How to Change Your Registered Agent in Minnesota (Guide)
Are you thinking about changing your registered agent in Minnesota? You can handle this process in just a few simple steps.
A registered agent is essential for your business to avoid legal or financial issues. Whether you’re switching to a new agent or updating your current one, I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step.
- Switching your registered agent in Minnesota is easy. Just fill out a Notice of Change of Registered Agent form and send it to the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services.
- You can mail it, bring it in person, or do it online. Filing costs $35.
- If you hire Northwest as your new agent, they’ll take care of all the paperwork and pay the state filing fee for you.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Minnesota
By following these steps, you can ensure that your business remains compliant with state regulations and avoid potential legal issues.
Step #1. Select a new Minnesota registered agent
The first step in changing your Minnesota registered agent is to select a new agent. Your new agent must be a resident of Minnesota or a company authorized to conduct business in the state. You can appoint an individual or a company to act as your registered agent.
When selecting a new registered agent, it’s essential to consider their availability and reliability. Your registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and other necessary correspondence on behalf of your business, so you want to ensure they are trustworthy and responsive.
Northwest Registered Agent recently assisted me with my LLC paperwork, and they made everything straightforward and stress-free.
You know what? Switching to Northwest Registered Agent today is a smart move. They’ll take care of filing your Notice of Change of Registered Agent form and cover the filing fee in less than a business day.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent
Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are terminating their services. You can do this in writing or by phone, depending on your preference.
Ensuring that your former registered agent knows the change and has received notice of termination is essential. Failure to do so could result in legal issues, so follow up to confirm that the termination has been processed.
Step #3. Log in to the website
You must log in to the Minnesota Secretary of State website to change your registered agent in Minnesota. Once logged in, navigate to the “Business Services” section and select “Change Registered Agent.”
You cannot use the annual renewal form when changing an entity’s Minnesota registered agent. You must submit an amendment form and pay the required fee. For foreign corporations, include the change of agent form and fee with annual renewal.
Step #4. Complete and submit the Minnesota Notice of Change, along with payment information
To complete the process of changing your registered agent, you must submit the Minnesota Notice of Change form. This form requires you to provide information about your business, new registered agent, and former agent.
You will also need to provide payment information to cover the filing fee. The fee for changing your registered agent is $35, which can be paid by credit card or check.
Here’s what the Minnesota Notice of Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent looks like:
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Minnesota, it is essential to choose a new registered agent who meets your business needs. There are different types of registered agents, each with advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Registered Agents
Here are the types of registered agents you can choose from:
- Individual: An individual registered agent is a person who is appointed to receive legal documents on behalf of your business. This person must be a resident of Minnesota and have a physical address in the state.
- Business Entity: A business entity registered agent is a company that specializes in providing registered agent services. This registered agent can be located anywhere in the United States and provide additional services, such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring.
- Attorney: An attorney-registered agent is a lawyer appointed to receive legal documents for your business. This registered agent can provide legal advice and representation in addition to registered agent services.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to choose a business entity or attorney-registered agent, there are a few things to consider:
- Cost: Registered agent services can vary depending on the provider and the services offered. Look for a provider that offers transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
- Experience: Look for a provider with expertise in providing registered agent services in Minnesota. This ensures they are familiar with the state’s laws and regulations.
- Customer Service: Look for a provider that offers excellent customer service and is responsive to your needs. This will ensure you receive timely and accurate information about your registered agent services.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Minnesota LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a great option for changing your registered agent in Minnesota.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Effortless Filing: Northwest Registered Agent will file your Minnesota Notice of Change of Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. You can focus on running your business while they handle the paperwork.
- Secure Online Portfolio: As your registered agent, Northwest doesn’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.
- Affordable Pricing: With an annual price of $125, Northwest Registered Agent offers instant registered agent services. You’ll also have access to instant Minnesota forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Minnesota.
- State Resources: Northwest Registered Agent provides state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you.
- Annual Report Reminders: Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple report reminders yearly, and you can also track your due dates in your online account.
- Real-time Document Scanning: They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time at no added cost. This ensures that you receive critical legal documents as soon as possible.
What does the State of Minnesota Say about changing a registered agent?
Changing your registered agent in Minnesota is a relatively straightforward process. Minnesota requires all business entities to have a registered agent, and if you want to change your registered agent, you must follow the state’s guidelines.
To change your registered agent in Minnesota, you must file a Notice of Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent form with the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services. The filing fee for domestic businesses is $35, while foreign corporations must pay $50.
The form can be filed online or by mail at the following address:
Minnesota Secretary of State – Business Services
First National Bank Building
332 Minnesota Street, Suite N201
Saint Paul, MN 55101
It’s essential to note that the address of the registered office and the registered agent’s business office must be identical, as required by Section 5.36 of the Minnesota Statutes.
If the registered agent has changed their name or address, a copy must be sent to the business entity or their legal representative as required by Section 5.36, Subd. 5.
After filing the Notice of Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent form, Minnesota will update its records and notify your old registered agent of the change. It’s crucial to ensure that your new registered agent knows their responsibilities and has access to all necessary documents and information.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Minnesota can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps. You can successfully change your registered agent by selecting a new agent, notifying your former agent, logging in to the website, and completing and submitting the Minnesota Notice of Change, along with payment information.
Here are the steps that you need to take to change registered agent in Minnesota:
- Step #1: Select a new Minnesota registered agent
- Step #2: Notify your former registered agent
- Step #3: Log in to the website
- Step #4: Complete and submit the Minnesota Notice of Change, along with payment information
By selecting a new agent, notifying your former agent, logging in to the website, and completing and submitting the Minnesota Notice of Change, along with payment information, you can ensure that your business complies with state regulations and that your records are in good hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Minnesota?
You must file a Notice of Change of Registered Office/Agent form with the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services, to change your registered agent in Minnesota. The form can be filed online, by mail, or in person. Once the form is submitted, the state will update your registered agent information.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Minnesota?
To update your registered agent information in Minnesota, you must file a Notice of Change of Registered Office/Agent form with the Minnesota Secretary of State, Business Services. The form can be filed online, by mail, or in person. There are no additional forms required.
Can I be my registered agent in Minnesota, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Minnesota. However, you must meet certain requirements, such as being a resident of Minnesota or having a physical address in the state where legal documents can be served during business hours. Additionally, you must be available during business hours to receive legal documents.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Minnesota?
To change your registered agent in Minnesota, you must pay a fee of $35. This fee is required when submitting the Notice of Change of Registered Office/Agent form. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Minnesota Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Minnesota Secretary of State. You can also file the Notice of Change of Registered Office/Agent form by mail or in person.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota has restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. The registered agent must be an individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Minnesota. The registered agent must also have a physical address in Minnesota where legal documents can be served during business hours.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Minnesota?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in Minnesota varies depending on the method of filing. If you file online, processing typically takes 1-2 business days. If you file by mail, processing can take up to 5 business days. If you file in person, it can be processed immediately.
How do I contact the Minnesota Secretary of State?
You can contact the Minnesota Secretary of State by phone at (651) 296-2803 or by email at business.services@state.mn.us. You can also visit their website at www.sos.state.mn.us.
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