How to Change Your Registered Agent in North Carolina (Guide)
Thinking about changing your registered agent in North Carolina? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you might think.
Choosing a reliable registered agent is crucial—they’re the ones who handle all your legal documents and keep you compliant with state regulations. Whether you’re looking to replace your current agent with someone new or just need to update their contact information, I’ve got you covered.
Follow along, and I’ll walk you through the process.
- Changing your registered agent in North Carolina is easy. Just fill out the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and send it to the North Carolina Secretary of State.
- It costs $5 to mail, in person, or online.
- If you hire Northwest as your new agent, they’ll handle the paperwork and pay the $5 fee for you.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in North Carolina
In this section, I will outline the steps you need to take to change your registered agent. Follow these steps to ensure that the process is smooth and hassle-free.
Step #1. Select a new North Carolina registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is to select a new one. Your new registered agent must be in North Carolina and authorized to do business there. You can choose to be your registered agent if you have a physical address in North Carolina, but hiring a professional registered agent service is recommended.
Many registered agent services are available in North Carolina, and you can easily find one that meets your needs. Look for a registered agent service that is reliable, affordable, and has a good reputation.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent
After selecting a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are changing agents. You should do this in writing and provide your former registered agent with the name and address of your new registered agent.
Consider using Northwest Registered Agent services to save time and avoid stress. They’d take care of all your LLC paperwork, ensuring everything is done right the first time.
Step #3. Complete your North Carolina Statement of Change
The next step is to complete your North Carolina Statement of Change. This form is available on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website. You will need to provide the following information:
- The name of your business entity
- Your business entity’s North Carolina identification number
- The name and address of your new registered agent
- The effective date of the change
Here’s how the North Carolina Statement of Change for a registered agent looks like:
Step #4. Submit your North Carolina Statement of Change to the North Carolina Secretary of State
After completing your North Carolina Statement of Change, submit it to the North Carolina Secretary of State. You can submit the form by mail, in person, or online. You should include a Coversheet for Corporate Filings form if you submit the form by mail.
Step #5. Pay the fees
There is a fee for changing your registered agent in North Carolina. The cost is $50 if you file the form online or $25 if you file the form by mail or in person. You can pay the fee using a credit card, check, or money order.
If you file by mail, regular processing takes the North Carolina Secretary of State about seven to ten business days. Online filings are faster and processed in just three to five business days.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
This section will discuss the types of registered agents and considerations for selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
Three main types of registered agents exist: individuals, professional services, and the business itself.
An individual can serve as a registered agent for a business, but they must be a resident of North Carolina and have a physical address in the state. This option may be suitable for small businesses with a single owner-operator.
Professional services, such as legal or accounting firms, can also serve as registered agents. They can provide additional services, such as compliance assistance and legal advice. However, they may be more expensive than other options.
Finally, a business can serve as its registered agent if it has a physical address in North Carolina. This option may suit larger companies with a physical presence in the state.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to use a professional service as your registered agent, there are a few things you should consider.
First, the service must be authorized to do business in North Carolina. You can check this by searching the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.
Second, consider the cost of the service. Make sure the fees are reasonable and fit within your budget.
Third, consider the level of service the company provides. Do they offer additional services, such as compliance assistance and legal advice? Do they have a good reputation in the industry?
Considering these considerations, you can choose a registered agent that fits your business’s needs best.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your North Carolina LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent option if you are looking for a reliable North Carolina registered agent.
Here are some reasons why you should choose them as your North Carolina LLC registered agent:
- They will file your North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. This means you don’t have to worry about the paperwork and can focus on running your business.
- 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. This ensures you are always up-to-date with legal documents or notices your business receives.
- Their instant registered agent services annual price is only $125. This competitive price ensures you don’t have to break the bank to have a reliable registered agent for your North Carolina LLC.
- They provide instant North Carolina forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in North Carolina. This makes it easy to file any necessary paperwork with the state.
- They provide state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can easily find the resources you need to handle any filings or legal requirements for your North Carolina LLC.
- Northwest registered agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures you never miss a deadline and stay compliant with state regulations.
- They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. This ensures that you receive legal papers or notices as soon as possible, which can be crucial for your business.
What does the State of North Carolina Say about changing a registered agent?
If you want to change your LLC’s registered agent in North Carolina, the state has certain requirements that you need to follow. The following information will help you understand what the state of North Carolina says about changing a registered agent.
Firstly, you must submit a Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent form to the North Carolina Secretary of State. This form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. The cost of filing this form is only $5.
When filling out the form, you will need to provide the name and address of your new registered agent, as well as the effective date of the change. You will also need to give the name and address of your LLC, along with the name and signature of an authorized representative.
It’s important to note that your new registered agent must meet specific requirements set by the state of North Carolina. According to the North Carolina Secretary of State website, your new registered agent must:
- Agree to act as your registered agent
- Reside in North Carolina (you may be your registered agent if you live in NC) or be a domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit, or LLC that is:
- Registered on the NC Business Registry and authorized to transact business/conduct affairs in NC
- Whose business office address is identical to the registered office address.
Once you submit the Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent form and the North Carolina Secretary of State approves it, the state will officially recognize your new registered agent.
If you have any questions or concerns about changing your registered agent in North Carolina, you can contact the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office at the following mailing address:
North Carolina Secretary of State
Corporations Division
PO Box 29622
Raleigh, NC 27626-0622
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in North Carolina is straightforward and can be completed in just a few simple steps. By following the steps outlined below, you can ensure that your company remains compliant with state regulations and that your business runs smoothly.
Here are the steps that you need to take to change registered agent in North Carolina:
- Selecting a New North Carolina Registered Agent
- Notifying Your Former Registered Agent
- Completing Your North Carolina Statement of Change
- Submitting Your North Carolina Statement of Change to the North Carolina Secretary of State
- Paying the Fees
Following these simple steps, you can change your registered agent in North Carolina and ensure that your business complies with state regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in North Carolina?
To change your registered agent in North Carolina, you must first inform your current agent that you plan to change. You must then complete and file the North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State of North Carolina, Corporations Division. Once the form is filed, your new registered agent will be updated on the NC Business Registry.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in North Carolina?
To update your registered agent information in North Carolina, you must complete the North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Agent form, which can be found on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.
Can I be my registered agent in North Carolina, and what are the requirements?
You may be your registered agent in North Carolina if you reside there. If you do not reside in North Carolina, you must appoint a registered agent with a physical address. Additionally, your registered agent must be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents on your behalf.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in North Carolina?
The fee to change your registered agent in North Carolina is $5. This fee must be paid when you file the North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State of North Carolina, Corporations Division. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the North Carolina Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the North Carolina Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s website allows you to access and submit the necessary forms electronically.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in North Carolina?
The registered agent must be an individual or entity authorized to conduct business in North Carolina. Additionally, the registered agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents on your behalf.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in North Carolina?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in North Carolina can vary. However, the Secretary of State of North Carolina, Corporations Division, typically takes two to three business days to process and complete the change.
How do I contact the Secretary of State of North Carolina?
You can contact the North Carolina Secretary of State by phone at (919) 814-5400 or by email at authen@sosnc.gov. You can also visit their website at sosnc.gov for more information and to access necessary forms.
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