and contact information for both agents.
Here’s what the Maryland Change Resident Agent form looks like:
Step #4. Obtaining Consent from the New Agent
Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must obtain their consent to act as your agent. You can do this by providing them with a Consent to Appointment form, also available on the Maryland Secretary of State’s website.
Step #5. Filing the Change with the Maryland Secretary of State
The final step in changing your Maryland registered agent is to file the completed Statement of Change and Consent to Appointment forms with the Maryland Secretary of State. You can file the forms online or by mail. There is a $25 fee to change your registered agent and an additional $50 fee for expedited processing.
The SDAT typically requires at least eight weeks for processing. Considering mail delivery times, your confirmation may take ten weeks or more to receive.
Related: How to Change Registered Agent on LLC (by states)
Choosing a New Registered Agent
The first step in changing your registered agent in Maryland is to choose a new agent. This section will cover the types of registered agents available and considerations for selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
There are two main types of registered agents: professional registered agent services and commercial registered agents.
Professional Registered Agent Service: A professional registered agent service is a third-party company that provides registered agent services. They typically charge a fee for their services and can help ensure that your legal documents are received and processed correctly.
A professional service can be a good option to ensure that your legal documents are handled correctly and you don’t have the time or resources to manage the process yourself.
Commercial Registered Agents: Commercial registered agents are typically law firms or other businesses that offer registered agent services as part of their overall services. They may have more experience and expertise than a professional service but may also be more expensive.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When selecting a professional registered agent service, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
Confidentiality: Ensure that your chosen service has a good reputation for maintaining confidentiality. You don’t want your personal information to be shared with unauthorized parties.
Flexibility: Look for a flexible service that can accommodate your needs. For example, if you need to receive legal documents at a specific address, ensure the service can accommodate that request.
Experience: Choose a service with experience in handling legal documents. Look for reviews and testimonials from other customers to get a sense of their level of expertise.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Maryland LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent should be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a reliable and professional registered agent for your Maryland LLC.
Here are some reasons why:
Maryland Experts
Northwest Registered Agent has a team of Maryland experts who know the ins and outs of all business filings and what the Maryland Secretary of State requires. They will ensure that your paperwork is filed correctly and on time so you can focus on running your business.
Instant Maryland Forms
Northwest Registered Agent provides instant Maryland forms directly in your online account to make filing in Maryland quick and easy. You won’t have to spend hours searching for the right forms or worry about making mistakes on your paperwork.
State Resources
In addition to providing instant Maryland forms, Northwest Registered Agent offers state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. Filing your paperwork without hiring a lawyer or other professional can save you time and money.
Annual Report Reminders
Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This means you won’t have to worry about missing important deadlines or paying late fees.
Real-Time Document Scanning
Finally, Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time for no added cost. This means you can stay on top of any legal issues or important documents related to your business, no matter where you are.
What the State of Maryland Says about Changing a Registered Agent
If you want to change your registered agent in Maryland, you must meet certain requirements. Maryland mandates that any LLC looking to change its registered agent must submit a digital or paper form signed by one of its authorized members/managers and the new registered agent.
The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is responsible for processing the change of registered agent forms. Once the form is submitted, the SDAT will take approximately eight weeks to process the change. However, if you want to expedite the process, you can opt for the expedited service, which will take only eight days.
It is important to note that the new registered agent must meet certain requirements. The registered agent must be a resident of Maryland or a corporation authorized to do business in the state. The registered agent must also have a physical address in Maryland, not just a P.O. Box.
If you fail to comply with the state’s requirements for changing your registered agent, your LLC may face penalties or even dissolution. Therefore, following the state’s guidelines when changing your registered agent is crucial.
By mail or in‐person, submissions should directed to:
State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division
301 W. Preston Street; 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201‐2395
My Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Maryland is a straightforward process.
Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Maryland:
- Select a New Maryland Registered Agent: Choose an agent authorized to operate in Maryland with a physical address in the state.
- Notify Your Former Registered Agent: Inform them about the switch through written notice or Maryland’s required form.
- Prepare the Statement of Change Form: Complete the form detailing your new agent’s information.
- Obtain Consent from the New Agent: Ensure they agree to serve as your registered agent by signing the Consent to Appointment form.
- File the Change with the Maryland Secretary of State: Submit all required documents and fees to update your registered agent officially.
Remember, your registered agent is an important part of your business. They are responsible for receiving legal documents and other important mail on your behalf. Ensure you choose a reliable and trustworthy agent who can effectively fulfill this role.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Maryland?
You must follow a few simple steps to change your registered agent in Maryland. First, you need to choose a new registered agent. Then, you need to submit the appropriate forms to the Maryland Secretary of State. Once your forms are processed, your new registered agent will be officially recognized.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Maryland?
To update your registered agent information in Maryland, submit a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent form. This form can be submitted online or by mail.
Can I be my registered agent in Maryland, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Maryland. However, you must meet certain requirements. You must have a physical address in Maryland where you can receive legal documents during business hours and be available during those hours.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Maryland?
The fee to change your registered agent in Maryland is $25. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Maryland Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Maryland Secretary of State. To do so, you must submit a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent form and pay the $25 fee.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland has restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. Your registered agent must be an individual who is a resident of Maryland or a corporation that is authorized to do business in Maryland. Your registered agent must also have a physical address in Maryland where they can receive legal documents during business hours.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Maryland?
The state of Maryland takes approximately eight weeks to process and complete the change of registered agent. If you choose to use the expedited service, your change of registered agent will be processed within eight days.
How do I contact the Maryland Secretary of State?
You can contact the Maryland Secretary of State by phone at (410) 974-5521 or by email at dlmdsos_sos@maryland.gov. For more information, you can also visit their website at https://sos.maryland.gov/
Change Registered Agent Services by State
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