How to Change Your Registered Agent in Missouri (Guide)
If you’re running a business in Missouri, changing your registered agent might come up sooner or later when you get bored of your old registered agent.
Luckily, switching your registered agent in Missouri is pretty straightforward. To stay on the right side of the law, just ensure you stick to Missouri’s rules on registered agents.
In this article, I’ll guide you through changing your registered agent in Missouri.
- To change your registered agent in Missouri, complete and submit a Statement of Change form to the Secretary of State.
- You can file online for $25 or by paper for $10.
- Northwest will handle the paperwork and filing fee if they’re your new agent.
Steps on How To Change Your Registered Agent in Missouri
Step #1. Select a new Missouri registered agent
Before you can change your Missouri registered agent, you need to select a new agent who meets the state’s legal requirements. Your new agent must be a resident of Missouri or a business entity authorized to do business in the state. They should also have a physical address in Missouri to receive legal documents on your behalf.
I’ve used Northwest to change my registered agent; they managed the entire process seamlessly. Their online platform and customer service were highly recommended for hassle-free service!
#2. Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching
Once you have chosen your new Missouri registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are switching. This is an essential step because your former agent may continue to receive legal documents on your behalf until they are officially notified of the change.
If you’re looking to hire a registered agent, go with Northwest because they handle everything smoothly, from paperwork to filing fees. Their online tools and responsive customer service make the process easy and stress-free.
Step #3. Preparing the Statement of Change Form
The next step is to prepare the Statement of Change form. The Missouri Secretary of State requires this form to be completed accurately to ensure a smooth transition to your new agent. You can complete it online or by mail.
Here’s what the Missouri Statement of Change Of Registered Agent form looks like:
Step #4. Obtaining Consent from the New Agent
After completing the Statement of Change form, you must obtain consent from your new Missouri registered agent. This consent must be in writing and should be attached to the Statement of Change form.
Step #5. Filing the Change with the Missouri Secretary of State
The final step is to file the Statement of Change form with the Missouri Secretary of State. You can file this form online or by mail. Once your form has been processed, the state will officially recognize your new Missouri registered agent.
You cannot change your Missouri registered agent simultaneously with your online annual report filing. You must file the report and an amendment separately online or file a paper annual report form to make the change.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
In this section, I’ll cover the types of registered agents available and the considerations you should consider when selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
You can choose from two types of registered agents: a professional registered agent service or a commercial registered agent.
A professional registered agent service is a company that specializes in providing registered agent services to businesses. They are often more reliable and efficient than commercial registered agents but can also be more expensive.
A commercial registered agent is a business that provides registered agent services as part of a larger suite of services. They may be less expensive than professional registered agent services but less reliable and efficient.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to go with a professional registered agent service, there are a few things you should consider to ensure that you choose the right service for your business:
- Experience: Choose a registered agent service with a long-standing reputation for reliable and efficient service.
- Cost: Compare fees among registered agent services to find one that suits your budget, considering that the cheapest option may not always be the most reliable.
- Confidentiality: Ensure the registered agent service prioritizes the confidentiality and security of your business information.
- Flexibility: Opt for a registered agent service offering flexible payment options and contract terms to meet your business needs.
By considering these considerations, you can choose a registered agent service that will provide the support and services your business needs to thrive in Missouri.
Related: How to Change Your LLC Registered Agent (by states)
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Missouri LLC Registered Agent?
Many options are available when choosing a registered agent for your Missouri LLC. However, Northwest Registered Agent stands out from the crowd for several reasons.
Firstly, they offer instant registered agent services for an annual price of $125. This means you can have your Missouri LLC set up and ready to go in no time. Additionally, they provide instant Missouri forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Missouri.
Another reason Northwest is an excellent choice for your Missouri LLC registered agent is that they have a team of Missouri experts who know the ins and outs of all business filings and what the Missouri Secretary of State requires.
Furthermore, Northwest Registered Agent provides state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This means that you can take control of your LLC filings and manage them yourself if you prefer.
Northwest also sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you never miss a deadline and that your LLC remains in good standing with the state of Missouri.
Lastly, Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents and sends them to you in real time for no added cost. This means you can receive important legal documents and notifications promptly and efficiently.
What does the State of Missouri Say about changing a registered agent?
According to the State of Missouri, any business entity operating in Missouri can change its registered agent by submitting proper documentation to the Secretary of State’s office. The state has certain requirements that must be met to ensure that the process is completed successfully.
When changing your LLC’s registered agent, you must file a statement of change of the registered agent with the Missouri Secretary of State. You must pay a filing fee of $10 to complete your application. The statement must include the name and address of the new registered agent, as well as the name and address of the LLC.
Once completed, the form should be mailed to the following address:
Secretary of State
600 West Main Street, Room 322
Jefferson City, MO 65101
It is important to note that the State of Missouri takes between 4 to 7 working days to process the change of your registered agent if you file through non-electronic means. However, the process will be completed within a day if you choose the online filing.
If you use the digital portal to change agents, you’ll pay $25. If you go the paper route instead, the fee is only $10. However, it’s worth noting that electronic submission is far more efficient and may be worth the extra $15. Changing your registered agent by updating your annual report will add a $15 surcharge to your paperwork fee.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Missouri can be a simple process if you follow the steps outlined in this guide.
Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Missouri:
- Select a New Missouri Registered Agent: Choose a reliable agent before notifying your former one and preparing the change form.
- Notify Your Former Registered Agent: Inform them of the change and the effective date in writing.
- Prepare the Statement of Change: Complete the Missouri Statement of Change of Registered Agent form accurately.
- Obtain Consent from the New Agent: Ensure your new agent signs the Consent to Appointment form.
- Submit the Form: File your Statement of Change with the Missouri Secretary of State promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Missouri?
To change your registered agent in Missouri, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Missouri Secretary of State. The form must include the name and address of your new registered agent. You can file the form online through the Missouri Secretary of State’s website or by mail.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Missouri?
To update your registered agent information in Missouri, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Missouri Secretary of State. The form can be filed online or by mail.
Can I be my registered agent in Missouri, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Missouri as long as you meet the following requirements:
You are a resident of Missouri or a Missouri-based business entity
You have a physical street address in Missouri (P.O. Boxes are not allowed)
You are available during regular business hours to receive legal documents
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Missouri?
The fee to change your registered agent in Missouri is $10 if you file by mail and $25 online. If you update your registered agent information when filing your annual report, there is an additional $15 surcharge. Hire Northwest to do it for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Missouri Secretary of State?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online through the Missouri Secretary of State’s website or file by mail.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Missouri?
The registered agent in Missouri must be an individual or a business entity authorized to do business in Missouri. The registered agent must also have a physical street address in Missouri and be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Missouri?
If you file by mail, the State of Missouri will take 4 to 7 working days to process the change of your registered agent. If you file online, the process will be completed within a day.
How do I contact the Missouri Secretary of State?
You can contact the Missouri Secretary of State at (573) 751-4936 or at Info@sos.mo.gov For more information, you can also visit their website at https://www.sos.mo.gov/.
Change Registered Agent Services by State
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.