How to Change Your Registered Agent in South Carolina (Guide)
Changing your registered agent in South Carolina might seem like a big deal, but trust me—it’s simpler than you think!
Whether you’re moving your business, trying to save some cash, or just keeping up with the rules, switching your registered agent can help.
In this article, I’ll explain why changing your registered agent in South Carolina is a good move and give you a step-by-step guide to ensure everything goes smoothly.
- To change your registered agent in South Carolina, fill out a Notice of Change of Registered Agent form and send it to the South Carolina Secretary of State, Business Filings Division.
- You can mail it or drop it off in person. The filing fee is $10.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they will take care of all the paperwork and pay the fee for you.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in South Carolina
This section will explain each step in detail and provide extra information to guide you through the process.
Step #1. Select a New South Carolina Registered Agent
The first step in changing your registered agent in South Carolina is to select a new registered agent. Your new registered agent must be a resident of South Carolina or a business entity authorized to transact business in the state.
You can choose an individual or a business entity to act as your registered agent. It is important to choose a reliable and trustworthy registered agent who will be available during business hours to receive legal documents on your behalf.
I’ve been using Northwest Registered Agent services lately, and they’ve been great at managing all the paperwork.
Step #2. Notify Your Former Registered Agent
Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are changing your registered agent. This is important because your former registered agent may still receive legal documents on your behalf.
You can notify your former registered agent by sending a certified written notice with the requested return receipt.
Consider Switching to Northwest Registered Agent today. They’ll handle your Notice of Change of Registered Agent form and cover the filing fee within one business day!
Step #3. Complete Your South Carolina Notice of Change of Registered Agent
The next step in changing your registered agent in South Carolina is to complete your Notice of Change of Registered Agent form. You can obtain this form from the South Carolina Secretary of State’s website or by contacting the Business Filings Division.
The form requires you to provide information about your corporation, former registered agent, and new agent. You must sign the form and have it notarized.
Here’s what the South Carolina Notice of Change of Registered Agent looks like:
Step #4. Filing the Change of Agent Form with the South Carolina Secretary of State
The final step in changing your registered agent in South Carolina is to file your Notice of Change of Registered Agent form with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Business Filings Division.
You can file the form online, by mail, or in person. The filing fee is $10. Once the Secretary of State approves your form, your new registered agent will be officially recognized.
When sending documents to the South Carolina SOS, you can mail them or drop them off in person. They take cash, personal checks, or money orders, but no debit or credit cards. Just ensure any checks are written to the Secretary of State’s Office.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
In this section, we will discuss the types of registered agents available and some key factors to consider when selecting a professional service.
Types of Registered Agents
There are three main types of registered agents to choose from:
- Individuals: This can be anyone over 18 who resides in South Carolina and is willing to accept legal documents for your business. While this option may be cost-effective, it may not be the most reliable or professional choice.
- Business Associates: This can be a friend or family member involved in your business willing to act as your registered agent. However, remember that this option may not be objective or reliable.
- Professional Registered Agent Services: These third-party companies provide registered agent services to businesses. While this option may be more expensive, it offers the most reliable and professional service.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to go with a professional registered agent service, there are a few important factors to consider:
- Experience and Reputation: Look for a service with a proven track record of providing reliable and professional registered agent services. Check online reviews and ask for references to ensure the service has a good reputation.
- Availability and Responsiveness: Ensure the service is available during business hours and has a system for promptly receiving and forwarding legal documents.
- Cost: Compare prices between different registered agent services to ensure that you get a fair price for the level of service provided.
Considering these factors and carefully evaluating your options, you can choose the best-registered agent for your business in South Carolina.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your South Carolina LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a great option to change your South Carolina LLC registered agent.
Here are some reasons why:
- They handle the paperwork for you. As your registered agent, Northwest will file your South Carolina Notice of Change of Registered Agent paperwork and pay the state filing fee, saving you time and hassle.
- They provide instant service. Northwest offers instant registered agent services for an annual price of $125, meaning they don’t wait for any legal correspondence received on your behalf. Instead, they immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere.
- They provide access to South Carolina forms and resources. With Northwest, you’ll have access to instant South Carolina forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in South Carolina. Additionally, you’ll have access to state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you.
- They send annual report reminders. Northwest sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with all necessary filings.
- They offer real-time document scanning. Northwest locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time for no added cost, ensuring you receive important documents as soon as possible.
What does the State of South Carolina Say about changing a Registered Agent?
To change your LLC’s registered agent in South Carolina, you must follow the state’s requirements. According to the South Carolina Secretary of State, any entity wishing to change its registered agent must file the appropriate documentation with the Secretary of State’s office and pay a $10 fee.
You must file a Notice of Change of Registered Agent, Registered Office, or Both of a South Carolina Corporation (Form SCCA/502) to change your registered agent. This form can be downloaded from the South Carolina Business One Stop website or obtained by contacting the Secretary of State’s office.
When filling out the form, you must provide the name of your LLC, the designated office’s street address, and the new registered agent’s name and street address. You must also provide the new address to change the registered office.
Once you have completed the form, please mail it to the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office with the $10 fee. The mailing address is:
Secretary of State’s Office
Attn: Corporate Filings
1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525
Columbia, SC 29201
It is important to ensure that all information on the form is accurate and up-to-date. Any errors or omissions could result in delays or complications in the registration process.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in South Carolina can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps.
Here’s a quick recap of the steps involved to change registered agent in South Carolina:
- Step 1: Select a new South Carolina registered agent.
- Step 2: Notify your former registered agent.
- Step 3: Complete your South Carolina Notice of Change of Registered Agent.
- Step 4: File the Change of Agent Form with the Secretary of State.
It’s important to note that you should carefully research and select a new registered agent. Your registered agent ensures your business complies with state regulations and receives important legal documents on time.
Once you’ve selected a new registered agent, notify your former agent and complete the necessary paperwork accurately and promptly. This will help ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential legal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in South Carolina?
To change your registered agent in South Carolina, you must file the appropriate form with the South Carolina Secretary of State and pay the filing fee. The new agent must also consent to the appointment before the change becomes effective. The process is straightforward and can be completed easily.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in South Carolina?
To update your registered agent information in South Carolina, you must file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the South Carolina Secretary of State. This form can be found on the Business Filings section of the Secretary of State’s website.
Can I be my registered agent in South Carolina, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can serve as your registered agent in South Carolina as long as you meet the following requirements: you are a resident of South Carolina or a corporation authorized to do business in the state, and you have a physical address in South Carolina where you can be reached during normal business hours.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in South Carolina?
The filing fee for changing your registered agent in South Carolina is $10. If you are changing both your registered agent and the address of your registered office, the fee is $15. Hire Northwest to do it for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the South Carolina Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the South Carolina Secretary of State. The necessary forms and instructions are on the Secretary of State’s website.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, there are restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in South Carolina. The registered agent must be an individual who is a resident of South Carolina or a corporation authorized to do business in the state, and they must have a physical address in South Carolina where they can be reached during normal business hours.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in South Carolina?
The state typically processes and completes the change of registered agent in South Carolina within a few business days after receiving the necessary forms and fees.
How do I contact the South Carolina Secretary of State?
You can contact the South Carolina Secretary of State by phone at 803-734-2158 or by email at SOSCustomerService@sos.sc.gov. You can also visit their website at https://sos.sc.gov/.
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