How to Change Your Registered Agent in Pennsylvania (Guide)
Whether you want faster legal document handling, savings on fees, or compliance after relocating, switching your registered agent in Pennsylvania is straightforward than you might think..
This article will guide you through changing your registered agent in Pennsylvania.
You’ll discover how to leverage the perks of having a dependable and proactive agent on your side.
Let’s get started!
- To switch your commercial registered agent in Pennsylvania, just fill out a Change of Registered Office form and send it to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
- You can do it online or by mail, costing $5.
- If you choose Northwest as your new commercial registered agent, they’ll take care of all the paperwork and pay the state filing fee for you.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Pennsylvania
Changing your registered agent in Pennsylvania is a simple process that can be completed in four easy steps.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step#1. Select a new Pennsylvania commercial registered agent
The first step to changing your registered agent in Pennsylvania is to select a new commercial registered agent. You can choose any person or business entity authorized to do business in Pennsylvania and have a physical street address in Pennsylvania.
When selecting a new registered agent, consider their reputation, experience, and fees. You want to choose an agent that is reliable and can provide quality service. You should also make sure that the agent’s fees are reasonable and fit within your budget.
Step#2. Notify your former commercial registered agent
After selecting a new commercial registered agent, you need to notify your former registered agent that you are terminating their services. You should do this in writing and provide them with your new registered agent’s name and contact information.
It’s important to ensure that your former registered agent is aware of the change and that they are no longer responsible for accepting legal documents on your behalf. This will help avoid any confusion or delays in the future.
Suppose you choose Northwest as your registered agent in Pennsylvania. In that case, they will handle the entire process, which includes notifying your former agent and filing the necessary paperwork with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
Step#3. Preparing the Pennsylvania Statement of Change of Registered Office
The next step is to prepare the Pennsylvania Change of Registered Agent Form. You can obtain this form from the Pennsylvania Department of State website or your new registered agent.
The form requires you to provide your new registered agent’s name, contact information, company name, entity type, and identification number. You must also sign the form and include a $5 filing fee.
Here’s what the Statement of Change of Registered Office Pennsylvania looks like:
Step#4. Filing with the Pennsylvania Department of State
The final step is to file the completed Change of Registered Agent Form with the Pennsylvania Department of State. You can file the form online or by mail. If you file online, you must create an account on the Pennsylvania Department of State website.
Once the form is filed and the fee is paid, the Pennsylvania Department of State will process the form and update your company’s information. Your new registered agent will then accept legal documents on your behalf.
The average processing time to change your Pennsylvania registered agent is about one week. If you need it done faster, expedited service typically processes your document within one day.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Pennsylvania, it is important to choose a new agent who meets the state’s requirements and can fulfill the role’s responsibilities.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind when selecting a new registered agent:
Types of Registered Agents
You can choose from two types of registered agents: an individual or a professional service. An individual can be anyone authorized to do business in Pennsylvania and has a physical address in the state. A professional service, such as a registered agent service or a law firm, can also act as your registered agent.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to use a professional service as your registered agent, there are a few things to consider.
First, make sure the service is authorized to do business in Pennsylvania.
Second, ensure that the service has a physical address in the state where they can receive legal documents on your behalf.
Third, the service’s reputation and experience should be considered. Look for reviews or ask for referrals to ensure that the service is reliable and provides quality service.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Pennsylvania LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient Pennsylvania registered agent for your LLC.
Here are some reasons why you should consider using them as your registered agent:
- Effortless Change of Registered Office: If you want to change your registered agent, Northwest can help you file a Pennsylvania Change of Registered Office and pay the state filing fee on your behalf. You can focus on running your business while they handle the paperwork.
- Instant Registered Agent Services: Northwest offers instant registered agent services at an affordable annual price of $125. This includes a range of features, such as instant Pennsylvania forms located directly in your online account, state resources, and self-filing instructions to help you make a filing in Pennsylvania.
- Real-time Scanning: As your commercial registered agent, Northwest doesn’t wait 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 means you’ll always be up-to-date on critical legal matters related to your business.
- Annual Report Reminders: Northwest sends multiple report reminders yearly, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you’ll never miss a deadline and that your LLC remains in good standing with the state.
- Free Real-time Document Scanning: Northwest locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time at no added cost. This means you’ll always receive important legal documents as soon as they arrive without any delays.
What does the State of Pennsylvania Say about changing a registered agent?
If you want to change your registered agent in Pennsylvania, you must follow the guidelines set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of State. The state requires that you file a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Agent form to make the change.
The form must include the name and address of your new registered agent, as well as the effective date of the change. You must also provide the name of your LLC and the name of the person filing the form.
The filing fee for the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Agent form is $5. You can pay this fee by check or credit card. If you hire a registered agent service to handle the filing for you, they will typically charge an additional fee for their services.
When filing the form, you should send it to the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations, at the following address:
Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722
After you file the form, the state will process it and update its records accordingly. It’s important to note that the change will not take effect until the state approves the form and updates its records.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Pennsylvania may seem daunting, but it is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed easily.
Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Pennsylvania:
- Select a new Pennsylvania commercial registered agent
- Notify your former commercial registered agent
- Prepare the Pennsylvania Change of Registered Agent Form
- File with the Pennsylvania Department of State
Once you have found a suitable replacement, be sure to inform your former registered agent of the change and provide them with the necessary documentation.
The next step is to prepare the Change of Registered Agent Form, which requires you to provide your new registered agent’s name and contact information. This form can be filed online or by mail and costs $5.
Finally, once you have completed the necessary paperwork, you can file it with the Pennsylvania Department of State. After processing your request, the department will update its records and notify you of the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Pennsylvania?
To change your registered agent in Pennsylvania, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office by Agent with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations, and Charitable Organizations. The form must be submitted by mail or in person and include the name and address of your new registered agent.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Pennsylvania?
The only form required to update your registered agent information in Pennsylvania is the Statement of Change of Registered Office by Agent, which can be downloaded from the Pennsylvania Department of State website.
Can I be my own registered agent in Pennsylvania, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Pennsylvania if you have a physical street address in the state. A P.O. Box is not acceptable. Remember that a registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the business.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Pennsylvania?
The fee to change a registered agent in Pennsylvania is $5. This fee includes the filing fee and the fee for the new registered agent to accept the service of process. Hire Northwest to do it for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online through the Pennsylvania Department of State portal, PA Business One-Stop Hub. To do so, log in to your account, select your business, and complete the online form. The fee for changing your registered agent online is $5.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Pennsylvania?
The registered agent must be a resident of Pennsylvania or a business entity authorized to do business in the state. The registered agent must also have a physical street address in Pennsylvania, not a P.O. Box.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Pennsylvania?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in Pennsylvania varies, but it typically takes 7-10 business days. However, expedited service is available for an additional fee.
How do I contact the Pennsylvania Secretary of State?
You can contact the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations by phone at (717) 787-1057 or by email at RA-CORPS@pa.gov. You can also visit their website at http://www.dos.pa.gov/corps.
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