How to Change Your Registered Agent in Rhode Island (Guide)
If you’re running a business in Rhode Island, you gotta have a registered agent. Keeping your registered agent active and compliant is key to staying in good standing with the state.
Switching your registered agent in Rhode Island is pretty straightforward, but you gotta follow the right steps to avoid any compliance hiccups.
In this article, I’ll break down the process so you can keep your business on the right track and in good standing with the state.
- To change your registered agent in Rhode Island, you need to fill out a Statement of Change form and send it to the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
- You can mail it, submit it in person, or do it online. It costs $20 to file.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle the paperwork and pay the fee for you.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Rhode Island
Changing your registered agent in Rhode Island is a simple process that can be done in five easy steps.
Here’s what you need to do:
Step #1. Select a new Rhode Island registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is to choose a new one. If they meet the requirements set by the Rhode Island Secretary of State, you can select an individual or a company to serve as your registered agent.
The new registered agent must have a physical street address in Rhode Island where they can be reached during normal business hours. P.O. boxes or shipping/postal company addresses are not allowed.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching
After selecting a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are switching. This is a courtesy and ensures that your former agent does not continue receiving legal documents for your business.
Changing to Northwest will simplify managing your registered agent needs. Their efficient handling of paperwork and fees effortlessly ensures compliance.
Step #3. Preparing the Statement of Change Form
The next step is to prepare the Statement of Change form, which is available on the Rhode Island Secretary of State website. You must fill out the form with the required information, including the name and address of your new registered agent.
Here’s what the Rhode Island Statement of Change of Registered Agent looks like:
Step #4. Obtaining Consent from the New Agent
Before you can file the Statement of Change form, you must obtain consent from your new registered agent. The new agent must sign the Consent to Appointment form, also available on the Rhode Island Secretary of State website.
Step #5. Filing the Change with the Rhode Island Secretary of State
The final step is to complete and submit your Rhode Island Statement of Change to the Rhode Island Secretary of State. You can file the form online or by mail.
You must comply with all state regulations when changing your registered agent in Rhode Island. Failure to do so may result in legal consequences for your business.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
This section will cover the types of registered agents available and some considerations for selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
There are two main types of registered agents: individual and professional services. An individual registered agent is typically someone within the company designated to receive legal documents. A professional registered agent service is a third-party company that receives legal documents on behalf of businesses.
Professional registered agent services can be divided into commercial and non-commercial registered agents. Commercial registered agents are for-profit companies that provide registered agent services to multiple businesses. Non-commercial registered agents are typically attorneys or law firms that provide registered agent services as part of their legal services.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you choose to use a professional registered agent service, there are a few things you should consider before selecting.
First, consider the level of confidentiality you require. If you need to keep your business’s information confidential, you may want to choose a non-commercial registered agent.
Second, the flexibility of the service should be considered. Some registered agent services may only provide a physical address for receiving legal documents, while others may also provide electronic document delivery or forwarding services.
Finally, consider the cost of the service. While using a professional registered agent service may be more expensive than designating an individual within the company, it can provide added convenience and peace of mind.
Related: How to Change Your LLC Registered Agent (by states)
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Rhode Island LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice to change your registered agent in Rhode Island.
Here are a few reasons why:
Experienced Rhode Island Experts
Northwest Registered Agent has a team of Rhode Island experts who know the ins and outs of all business filings and what the Rhode Island Secretary of State requires. They can help you navigate changing your registered agent smoothly and efficiently.
Instant Registered Agent Services
Northwest Registered Agent offers instant registered agent services at an annual price of $125. This means you can quickly and easily change your registered agent and return to running your business.
Convenient Online Account
When you use Northwest Registered Agent as your registered agent, you get access to an online account with instant Rhode Island forms located directly in your account. You can also access state resources and self-filing instructions to help you with any filings you need to make.
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, making it easy to stay on top of your business filings.
Local Scanning of Documents
Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time at no added cost. This means that you can receive important legal documents quickly and efficiently, helping you stay on top of any legal issues that may arise.
Statement of Change Filing
Northwest Registered Agent will file your Rhode Island Statement of Change by Business Entity and Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. You don’t have to worry about additional paperwork or fees when changing your registered agent.
What the State of Rhode Island Says about Changing a Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Rhode Island, the state has specific requirements that must be followed. The Department of State website guides changing your LLC’s resident agent.
According to the Rhode Island Department of State, a registered agent is an individual or entity that receives official and legal documents on behalf of a business. The agent must be a Rhode Island resident or an entity qualified to do business in this state.
A registered agent must have a Rhode Island street address (Registered Office) and be available at the given address during normal business hours.
You must file a Statement of Change form with the Rhode Island Secretary of State to change your registered agent. There are two SOS change of agent forms: one for corporations and the other for LLCs. The registered agent does not need to sign the form, and Rhode Island does not require original signatures on documents.
It’s important to note that the new registered agent must be an individual or entity that will accept all legal services for your entity. They must also be a Rhode Island resident or entity qualified to do business in the state.
Once the form is completed, mail it to the following address:
Business Services Division
Rhode Island Secretary of State
148 W River Street
Providence, RI 02904
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Rhode Island may seem daunting, but it is necessary for any business owner.
You can ensure a smooth and successful transition by following the steps below.
Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Rhode Island:
- Select a New Registered Agent: Choose a reliable agent like Northwest Registered Agent.
- Notify Your Former Agent: Inform them in writing of the change.
- Prepare the Change Form: Complete the Rhode Island Statement of Change.
- Obtain Consent: Ensure your new agent signs the required consent form.
- Submit to Secretary of State: File your completed form to finalize the change.
Rhode Island requires compliance with specific regulations for changing your registered agent. Choosing a Northwest Registered Agent with over 20 years of experience ensures efficient handling and compliance with state requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Rhode Island?
You must file a Statement of Change form with the Rhode Island Secretary of State to change your registered agent in Rhode Island. The form can be filed online or by mail. You will need to provide the name and address of your new registered agent.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information on the Rhode Island Secretary of State website?
The only form required to update your registered agent information in Rhode Island is the Statement of Change form, which can be filed online or by mail.
Can I be my registered agent in Rhode Island, and what are the requirements?
You can be your registered agent in Rhode Island if you have a physical street address. A P.O. Box or shipping/postal company address is not allowed.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Rhode Island?
The fee to change your registered agent in Rhode Island is $20. You can pay this fee online or by mail. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Rhode Island Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Rhode Island Secretary of State. You must file a Statement of Change form online and pay the $20 fee.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Rhode Island?
The registered agent must be a Rhode Island resident or an entity qualified to do business in Rhode Island. The registered agent must also have a physical street address in Rhode Island and be available during normal business hours to accept the service of process.
Change Registered Agent Services by State
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