How to Change Your Registered Agent in West Virginia (Guide)
Are you thinking about changing your registered agent in West Virginia?
It’s a big move that can positively impact your business—whether you’re aiming to boost reliability, cut costs, or offer more services. The potential benefits are exciting!
In this article, I’ll explain how to move to a new registered agent in WV.
When you finish reading, you’ll know exactly what to do and feel confident about making the right choice for your business.
- To switch your registered agent in West Virginia, you’ll need to complete the Application to Appoint or Change Process, Officers, and/or Addresses.
- You can send this form by mail, fax, or in person to the West Virginia Secretary of State, Business Division. It costs $15 to file.
- If you choose Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork and cover the state filing fee.
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in West Virginia
Here are the steps you must follow to change your registered agent.
Step#1. Select a new West Virginia registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is to select a new registered agent. Your new registered agent must be a resident of West Virginia or a business entity registered with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
You can choose an individual or a business entity as your new registered agent. Selecting a reliable and trustworthy registered agent who can handle your legal documents and notify you of any legal actions against your business is essential.
Step#2. Notify your former registered agent
Once you select a new registered agent, you must notify your former agent of the change. It would be best if you informed your former registered agent in writing that you are terminating their services as your registered agent.
You should also provide them with your new registered agent’s name and contact information. It is vital to ensure that your former registered agent receives the notification before you apply to change your registered agent.
For a hassle-free experience, consider Northwest as your registered agent in West Virginia. They take care of the paperwork, allowing you to focus on your business’s growth.
Step#3. Complete your West Virginia Application
The next step is to complete your West Virginia Application to Appoint or Change Process, Officers, and/or Addresses.
You can download the form from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website or obtain a copy from their office. You must fill out the form with your business information, including the name of your current registered agent and the name and contact information of your new registered agent.
Here’s what the West Virginia Application to Appoint or Change Process, Officers, and/or Addresses Form looks like:
Step#4. Filing with the West Virginia Secretary of State
Once you have completed your application, you must file it with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office. You can file your application by mail, fax, or in person. You need to pay the filing fee when you submit your application. The filing fee is $25 for LLCs and $15 for corporations.
Step#5. Confirming the Change
After you have filed your application, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office will process your application and notify you of the change.
Once the change is confirmed, your new registered agent will receive your legal documents. It is essential to ensure that your new registered agent knows their responsibilities and has access to your business information.
West Virginia processes the change of registered agent requests within 24-48 hours. If you submit your documents in person, the Secretary of State will process them immediately. Please note that no expedited service option is available.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
When changing your registered agent in West Virginia, choosing a reliable and trustworthy professional service is essential.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting a new registered agent:
Types of Registered Agents
Three main types of registered agents exist: individuals, professional services, and the LLC itself.
An individual registered agent is a person who resides in West Virginia and is willing to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This option is cost-effective but may not be the most reliable choice.
A professional service registered agent is a company that specializes in providing registered agent services. These services typically include legal document management, compliance monitoring, and mail forwarding. This option can be more expensive but offers greater peace of mind.
The LLC itself can also serve as its registered agent. However, this option is not recommended as it can be challenging to maintain compliance and legal obligations.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
When selecting a professional service registered agent, there are several factors to consider:
- Reputation: Research the company’s reputation and read reviews from other businesses using their services.
- Experience: Choose a company with expertise in providing registered agent services to LLCs in West Virginia.
- Services Offered: Look for a company that offers a range of services, including legal document management and compliance monitoring.
- Cost: Compare prices and choose a company that offers competitive service rates.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your West Virginia LLC Registered Agent?
Northwest Registered Agent is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient registered agent for your West Virginia LLC.
Here are some reasons why:
- They handle all the paperwork:
Northwest Registered Agent will file your West Virginia Application to Appoint or Change Process, Officers, and/or Addresses paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee. You don’t have to worry about administrative tasks when changing your registered agent.
- They offer instant services:
If you need to change your registered agent quickly, Northwest Registered Agent can help. Their instant registered agent services are $125 annually, and you’ll have access to all the necessary West Virginia forms in your online account.
- They provide state resources:
Northwest Registered Agent offers state resources in your registered agent service account, including self-filing instructions to help you file in West Virginia. This can be especially helpful if you’re new to changing your registered agent.
- They send annual report reminders:
Northwest Registered Agent will send 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.
- They offer real-time scanning:
As your registered agent, Northwest Registered Agent doesn’t wait around on any legal correspondence they receive on your behalf. They immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere. They also locally scan the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time at no added cost.
What does the State of West Virginia Say about changing a Registered Agent?
When changing your registered agent in West Virginia, the state has specific guidelines that must be followed. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office handles all business filings, including registered agent changes.
To change your registered agent, you must file an Application to Appoint or Change Process, Officers, and/or Addresses with the West Virginia Secretary of State, Business Division (SOS).
This application can be submitted by mail, fax, or in person. The filing fee for changing your registered agent is $15, which can be paid by check or credit card.
It’s important to note that changing your registered agent will not change your business entity’s name, structure, or purpose. It simply changes the person or company responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of your business.
After filing your application, the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office will process your request within 5 to 10 working days. If you need your request expedited, you can use the expedited service for an additional fee. The expedited service costs $25 for 24-hour processing, $250 for 2-hour processing, and $500 for 1-hour processing.
The mailing address for the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office is:
State Capitol, Building 1, Room E-117
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East
Charleston, WV 25305
When changing your registered agent, following the state’s guidelines carefully is important to ensure a smooth and successful process.
Final Thoughts
It is important to remember that this process requires attention to detail and following the correct steps.
Here are some final thoughts to keep in mind while registering as an agent in West Virginia:
- Step 1: Select a new West Virginia registered agent and ensure that the agent meets all of the state’s requirements.
- Step #2: Notify your former registered agent. It is essential to let your former registered agent know that you will be changing to a new registered agent. This will help ensure a smooth transition.
- Step #3: Complete your West Virginia Application. Make sure to fill out the application completely and accurately. Any errors or omissions could delay the process.
- Step 4: File with the West Virginia Secretary of State. Once you have completed your application, you can file it with the West Virginia Secretary of State online or by mail.
- Step #5: Confirming the Change. After processing your application, you should receive confirmation from the West Virginia Secretary of State that your registered agent has been changed. Make sure to keep this confirmation for your records.
Remember, changing your registered agent is essential in maintaining your business’s compliance with West Virginia state law. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, consulting with a qualified professional is always a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in West Virginia?
To change your agent in West Virginia, submit a Registered Agent Service Change Form to the West Virginia Secretary of State. The form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Once the form is processed and approved, your new registered agent will be updated in the state’s records.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in West Virginia?
The Registered Agent Service Change Form is the only form required to update your registered agent information in West Virginia. You can download this form from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website or obtain it from their office.
Can I be my registered agent in West Virginia, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in West Virginia if you meet the following requirements: you must be at least 18 years old, have a physical address in West Virginia, and be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in West Virginia?
The fee to change your registered agent in West Virginia is $15. This fee is payable to the West Virginia Secretary of State and must be submitted with your Registered Agent Service Change Form. Hire Northwest to do it all.
Can I change my registered agent online with the West Virginia Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the West Virginia Secretary of State. The form is accessible on their website under the Business & Licensing tab. To complete the online submission, you must pay the $15 fee with a credit card.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in West Virginia?
The only restriction on who can serve as a registered agent in West Virginia is that the person or company must have a physical address in West Virginia. Otherwise, any person or company over 18 can serve as a registered agent.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in West Virginia?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in West Virginia varies. Still, it typically takes 7-10 business days from the date the Secretary of State receives the Registered Agent Service Change Form. However, you can pay an additional fee for expedited processing.
How do I contact the West Virginia Secretary of State?
You can contact the West Virginia Secretary of State at (304) 558-8000 or at business@wvsos.gov. You can also visit their website at http://www.wvsos.com/
Disclosure: We may earn commissions if you buy via links on our website. Commissions don’t affect our opinions or evaluations. We’re also an independent affiliate of many platforms, including ClickFunnels, Kartra, GoHighLevel, Podia, Northwest Registered Agent, and others. We’re not employees of these services. We receive referral payments from them, and the opinions expressed here are our own and are not official statements of these companies.
