How to Change Your Registered Agent in New York (Guide)
Changing your registered agent in New York isn’t just paperwork—it’s about keeping your business smooth and compliant. Finding a new agent based in NY is key if you want faster, more reliable handling of legal documents.
Imagine cutting costs while getting more value. Choosing an agent with competitive fees and a wide range of services can make a big difference.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to switch your registered agent in NY smoothly.
- To switch your registered agent in New York, you must fill out and send a Certificate of Change form to the New York Department of State.
- You can do this by mail, fax, or in person, which costs $30 to file.
- If you choose Northwest as your new registered agent, they will handle all the paperwork and cover the state filing fee.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in New York
Step#1. Select a new New York registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is to select a new registered agent. Your new agent must be in NY and have a physical address where they can receive service of process on behalf of your corporation or limited liability company (LLC). You can hire a professional registered agent service or appoint an individual who meets the legal requirements.
I highly recommend Northwest Registered Agents because they can make your life much easier. They handle all the paperwork and cover the state filing fee for you, removing the hassle of changing your registered agent in New York.
By choosing Northwest as your registered agent in New York, you can hand off all the paperwork and concentrate on growing your business.
Step#2. Notify your former registered agent
Once you select a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent of the change.
This is important because your former agent must release their authority to act as your registered agent. You can do this by sending a written notice to your former agent via certified mail or hand delivery. Your notice should include your new registered agent’s name and contact information.
Step#3. Complete your New York Certificate of Change
The next step is to complete your New York Certificate of Change. This form is available on the New York Department of State’s website, and it requires you to provide information about your corporation or LLC, your former registered agent, and your new registered agent. You must also pay a $30 filing fee when you submit the form.
Here’s how the New York Certificate of Change for a registered agent looks like:
Step#4. Submit your New York Certificate of Change to the New York Department of State
The final step is to submit your New York Certificate of Change to the New York Department of State. You can file the form online or by mail.
If you file online, you can pay the filing fee using a credit card. If you file by mail, you can pay the fee via check or money order. Once your form is processed, your new registered agent will be authorized to act on behalf of your corporation or LLC.
The New York Department of State accepts payments in various forms: cash, check, money order, MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. If mailing your certificate, avoid sending cash. Checks should be made payable to “Department of State.”Faxed documents also require credit or debit card authorization.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
There are different types of registered agents, and it is important to consider your options carefully to ensure that you select the right one for your business needs.
Types of Registered Agents
There are two main types of registered agents: individuals and professional services.
An individual registered agent can be a member of your business or someone you trust willing to accept legal documents on your behalf. A professional registered agent service is a business that specializes in providing registered agent services to other businesses.
Professional registered agent services offer more flexibility and convenience than individual registered agents. They can provide a physical address for your business, receive and forward legal documents to you, and offer additional services such as mail forwarding and document scanning. However, they also come with a cost, which can vary depending on your chosen provider.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When selecting a professional registered agent service, there are a few key considerations to remember. First, consider the cost of the service and whether it fits within your budget. Look for a provider that offers a competitive price while still providing your needed services.
Second, consider the level of privacy the service provides.
Some registered agent services may offer more privacy than others, which can be important if you want to keep your personal information separate from your business.
Finally, the reputation of the registered agent service must be considered. Look for a provider with a good track record of reliability and customer service, as this can help ensure that your legal documents are received and forwarded to you promptly.
Why Should You Use Northwest as Your NY LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a great option if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient registered agent service for your New York LLC.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider using them as your registered agent:
- They will file your New York Certificate of Change paperwork and pay the state filing fee, saving you time and hassle.
- As your registered agent, they don’t wait for any legal correspondence we receive on your behalf. They immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere. This ensures that you never miss any important legal documents or deadlines.
- Their instant registered agent services annual price is $125, a competitive rate.
- They provide instant New York forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in New York. This makes it easy to file any necessary paperwork quickly and efficiently.
- They offer state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This can be especially helpful if you’re new to filing paperwork for your LLC.
- Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This helps ensure that you never miss any important deadlines or filings.
- They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. This ensures you receive important legal documents as soon as possible and can respond quickly if necessary.
What Does the State of New York Say about Changing a Registered Agent?
When changing a registered agent in the state of New York, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the New York Department of State. Failure to do so could result in unnecessary delays or even the rejection of your filing.
According to Section 805-A(b) of the Business Corporation Law, a registered agent of a domestic corporation may change their address on file with the New York Department of State by filing a Certificate of Change of Address of Registered Agent. This form can be filed online or by mail, and it requires you to provide the name and contact information of your new registered agent and the name and contact information of your old registered agent.
Send the completed form to the following address:
New York State Department of State,
Division of Corporations,
State Records and Uniform Commercial Code,
One Commerce Plaza,
99 Washington Avenue.
Albany, NY 12231
It is important to note that the new registered agent must have a physical address within the state of New York. P.O. boxes or virtual offices are unacceptable as registered agents’ addresses.
Once the Certificate of Change of Address of Registered Agent is filed, you must update your business records to reflect the change. Your professional service will file the necessary documents and pay the New York Certificate of Change state fee of $30 plus the service charge on your behalf.
It is also possible to request expedited handling service for an additional fee. The New York Department of State will process a document within 24 hours for $25, the same day for $75 per document, or within two hours for $150 per document.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in New York may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new registered agent in New York:
Select a new New York registered agent: Take your time to research and choose a registered agent that meets your business needs. Consider factors such as cost, reputation, and reliability.
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. This is an important step to ensure that your former agent does not continue to receive legal notices or other important documents on your behalf.
Complete your New York Certificate of Change: The next step is to complete your New York Certificate of Change. This form requires you to provide your business name, the name and address of your new registered agent, and other relevant information.
Submit your New York Certificate of Change to the New York Department of State: Once you have completed your Certificate of Change, you can submit it to the New York Department of State. You can file the form online or by mail and must pay a filing fee of $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in New York?
You must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the New York Secretary of State to change your registered agent in New York. This form requires you to provide the name and contact information of your new registered agent and your current agent’s name and contact information. You can file the form online or by mail.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in New York?
To update your registered agent information in New York, you must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the New York Secretary of State. This form requires you to provide the name and contact information of your new registered agent and your current agent’s name and contact information. You can file the form online or by mail.
Can I be my registered agent in New York, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in New York as long as you meet the following requirements:
- You are a New York resident.
- You have a physical address in New York to receive legal documents during regular business hours.
- You are available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in New York?
The fee to change your registered agent in New York is $30. You can pay this fee by money order, MasterCard, Visa, or American Express. If you choose to pay by credit or debit card, you must complete and sign the Credit Card/Debit Card Authorization Form and submit it to the New York Secretary of State. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the New York Secretary of State?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online with the New York Secretary of State. You can file the Change of Registered Agent form through the New York Department of State’s online portal.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in New York?
Yes, there are restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in New York. Your registered agent must be a New York resident or a business entity that is authorized to do business in New York. Your registered agent must also have a physical address in New York where they can receive legal documents during regular business hours.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in New York?
The New York Secretary of State typically processes and completes the change of registered agent within 1-2 weeks of receiving the Change of Registered Agent form. However, processing times may vary depending on the volume of filings received by the New York Secretary of State.
How do I contact the New York Secretary of State?
You can contact the New York Secretary of State at (518) 473-2492 or at corporations@dos.ny.gov. For more information about changing your registered agent in New York, visit their website at http://www.dos.ny.gov/.
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