How to Change Your Registered Agent in Michigan (Guide)

Changing your registered agent in Michigan is pretty straightforward when you have the right info. Your registered agent handles your business’s crucial legal and tax papers, so keeping everything current is key.

I’ll guide you on whether you’re updating contact details or switching agents.

Let’s dive into how to change your registered agent in Michigan.

Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Michigan

In this section, I will take you through the process of changing your registered agent in Michigan, step by step.

Step #1. Select a new Michigan registered agent

The first step in changing your registered agent in Michigan is to select a new registered agent. A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents for your business. Your new registered agent must be in Michigan and have a physical address in the state. You can appoint an individual or a company to be your registered agent.

I recently had a positive experience with Northwest Registered Agent managing my LLC paperwork. They ensured everything was smooth and stress-free.

Step #2. Notify your former registered agent

Once you have selected a new registered agent, the next step is to notify your former agent that you will be changing agents. You should provide them with your new registered agent’s name and contact information.

Ensuring that your former registered agent is aware of the change is essential. They may continue to receive legal documents on your behalf until the change is officially processed.

Step #3. Complete your Michigan Certificate of Change of Registered Agent

The next step is to complete your Michigan Certificate of Change of Registered Agent. This form officially notifies the state of Michigan that you are changing your registered agent.

The form requires you to provide the name and contact information of your new registered agent, the name of your business, and your business’s identification number. You will also need to sign the form and have it notarized.

Here’s what the Michigan Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Change of Resident Agent looks like:

Step #4. Submit the form to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

The final step in changing your registered agent in Michigan is to submit your Michigan Certificate of Change of Registered Agent to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You can submit the form online or by mail.

If you submit the form online, you must create an account on the LARA website and follow the instructions. If you choose to submit the form by mail, you will need to mail the form and the appropriate fee to the address provided on the form.

Once your form has been processed, you will receive a confirmation notice in the mail. It’s important to keep a copy of this notice for your records.

Choosing a New Registered Agent

When changing your registered agent in Michigan, choosing a reliable professional who can fulfill the role’s requirements is essential.

Here are some things to consider when selecting a new registered agent:

Types of Registered Agents

Michigan has three main types of registered agents: individual, professional service, and business entity.

• Individual: An individual can be your registered agent if they are a Michigan resident and have a physical address. However, remember that if you choose an individual as your registered agent, they must be available during business hours to receive legal documents.
• Professional Service: A professional service can act as your registered agent and provide additional services such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring. When selecting a professional service, ensure it is reputable and has experience handling registered agent duties.
• Business Entity: A business entity can also be your registered agent if it is authorized to do business in Michigan and has a physical address.

Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service

If you decide to hire a professional service as your registered agent, here are some important factors to consider:

• Experience: Look for a professional service with experience handling registered agent duties. The service should be familiar with Michigan’s requirements and regulations.
• Reputation: Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the reputation of the professional service. Look for a service with a positive track record and good customer service.
• Pricing: Compare pricing and services offered by different professional services. The cheapest option may not always be the best choice.
• Additional Services: Some professional services offer mail forwarding and compliance monitoring services. Consider whether these services are important to you and worth the extra cost.

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

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

When changing your registered agent in Michigan, choosing a reliable and efficient company is essential.

Northwest Registered Agent is a great option for those looking to change their registered agent, and here’s why:

Instant Registered Agent Services

Northwest Registered Agent offers instant registered agent services for an annual price of $125. This means you won’t have to wait for your paperwork to be processed – Northwest will take care of everything for you.

Secure Online Portfolio

As your registered agent, Northwest will immediately scan any legal correspondence they receive on your behalf and send it to your secure online portfolio. This means you can view your documents anytime, anywhere, without worrying about them getting lost or misplaced.

State Resources and Forms

Northwest Registered Agent provides access to state resources and forms directly in your online account, making it easy to file in Michigan. They also offer self-filing instructions to help you navigate the process.

Annual Report Reminders

Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders, so you don’t have to worry about missing important deadlines. You can also track your due dates in your online account.

Real-Time Document Scanning

Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time at no added cost. This ensures that you receive important documents as soon as possible.

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

If you want to change your LLC’s registered agent in Michigan, the state has specific requirements that you must follow.

You can switch up your registered agent in one of two ways: by filing a form CSCL/CD-520: Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Resident Agent or by updating the agent information on your Annual Statement.

To file the Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Resident Agent, you can complete and submit the form online via the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website. You must log in to the site with your business’s CID and PIN, complete the form, and submit it with the $5 payment.

Suppose you prefer to file the form by mail. In that case, you can obtain the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form CSCL/CD-202) and send it to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

The mailing address is:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau
P.O. Box 30054
Lansing, MI 48909

Once your request to change the registered agent is approved, you will receive a confirmation notice in the mail. You must update your Articles of Organization to include your new registered agent’s identity and contact information.

It is important to follow the state’s guidelines when changing your registered agent to ensure that your LLC remains in good standing with Michigan.

Final Thoughts

Changing your registered agent in Michigan may seem daunting, but it is necessary for any business owner.

By following the steps below, you can ensure a smooth and successful transition.

Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Michigan:

• Step #1. Select a new Michigan registered agent: Choose a registered agent that is reliable, trustworthy, and has a physical address in Michigan. You can choose an individual or a professional registered agent service.
• Step #2. Notify your former registered agent: Inform your current agent that you are changing agents. Check your current agent’s contract for specific instructions or requirements for terminating the agreement.
• Step #3. Complete your Michigan Certificate of Change of Registered Agent: Obtain the Michigan Certificate of Change of Registered Agent form from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) website. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
• Step #4. Submit the form to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA): Once you have completed the form, submit it along with the required fee to LARA. You can submit the form online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

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