How to Change Your Registered Agent in Montana (Guide)
Thinking about changing your registered agent in Montana?
I’ve created a step-by-step guide for a smooth registered agent change in Montana State in this article. I’ve covered EVERYTHING you need to make the switch and the exact forms, documents, and fees involved—whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation.
It’s easier than you might think.
- To change your registered agent in Montana, fill out a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form online and send it to the Montana Secretary of State.
- It’s free for normal service, but you can pay $20 for one-day service or $100 for one-hour service.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork and cover your fees.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Montana
Step#1. Select a new Montana registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent in Montana is to select a new one.
Your new registered agent must be a resident of Montana or a business entity authorized to do business in Montana. You can choose an individual or a company to serve as your registered agent, but they must have a physical street address in Montana.
When selecting a new registered agent, it is essential to consider their availability, reliability, and experience. Choose an agent available during regular business hours and with a track record of providing excellent service to their clients.
Not long ago, I tried Northwest Registered Agent services. They handled my LLC paperwork, making everything straightforward and stress-free.
Going with Northwest as your registered agent in Montana would help streamline your administrative duties. They’ll handle all the paperwork, allowing you to concentrate on your business growth.
Step#2. Notify your former registered agent
After selecting a new registered agent, the next step is to notify your former agent that you will change agents. You should inform them of the change in writing and provide them with your new registered agent’s name and contact information.
It is essential to ensure that your former registered agent receives the notification, as they may continue to receive legal documents on your behalf until the change is complete.
Step#3. Complete your Montana Statement of Change
The third step in changing your registered agent in Montana is to complete your Montana Statement of Change. This form is available on the Montana Secretary of State’s website and can be completed online or by mail.
The Montana Statement of Change requires you to provide information about your business, former registered agent, and new agent. You must also sign the form and have it notarized.
Here’s how the Montana Statement of Change for a registered agent looks like:
Step#4. Submit your Montana Statement of Change to the Montana Secretary of State
The final step in changing your registered agent in Montana is to submit your Montana Statement of Change to the Montana Secretary of State. You can file the form online or by mail, along with any applicable fees.
Once the Montana Secretary of State approves your Statement of Change, your new registered agent will become your official agent for the service of process in Montana.
Only individuals authorized to act on behalf of your company can file documents. If you hire a Northwest Registered Agent, they can submit the Statement of Change for you, but they must be granted authority beforehand.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Montana, choosing a new one that meets your needs is important. There are different types of registered agents to choose from and several factors to consider when selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
There are three types of registered agents to choose from in Montana:
- Individuals: Individuals can serve as registered agents as long as they are residents of Montana and have a physical address in the state. This option may be suitable if you have a small business and want to save money on registered agent fees.
- Businesses: Businesses can also serve as registered agents. If you choose this option, ensure the company is registered in Montana and has a physical address.
- Professional Services: Professional registered agent services specialize in serving as registered business agents. These services usually offer additional benefits, such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring, but may be more expensive than the other options.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to use a professional registered agent service, there are several factors to consider when selecting a provider:
- Experience: Look for a provider with experience serving as a registered agent in Montana. This will ensure they are familiar with the state’s laws and regulations.
- Reputation: Research the provider’s reputation online. Look for reviews and ratings from other businesses that have used their services.
- Pricing: Compare pricing between different providers to ensure you get a fair price for the services you need.
- Additional Services: Consider the provider’s services, such as mail forwarding or compliance monitoring. These services may be valuable to your business.
Considering these factors, you can choose a new registered agent that meets your needs and ensures your business complies with Montana’s regulations.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Montana LLC Registered Agent?
Choosing the right registered agent for your Montana LLC is an important decision that can significantly impact your business.
Here are some reasons why you should consider using Northwest as your registered agent:
Fast and Reliable Service
Northwest offers fast and reliable registered agent services to ensure that your business runs smoothly. They will file your Montana Statement of Change of Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. As your registered agent, they don’t wait around 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
Northwest offers instant registered agent services at a competitive annual price of $125. This price includes all the necessary services you need to keep your business compliant with Montana state regulations.
Convenient Online Access
Northwest provides instant Montana forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Montana. They also offer state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This makes it easy for you to manage your business from anywhere in the world.
Annual Report Reminders
Northwest Registered agent sends 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 helps avoid any penalties associated with late filings.
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 important legal documents as soon as possible, allowing you to take immediate action if necessary.
What does the State of Montana Say about changing a registered agent?
Montana has specific requirements for changing your registered agent. The Montana Secretary of State oversees this process.
According to the Montana Secretary of State, to change your registered agent, you must file a “Statement of Change – Registered Office, Agent or Both” with their office. This statement must include the name and address of your new registered agent. You can also update your registered agent’s information in your annual report.
It’s important to note that failure to maintain a registered agent in Montana can result in serious consequences. If you fail to maintain a registered agent, your business can fall out of good standing with the state. This can lead to fines, penalties, and even the dissolution of your business.
To avoid these consequences, it’s essential to ensure your registered agent is always up to date. If you need to change your registered agent, follow the proper steps outlined by the Montana Secretary of State.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Montana is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. By following these steps, you can ensure that your business remains compliant with Montana state law.
Here are the steps you need to take to change your registered agent in Montana:
- Select a new Montana registered agent: Choose a registered agent that is reliable, trustworthy, and has a physical address in Montana. You can choose an individual or a professional registered agent service.
- Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching: Let your former registered agent know that you’re changing to a new agent. This is a professional courtesy and ensures no lapses in service.
- Complete your Montana Statement of Change: Fill out the Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office form with the new registered agent’s information. Make sure you provide accurate and complete information.
- Submit your Montana Statement of Change to the Montana Secretary of State: Once you have completed the form, submit it to the Montana Secretary of State. You can submit it online or by mail. There is a fee for submitting the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Montana?
To change your registered agent in Montana, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office form with the Montana Secretary of State. You can file this form online or by mail. Once the form is processed, your new registered agent will be updated in the state’s records.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Montana?
To update your registered agent information in Montana, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office form with the Montana Secretary of State. This form can be filed online or by mail.
Can I be my own registered agent in Montana, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Montana as long as you meet the following requirements:
- You are a resident of Montana or have a physical address in Montana.
- You can receive legal documents and other important mail during normal business hours.
- You have a physical street address (PO boxes are not allowed).
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Montana?
The fee to change your registered agent in Montana is $20. This fee is payable when you file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office form. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Montana Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Montana Secretary of State. To do so, you must create an account on the Montana Secretary of State website and file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office form online.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Montana?
Yes, Montana has some restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. Your registered agent must:
- Be a resident of Montana or have a physical address in Montana.
- Be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents and other important mail.
- Have a physical street address (PO boxes are not allowed).
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Montana?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in Montana varies depending on how you file the form. If you file the form online, it will typically be processed within 1-2 business days. If you file the form by mail, it can take up to 10 business days to process.
How do I contact the Montana Secretary of State?
You can contact the Montana Secretary of State by phone at (406) 444-3665 or by email at sos@mt.gov. For more information, you can also visit their website at https://sosmt.gov/.
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.
