How to Change Your Registered Agent in Virginia (Guide)

If you’re considering changing your registered agent in Virginia, it’s probably because your current one isn’t quite meeting your needs.

Maybe you’re not thrilled with their service or just looking for a more wallet-friendly option. Switching your registered agent can be a genius move.

In this article, I’ll explain how to change your registered agent in Virginia so you can focus on your business hassle-free.

Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Virginia

Here are the steps you need to take to change your registered agent in Virginia.

Step#1. Determine Eligibility for a New Registered Agent

Before you change your registered agent, you need to determine if you are eligible for a new registered agent.

To be eligible, your new registered agent must be a resident of Virginia or a business entity authorized to transact business in Virginia. If you are unsure if your new registered agent is eligible, contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) for assistance.

I’ve turned to Northwest Registered Agent Services recently; they’ve managed all the paperwork smoothly.

Step#2. Notify your former registered agent

Once you have determined that you are eligible for a new registered agent, you must notify your former registered agent that you are changing agents.

You can do this by sending a letter or email to your former registered agent informing them of the change. You must note that you cannot change your registered agent until your former agent has been notified.

Step#3. File a Virginia Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent

You must file a Virginia Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent form to change your registered agent in Virginia.

This form requires information about your current agent, the new agent, and the entity making the change. You can file this form online, by mail, or in person. It is important to fill out the form accurately to reflect the changes.

Here’s how you can fill out the Virginia Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered:

Step#4. Submit the Change Form

After filling out the Virginia Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent form, submit it to the Virginia SCC. You can do this online, by mail, or in person. Once the form has been submitted, the Virginia SCC will process the change and notify you.

Step#5. Confirm the Change

After the Virginia SCC has processed the change, you need to confirm the change with your new registered agent. Your new registered agent must sign a consent to appointment form and file it with the Virginia SCC. Once this has been done, your new registered agent will be officially appointed.

Choosing a New Registered Agent

You have a few options when selecting a new registered agent for your Virginia business.

Here are some types of registered agents to consider:

Types of Registered Agents

1. Individual: An individual registered agent is a person who resides in Virginia and is available during business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of your business.
2. Commercial Registered Agent: A commercial registered agent is a professional service that specializes in providing registered agent services to businesses. They typically have a physical office in Virginia and offer additional services such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring.
3. Attorney: An attorney can serve as your registered agent if they are licensed to practice in Virginia and have a physical office in the state.

Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service

If you decide to go with a commercial registered agent or attorney, here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• Experience: Look for a registered agent with experience serving businesses similar to yours. They should know the legal requirements and procedures for accepting and handling legal documents.
• Reputation: Choose a registered agent with a good reputation in the industry. You can check online reviews and ratings to get a sense of their level of service and customer satisfaction.
• Cost: Compare the fees charged by different registered agents and ensure you understand what is included in the service. Some agents may charge additional fees for mail forwarding or compliance monitoring.

Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Virginia LLC Registered Agent?

Northwest Registered Agent is a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient registered agent for your Virginia LLC.

Here are some reasons why:

Instant registered agent services annual price: $125. This includes the initial filing fee and all the services you need to keep your LLC compliant with Virginia state law.

They will file your Virginia Registration Information Change paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. You don’t have to worry about any paperwork or fees for changing your registered agent.

As your registered agent, they don’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 ensures that you never miss any important legal documents or deadlines.

You’ll have access to instant Virginia forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Virginia. This makes it easy to file any necessary paperwork without searching for it yourself.

Northwest Registered Agent provides state resources in your registered agent service account, including self-filing instructions. This can be especially helpful if you’re new to managing an LLC.

They send multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you never miss any important deadlines or incur unnecessary fees.

They locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost. This means you’ll receive legal papers or correspondence as soon as possible, allowing you to respond quickly and efficiently.

What does the State of Virginia Say about changing a Registered Agent?

If you want to change your registered agent in Virginia, you must follow certain requirements. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires every business entity authorized to transact business in Virginia to maintain a continuously located registered agent and registered office in Virginia.

To change your registered agent, you must file a “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office” with the Office of the Clerk either online or by mail.

The form requires information about the current agent, the new agent, and the entity making the change.

According to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), you have 31 days from the time the filing was completed to appoint a new registered agent. If a registered agent is not appointed by then, you will receive a notification that your business status changed to pending inactive.

If this is not resolved by the last day of the second month after receiving the notification, your business status will change to terminated, revoked, or canceled.

It’s important to note that the SCC will send all correspondence related to the business entity to the registered agent’s address, so it’s important to ensure that the registered agent’s address is accurate and up-to-date.

If the registered agent’s address changes, you must file a statement of change of registered office and/or registered agent with the SCC within 30 days of the change.

If you choose to file the “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office” form by mail, you can send it to the following address:

Clerk of the State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, VA 23218-1197

Final Thoughts

Changing your registered agent in Virginia may seem daunting, but it is necessary for any business that wants to maintain good standing with the state. Following the steps outlined in this article ensures that your business remains compliant with Virginia law.

Here are the steps you need to follow to change your registered agent in Virginia:

• Determine eligibility for a new registered agent
• Notify your former registered agent
• File a Virginia Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent
• Submit the Change Form
• Confirm the Change

It is important to note that you should only change your registered agent if you have a new agent lined up. You should also ensure that your new agent meets all of Virginia’s requirements for registered agents.

Changing your registered agent in Virginia is manageable if you follow the necessary steps and guidelines. This will ensure that your business remains compliant with Virginia law and can continue to operate smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process for changing my registered agent in Virginia?

To change your registered agent in Virginia, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. This form requires information about the current agent, the new agent, and the entity making the change. Once the form is submitted, the state will complete the change.

What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Virginia?

The only form required to update your registered agent information in Virginia is the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office. This form can be filed online, by mail, or in person.

Can I be my registered agent in Virginia, and what are the requirements?

Yes, you can be your registered agent in Virginia. However, you must meet the following requirements: you must be a resident of Virginia and have a physical address in the state; you must be available during regular business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the business; and you must have a mailing address in Virginia where you can receive official correspondence.

How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Virginia?

As stated on the Virginia SCC website, submitting a file to change one’s registered agent is free of charge. Hire Northwest to do it all for you.

Can I change my registered agent online with the Virginia Secretary of State?

You can change your registered agent online with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. You can also file the necessary forms by mail or in person.

Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Virginia?

Yes, Virginia has restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent. The registered agent must be a resident of Virginia and have a physical address in the state. The registered agent can also be a business entity, such as a corporation, LLC, or LLP, or a Virginia State Bar lawyer member.

How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Virginia?

The state of Virginia typically processes and completes the change of registered agent within 1-2 weeks of receiving the necessary forms and fees.

How do I contact the Virginia Secretary of State?

You can contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission by phone at (804) 371-9733 or by email at sccinfo@scc.virginia.gov. You can also visit their website at www.scc.virginia.gov for more information.