How to Change Your Registered Agent in Ohio (Guide)
Whether you want to improve the handling of your business legal documents, cut costs, or move to a better and friendlier registered agent in Ohio, I’ve got you!
That is what this guide is all about.
- To switch your registered or statutory agent in Ohio, you must fill out and submit a Statutory Agent Update form to the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division.
- This form can be submitted by mail or in person, costing $25 to file.
- If you hire Northwest as your new statutory agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork for your Ohio Statutory Agent Update and cover the state filing fee.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Ohio
Changing your registered agent in Ohio is a simple process that can be done quickly and easily. Follow these steps to change your registered agent in Ohio:
Step#1. Select a new Ohio statutory agent
The first step in changing your registered agent in Ohio is to select a new Ohio statutory agent. Your new agent must be an Ohio resident or a business entity authorized to do business in Ohio. You can choose an individual or a company to act as your new agent.
I used Northwest Registered Agent services, which made everything easy for me. They took the hassle out of the process so I could focus on running my business. Their support was fantastic, and they made sure everything was done right.
By choosing Northwest as your registered agent in Ohio, you can offload all the paperwork and focus on growing your business.
Step#2. Notify your former statutory agent that you’re moving on
After you have selected your new Ohio statutory agent, you must notify your former agent that you are moving on. This notification can be done by mail or email. You should provide your former agent with your new agent’s name and contact information.
Step#3. Preparing the Statutory Agent Update Form
The next step is to prepare the Statutory Agent Update Form. This form can be completed online or by mail. You must provide your business identity number or search for your business entity name. You will also need to provide the name and contact information of your new Ohio statutory agent.
Here’s how the Statutory Agent Update Form for a registered agent looks like:
Step#4. Filing the Change with the Ohio Secretary of State
After you have completed the Statutory Agent Update Form, you must file the change with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can file the change online or by mail. If you file online, you will receive a confirmation email. If you file by mail, you will receive a confirmation letter.
Step#5. Confirming the Change
After you have filed the change with the Ohio Secretary of State, you should confirm that the change has been made. You can do this by checking the Ohio Secretary of State’s website or by contacting the Ohio Secretary of State’s office directly.
Changing your registered agent in Ohio is a straightforward process that can be done quickly and easily. By following these steps, you can ensure that your business complies with Ohio law and that your new Ohio statutory agent is properly registered.
You can submit the Statutory Agent Update form to the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services, by mail or in person. Original signatures are not required by the Ohio Secretary of State. Please make checks for fees payable to the “Secretary of State.”
Selecting a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Ohio, it’s important to carefully consider your options before deciding. Your registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and important notices on behalf of your business, so it’s crucial to choose someone reliable and trustworthy.
Types of Registered Agents
There are several types of registered agents to choose from when selecting a new agent for your Ohio business. These include:
- Individual: An individual registered agent is a person who resides in Ohio and is available during regular business hours to receive legal documents and other important notices on behalf of your business.
- Professional Service: A professional service registered agent is a company that specializes in providing registered agent services. These companies typically have multiple employees available to receive legal documents and other important notices for your business.
- Business Entity: A business entity registered agent is a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, partnership, or business trust authorized to do business in Ohio and has a physical address in the state.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to choose a professional service as your registered agent, there are several factors to consider when selecting a provider. These include:
- Reputation: Look for a company with a solid reputation for providing reliable and trustworthy registered agent services.
- Experience: Choose a company that provides registered agent services to businesses in Ohio.
- Cost: Consider the price of the service, including any additional fees for mail forwarding or other services.
- Customer Service: Look for a company with excellent customer service that can answer your questions and provide support when needed.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Ohio LLC Registered Agent?
When it comes to choosing a registered agent for your Ohio LLC, Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice.
Here are some reasons why:
- They will file your Ohio Statutory Agent Update paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee, making changing your registered agent quick and hassle-free.
- As your statutory agent, they don’t wait for any legal correspondence they receive on your behalf. Instead, they immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere.
- Instant registered agent services annual price: $125. This is a competitive price for the services they offer.
- You will have access to instant Ohio forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Ohio. This makes it easy to keep your LLC compliant with Ohio state law.
- State resources are available in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can handle many of your LLC’s legal needs in one place.
- 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 an important deadline.
- They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time at no added cost. This means you’ll receive important legal documents as soon as possible, which can help you respond to legal issues quickly and effectively.
What does the State of Ohio Say about changing a registered agent?
If you want to change your registered agent in Ohio, it is important to understand what the state requires. Ohio requires that all business entities operating in Ohio appoint and maintain a statutory agent to accept service of process on behalf of the entity.
To change your registered agent in Ohio, you must fill out a Statutory Agent Update form, which can be completed and submitted online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website. The form requires you to provide your business identity number or search for your business entity name. You will also need to provide the name and address of your new registered agent.
It is important to note that Ohio requires the new registered agent to be located in Ohio and have a physical street address. P.O. boxes are not acceptable.
Once you have submitted the Statutory Agent Update form, the Ohio Secretary of State will process the change of registered agent.
The process usually takes 4 to 6 working days. However, if you need the change processed more quickly, you can choose to use the expedited service, which costs $100 for a 2-day turnaround, $200 for a 1-day turnaround, and $300 for a 4-hour turnaround.
Finally, it is important to ensure that all parties involved in your business, including your new registered agent, are notified of the change. You should also update your company’s records to reflect the change and ensure that any future legal documents are sent to the correct registered agent.
Mailing Address for the Ohio Secretary of State:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
22 North Fourth Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to change your registered agent in Ohio, it’s important to take action and follow through with the necessary steps.
Here’s a recap of what you need to do to change your registered agent in Ohio:
- Select a new Ohio registered agent that meets the state’s requirements.
- Notify your former registered agent of the change and make sure they provide you with any necessary documents or information.
- Prepare the Statutory Agent Update Form, including all required information and signatures.
- You can file the change with the Ohio Secretary of State, either online or by mail, and pay the $25 filing fee.
- Confirm the change has been processed and that your new registered agent is now listed on your business records.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and efficient transition to your new Ohio registered agent. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Ohio?
Changing your registered agent in Ohio requires filing the appropriate form with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can file the 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 Ohio?
To update your registered agent information in Ohio, you must file the Statutory Agent Update form (Form 521) or the Amendment of Partnership Statement form (Form 545) if your business is an LLP. These forms can be filed online or by mail.
Can I be my own registered agent in Ohio, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Ohio as long as you meet the following requirements: you are a resident of Ohio or a corporation authorized to do business in Ohio, you have a physical address in Ohio where you can receive legal documents, and you are available during normal business hours to receive legal documents.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Ohio?
The filing fee for changing your registered agent in Ohio is $25. This fee is the same whether you file online or by mail. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Ohio Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can file the Statutory Agent Update form (Form 521) or the Amendment of Partnership Statement form (Form 545) online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Ohio?
Yes, a few restrictions exist on who can serve as a registered agent in Ohio. The registered agent must be a resident of Ohio or a corporation authorized to do business in Ohio, and they must have a physical address in Ohio where they can receive legal documents.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Ohio?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in Ohio varies depending on how you file your paperwork. If you file online, the processing time is usually faster than filing by mail. Once your paperwork has been processed, your new registered agent will be updated in the state’s records.
How do I contact the Ohio Secretary of State?
You can contact the Ohio Secretary of State’s office at (877) 767-3453 or email at business.services@OhioSoS.gov. You can also visit their website at www.sos.state.oh.us for more information and to file your paperwork online.
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