How to Change Your Registered Agent in Washington (Guide)
If you run a business in Washington State, you might need to change your registered agent for several reasons, which is understandable.
I am here to walk you through how to do it right.
By making this change, you can boost your business’s reliability and responsiveness and even cut costs because most services charge exorbitant fees to act as your registered agent.
Let’s walk through how you can get this done hassle-free.
- You fill out a Statement of Change form for Registered Agent and send it to the Washington Secretary of State, Corporation Division.
- You can mail it, drop it off in person, send it by fax, or do it online. If you use fax or online, there’s a $20 fee. But if you mail it, there’s no fee.
- If you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll send you the Washington Statement of Change for Registered Agent form and pay the state filing fee.
Steps on How To Change Your Registered Agent in Washington
Changing your registered agent in Washington requires a few simple steps. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step #1. Select a new Washington registered agent
Selecting a new agent is the first step in changing your registered agent.
Your new agent must be a resident of Washington and have a physical address in the state. You can choose a person or a company to act as your registered agent. Remember that the agent must be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents on your behalf.
Step #2. Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching
After selecting your new registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you’re switching. This is important because your former agent may need to sign a Consent to Appointment form required by the Washington Secretary of State to approve the change.
I highly recommend Northwest Registered Agents for their professionalism, reliability, and competitive pricing in managing business requirements effectively.
Step #3. Preparing the Washington Statement of Change Form
Next, you need to prepare the Statement of Change form. This form notifies the Washington Secretary of State that you’re changing your registered agent. You can download the form from the Washington Secretary of State’s website.
Here’s how the Washington Statement of Change for Registered Agent form looks like:
Step #4. Obtaining Consent from the New Agent
Once you have the Statement of Change form, you must obtain consent from your new registered agent. Your new agent must sign a Consent to Appointment form, which is included with the Statement of Change form.
Step #5. Filing the Change with the Washington Secretary of State
The final step is to complete and submit your Washington Statement of Change to the Washington Secretary of State. You can file the form by mail or online. If you file online, the process is expedited, and your change will be processed within a few days.
Washington State typically takes around a month to process documents unless you opt for expedited service, which reduces processing time to three to five days.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in Washington, it is essential to carefully consider your options and choose a new agent who is reliable, trustworthy, and capable of fulfilling the role’s responsibilities.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you make your selection:
Types of Registered Agents
In Washington, businesses have several options for choosing a registered agent. These include:
Individual: You can choose an individual to serve as your registered agent if they are a state resident and have a physical address in Washington. This can be a good option if a trusted friend or family member is willing to take on the responsibility.
Professional Registered Agent Service: Many businesses work with a professional registered agent service. These companies specialize in providing registered agent services and can offer a range of benefits, such as flexibility, reliability, and privacy.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you decide to work with a professional registered agent service, here are some key factors to consider:
Experience: Look for a company with experience working with businesses similar to yours. This can help ensure that they understand your needs and can provide high-quality service.
Reputation: Do some research to learn about the reputation of the company you are considering. Look for reviews from other businesses and check with professional organizations to see if the company has any complaints or disciplinary actions against them.
Registered Agent’s Address: Make sure that the service you choose has a physical address in Washington where they can receive legal documents on your behalf.
Registered Office Address: Some professional registered agent services also offer a registered office address, which can be useful if you do not have a physical office in Washington.
Flexibility: Look for a service that offers flexibility in terms of their fees, contract terms, and level of service. This can help ensure that you can find a solution that meets your specific needs and budget.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Washington LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and experienced registered agent for your Washington LLC.
Here are some reasons why you should consider using them:
They Will Handle Your Paperwork
When you change your registered agent, you must file a Statement of Change by Business Entity and Consent to Appointment by Registered Agent with the Washington Secretary of State. Northwest Registered Agent will handle this paperwork and pay the state filing fee. This means you don’t have to worry about the details and can focus on running your business.
They Have a Team of Experts
Northwest Registered Agent has a team of Washington experts who know the ins and outs of all business filings and what the Washington Secretary of State requires. This means you can trust them to handle your registered agent services and any other business needs you may have.
Instant Registered Agent Services
Northwest Registered Agent offers instant registered agent services at an annual price of $125. This means you can get started right away and have peace of mind knowing that your business is in good hands.
Instant Washington Forms
Northwest Registered Agent provides instant Washington forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Washington. This makes the process of changing your registered agent quick and easy.
State Resources
Northwest Registered Agent also provides state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This means you can learn more about the process and feel confident about changing your registered agent.
Annual Report Reminders
Northwest Registered Agent sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This means you won’t miss any important deadlines and can stay on top of your business obligations.
Local Scanning
Finally, the Northwest Registered Agent locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents and sends them to you in real time for no added cost. You can receive important documents quickly and efficiently without delays or extra fees.
What the State of Washington Says about Changing a Registered Agent
Changing a registered agent in Washington is a straightforward process. The state of Washington requires all businesses to have a registered agent authorized to receive legal documents and other important notices on behalf of the business.
If you need to change your registered agent, you must follow the guidelines set by the state of Washington.
To change your registered agent in Washington, you must file a Statement of Change/Designation of Registered Agent form with the Washington Secretary of State. It is free to do so, and online filings are processed within a few days.
You can file this form either online or by mail at the following address:
PO Box 40234
Olympia, WA 98504-0234
The state of Washington requires that you select only one type of agent, and the registered agent’s consent must be signed, regardless of the type of registered agent.
You must print the name and title of the new registered agent and provide their physical address in Washington State. The new registered agent must also sign the form.
It is important to note that Washington requires all corporations, LLCs, and limited partnerships doing business in the state to have a registered agent with a physical Washington State address. The registered agent may be an individual or a business.
The registered agent receives annual reports, notices, and service of process on behalf of the organization they represent.
My Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Washington is a straightforward process that requires you to follow a few simple steps.
Here are the steps to change your registered agent in Washington:
- Select a New Washington Registered Agent: Choose a new registered agent for your business.
- Notify Your Former Registered Agent: Inform your former agent that you’re changing.
- Prepare the Washington Statement of Change Form: Complete this form accurately and ensure it is signed by an authorized person.
- Obtain Consent from the New Agent: The new registered agent must sign the Consent to Appointment form.
- File the Change with the Washington Secretary of State: Submit the completed Statement of Change form and the Consent to Appointment form to the Washington Secretary of State.
It is essential to note that the Statement of Change form must be completed accurately and signed by an authorized person. You must also attach the Consent to Appointment form, which must be signed by the new registered agent, to the Statement of Change form.
The Washington Secretary of State will not process incomplete or incorrect forms. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you have followed all the necessary steps and provided accurate information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Washington?
You must file a Statement of Change with the Washington Secretary of State to change your registered agent in Washington. This can be done online or by mail. The form requires basic information about your business, current registered agent, and new agent.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Washington?
You must file a Statement of Change/Designation of Registered Agent form with the Washington Secretary of State. This form can be filed online or by mail, and there is no fee to file it.
Can I be my registered agent in Washington, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Washington as long as you have a physical address in the state where you can receive service of process during normal business hours. You must also be available to receive important legal documents and notices on behalf of your business.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Washington?
There is no fee to change your registered agent in Washington. However, If you use fax or online, there’s a $20 fee. Hire Northwest to do it all.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Washington Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Washington Secretary of State. You must log in to your account and file a Statement of Change/Designation of Registered Agent form.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Washington?
The registered agent must have a physical address in Washington and be available during normal business hours to receive service of process and critical legal documents on behalf of the business. The registered agent can be an individual or entity authorized to do business in Washington.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Washington?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in Washington can vary. If you file the form online, it may be processed faster than if you file by mail. Typically, the change takes a few business days to process and complete.
How do I contact the Washington Secretary of State?
To contact the Washington Secretary of State, visit their website at https://www.sos.wa.gov/ or call their office at 360-725-0377.
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