How to Change Your Registered Agent in Vermont (Guide)
If you run a business in Vermont, you might need to change your registered agent due to business changes, a bad relationship with your former RA, or expansion to other states.
I’ve been there.
Changing your registered agent in Vermont means following specific steps to stay compliant. Missing a step can lead to penalties or legal headaches.
Here’s the lowdown on what you need to know to change your registered agent for your Vermont business.
- To change your registered agent in Vermont, you need to fill out a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form and send it to the Vermont Secretary of State, Corporations Division.
- You can mail it or drop it off in person, and it costs $25 to file.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork and pay the state filing fee for you.
Steps on How To Change Your Registered Agent in Vermont
Changing your registered agent in Vermont is a straightforward process that involves several steps.
Here are the steps you need to take to change your Vermont registered agent.
Step #1. Select a new Vermont registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is to select a new registered agent. You can choose an individual, a company, or a service that specializes in providing registered agent services. When choosing a new registered agent, it is important to consider their experience, reliability, and reputation.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching
Once you have selected a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are switching. It is important to do this in writing and to provide a copy of the notification to your new registered agent. This will ensure no confusion about who your registered agent is.
If you’re looking for peace of mind and excellent service, I highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent for your business needs. Their service is reliable, and they take care of all the paperwork hassle, ensuring I stay compliant with state requirements.
Step #3. Preparing the Statement of Change Form
The next step is to prepare the Statement of Change form. This form is used to notify the Vermont Secretary of State that you are changing your registered agent. The form requires you to provide information about your business, former registered agent, and new agent.
Here’s what the Vermont Change of Registered Agent or Agent Address 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. You can complete a Consent to Appointment form and your new registered agent sign it.
Step #5. Filing the Change with the Vermont Secretary of State
The final step is to file the completed Statement of Change and Consent to Appointment forms with the Vermont Secretary of State. You can file the forms by mail or in person. The Vermont Secretary of State requires original signatures, so you cannot file by fax or email.
Documents submitted by mail or in person to the Vermont SOS are processed within 3-5 business days. Please note that the Vermont SOS experiences peak activity between January and April, potentially causing delays in document processing during these months.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When you decide to change your registered agent in Vermont, choosing the right one for your business is important. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a new registered agent:
Types of Registered Agents
There are several types of registered agents to choose from:
- Professional Registered Agent Service: These companies provide registered agent services, often including additional offerings like mail forwarding and compliance monitoring.
- Commercial Registered Agents: These companies provide registered agent services and various other business services, such as incorporation and tax filing.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When selecting a professional registered agent service, consider the following:
- Confidentiality: Ensure the service has a robust privacy policy and guarantees not to share your information with third parties.
- Flexibility: Choose a service that meets your business needs, such as forwarding mail to multiple locations or offering electronic document delivery options.
- Reputation: Research the service provider’s reputation through reviews and checking with organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Vermont LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is a great option if you want to change your registered agent in Vermont.
Here are a few reasons why:
Vermont Experts
Northwest has a team of experts who know the ins and outs of all business filings and what the Vermont Secretary of State requires. Rest assured that your paperwork will be filed correctly and on time.
Easy Filing
Northwest makes changing your registered agent in Vermont easy. They will file your Vermont Statement of Change by Business Entity and Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. Plus, they have instant Vermont forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Vermont.
Affordable Pricing
Northwest offers instant registered agent services at an annual price of $125. This includes all the above services and state resources in your registered agent service account with self-filing instructions to help you.
Annual Report Reminders
Northwest sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you never miss an important deadline.
Real-Time Document Scanning
Northwest locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time for no added cost. This means you’ll always be up-to-date with legal documents or notices your business receives.
What does the State of Vermont Say about changing a registered agent?
As a business owner in Vermont, you may need to change your registered agent for various reasons. According to the state of Vermont, any change to your business entity’s registered agent, address, or contact information must be made using either an online or mailed “Change of Registered Agent or Agent Address” form.
The state of Vermont requires that you provide the following information when changing your registered agent:
- The name of your business entity
- The name and address of your new registered agent
- The signature of an authorized person
It is important to note that there is a filing fee of $25 for changing your registered agent in Vermont. This fee must be paid to the Vermont Secretary of State by check or credit card.
You can mail it to the following address:
Vermont Secretary of State
Corporations Division
128 State Street
Montpelier, VT 05633-1104
If you prefer a registered agent service, filing the Statement of Change would be much easier. However, you should ensure that your chosen service is authorized to do business in Vermont.
Once you have submitted your “Change of Registered Agent or Agent Address” form and paid the filing fee, the state of Vermont will process your request. The process may take several weeks, so it is best to plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Vermont is crucial for ensuring your business receives important documents on time and complies with state requirements.
When selecting a new registered agent, consider their experience, reputation, and availability during business hours in Vermont.
Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Vermont:
- Select a new Vermont registered agent.
- Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching.
- Prepare the Statement of Change Form.
- Obtain consent from the new agent.
- File the change with the Vermont Secretary of State.
The process is straightforward and quick if you follow these steps and conduct proper research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Vermont?
To change your registered agent in Vermont, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Office form with the Vermont Secretary of State. You can do this by mail or in person. Once the form is processed and approved, the state will officially recognize your new registered agent.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Vermont?
To update your registered agent information in Vermont, complete the Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Office form. This form can be downloaded from the Vermont Secretary of State’s website or obtained directly from their office.
Can I be my registered agent in Vermont, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Vermont. However, you must have a physical street address in Vermont, not just a P.O. box, and be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents and official notices. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old and physically present in Vermont.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Vermont?
The fee for changing your registered agent in Vermont is $25. This fee is payable to the Vermont Secretary of State and must be included with your Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Office form. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Vermont Secretary of State?
You cannot change your registered agent online with the Vermont Secretary of State. You must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Office form by mail or in person.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont has restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Vermont, not just a P.O. box, and
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Vermont?
The processing time for changing your registered agent in Vermont can vary. Generally, the Vermont Secretary of State takes 5-7 business days to process and complete the change. However, during busy periods, it may take longer.
How do I contact the Vermont Secretary of State?
You can contact the Vermont Secretary of State by phone at (802) 828-2386 or visit their website at https://sos.vermont.gov/.
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