How to Change Your Registered Agent in New Jersey (Guide)

If you’re a business owner in New Jersey, you may need to change your registered agent at some point.

You might need to do this for several reasons, such as if your current registered agent is no longer available or if you’re dissatisfied with their services.

Whatever the reason, it’s essential to know how to change your registered agent in NJ to avoid any issues with the state.

This article explains how to do so.

Steps on How To Change Your New Jersey Registered Agent

Follow these steps to ensure a compliant and successful registered agent change.

Step 1: Select a new New Jersey registered agent.

You can choose an individual or a company to serve as your registered agent. It is crucial to choose a reliable and professional registered agent with a physical address in New Jersey who is available during regular business hours.

I would highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent or Tailor Brands. Both are among the cheapest and most reliable LLC services I’ve used.

Step 2: Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching.

Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former registered agent that you are switching. This can be done through a written notice or email. Your former registered agent must acknowledge receipt of the notice.

Step 3: Complete and file a Certificate of Change. You can also file an annual report.

The agency responsible for business registration in New Jersey is the Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue. The Division of Revenue allows entities to change their registered agent online, by fax, mail, or in person, and it costs $25 to file.

New Jersey change of registered agent forms are available on the New Jersey Division of Revenue website, and there are forms for each entity type.

1. Certificate of Change-Registered Name or Address, or Both for LLCs.

New Jersey LLCs should file form L-122, Certificate of Change-Registered Name or Address, or Both.

Domestic and foreign Limited Liability Companies may use this form to change an agent’s name, address, or both. The street address must be included if a P.O. box is used for the registered address.

This form costs $25 to file. If you issue a check, it should be sent to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey, with your LLC number on the top left. These documents should be filed in duplicate, and non-profits should file them in triplicate.

Here are the information you would be required to provide:

• Business Name/Number
• Prior Agent Name
• Prior Agent Office
• New Agent Name
• New Agent Office

Here’s what the New Jersey certificate of change-registered name or address, or both for LLCs looks like:

2. Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent for corporations form

New Jersey corporations will file form C-104G, Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent.

This form can be used by domestic and foreign profit and non-profit organizations.

This form costs $25 to file. If you issue a check, it should be sent to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey, with your LLC number on the top left. These documents should be filed in duplicate, and non-profits should file them in triplicate.

Here are the information you would be required to provide:

• Corporation Name/Number
• State of Original Incorporation
• Prior Agent Name
• Prior Agent Street Address
• New Agent Name
• New Agent Street Address
• Attestations

Here’s what the New Jersey Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent for Corporations form looks like:

3. File an Annual Report

Every business entity in New Jersey is required to file an Annual Report each year before the last day of the month you formed your LLC.

Suppose you’re close to the filing deadline for your business’s New Jersey annual report. In that case, you can use this filing to your advantage and also change your registered agent without needing to file additional paperwork.

You can make the change to your annual report and save some time and money. Select “File an Annual Report” from the “Business Filings” box in the online filing portal.

Then, follow the instructions to input the necessary information, including your registered agent change. The Annual Report comes with a $50 fee, payable by card or eCheck. The service fee is $2.50 for cards and $0.50 for eChecks.

This is the simplest way to change your registered agent, but it must be done within the filing period.

Step 4: Confirm the change of registered agent.

After filing the necessary forms, confirming that the change of registered agent has been processed is vital. You can check your business entity’s status on the New Jersey Division of Revenue Corporate Filing website.

Selecting a New Registered Agent

When changing your registered agent in New Jersey, choosing a reliable and trustworthy agent is essential. When selecting a registered agent, you have two options: hire a professional registered agent service or represent yourself.

Professional Registered Agent vs. Self-Representation

One option for selecting a new registered agent is to represent yourself. However, this can be a time-consuming and potentially confusing process.

You will need a physical address in New Jersey where legal documents can be delivered, and you will be responsible for ensuring that you receive and respond to all legal notices on time.

Another option is to use a professional registered agent service. These services provide a physical address in New Jersey where legal documents can be delivered and a team of trained professionals who will handle all legal notices and ensure you comply with state regulations.

Northwest Registered Agent offers this service, and choosing them as your preferred registered agent can be a convenient and efficient way to ensure your business remains in good standing.

Criteria for a Reliable Registered Agent

When selecting a new registered agent, it’s essential to consider the following criteria:

• Experience: Look for a registered agent with expertise in the industry and a proven track record of success.
• Availability: Make sure your registered agent is available during regular business hours and can promptly respond to any legal notices or documents.
• Reputation: Research the registered agent’s reputation by reading reviews and checking their Better Business Bureau rating.
• Additional Services: Consider whether the registered agent offers additional services such as mail forwarding or compliance monitoring.
• Physical address: You should ensure the agent has a physical address in New Jersey where legal documents can be delivered.

Why You Should Use Northwest as Your New Jersey LLC Registered Agent?

Northwest Registered Agent is the ideal choice if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient registered agent for your New Jersey LLC.

Here’s why:

New Jersey Experts

Northwest Registered Agent has a team of well-versed New Jersey experts in all business filings and the New Jersey Division of Revenue Corporate Filing requirements. They know the ins and outs of the system and can provide you with the best service possible.

Instant Registered Agent Services

Northwest Registered Agent offers instant registered agent services for an annual price of $125. This means you can start with your LLC immediately without waiting for days or weeks for your paperwork to be processed.

Instant New Jersey Forms

Northwest Registered Agent provides instant New Jersey forms in your online account. This makes it easy for you to create a filing in New Jersey without going through a lot of hassle.

State Resources

Northwest Registered Agent also provides state resources in your registered agent service account and self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can take care of your filings yourself if you prefer.

Annual Report Reminders

Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders so you never miss a deadline. You can also track your due dates in your online account, which makes it easy to stay on top of your filings.

Real-Time Scanning

Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. You can view your legal correspondence anytime, anywhere, without waiting for delivery.

Certificate of Change Form Filing

If you switch to Northwest Registered Agent today, they will file your Certificate of Change form and pay your filing fee in less than a business day. You can start with your LLC immediately without waiting days or weeks for your paperwork to be processed.

What the State of New Jersey Says about Changing a Registered Agent

You must follow the state’s guidelines to change your registered agent in New Jersey.

The state requires all Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and corporations to have a registered agent. The registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents, such as lawsuits, on behalf of the company.

According to the New Jersey Division of Revenue website, you can make this change through a certificate of change or in your annual report.

The state requires that your registered agent have a physical address and be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.

You must file a Certificate of Change with the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services to change your registered agent in New Jersey. You can file this form online, by mail, fax, or through a professional registered agent service.

The state filing fee for changing your registered agent is $25, which can be paid by check or credit card.

Once the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services approves your Change of Registered Agent/Office form, your new registered agent will receive a copy. It is important to note that the change will not take effect until the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services approves the form.

Once the appropriate form has been completed and signed, it should be sent to the New Jersey Division of Revenue, Corporate Filing:

Mail or USPS overnight:
New Jersey Division of Revenue
Corporate Filing
PO Box 308
Trenton, NJ 08625-0308

Over the counter, express mail, or courier:
33 West State Street, 5th Floor
Trenton, NJ 08608-1214

Final Thoughts

Changing your registered agent in New Jersey is a straightforward process.

Here are the steps to change your registered agent in New Jersey:

• Step 1: Select a new New Jersey registered agent.
• Step 2: Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching.
• Step 3: Complete and file a Certificate of Change or annual report.
• Step 4: Confirm the change of registered agent

By following these steps and selecting a reliable and trustworthy agent, you can ensure that your business complies with New Jersey law and receives essential legal documents promptly.

If you’re uncomfortable completing the process yourself, you can hire a professional service to handle it. This can save you time and ensure that everything is done correctly. However, keep in mind that this will come with an additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Change Your Registered Agent in NJ

What is the process for changing my business’s registered agent in New Jersey?

To change your registered agent in New Jersey, you must complete and file a Certificate of Change – Registered Name or Address, or Both for LLCs or a Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent for corporations form with the New Jersey Division of Revenue, Corporate Filing. It must be submitted by mail, fax, in person, or online. Once the form is processed, the new registered agent will be updated in the state’s records.

How much does it cost to change a registered agent in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the fee for filing a Certificate of Change form is $25, and the fee for filing an annual report is $50.

Can I update my New Jersey LLC’s registered agent details online?

You can update your New Jersey LLC’s registered agent details online through the New Jersey Division of Revenue website.

How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in New Jersey?

Mailed documents take the longest to process, requiring 3-10 business days for Division of Revenue processing plus 3-6 business days for mail each way. Including a self-addressed stamped envelope can speed this up.

Over-the-counter expedited processing takes 8.5 business hours. Online agent changes are reflected after one business day.

Fax filings are expedited, with options for 8.5 business hours or same-day processing (if submitted by 12:30 PM, processing is completed by 5:00 PM).

What forms are required to update a registered agent in New Jersey?

To change your registered agent in New Jersey, you must complete and file a Certificate of Change – Registered Name or Address, or Both for LLCs or a Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent for corporations form with the New Jersey Division of Revenue, Corporate Filing.

How do I find a registered agent for a New Jersey company?

You can find a registered agent for your New Jersey company by searching online for registered agent services or asking other business owners for referrals.

Can I serve as my registered agent for my New Jersey-based company?

Yes, you can serve as your registered agent for your New Jersey-based company if you have a physical address in New Jersey and are available during regular business hours to receive legal notices.

Who can be a New Jersey Registered Agent?

A New Jersey registered agent can be an individual who is a resident of New Jersey or a business entity authorized to do business in New Jersey.