How to Change Your Registered Agent in Wisconsin (Guide)
Changing your registered agent in Wisconsin is pretty straightforward.
You must complete some paperwork and send it to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Whether your current agent isn’t around or you want better service, this switch can make handling legal papers easier for your business. It saves money and provides more services, which is handy if you operate in different states.
In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to change your registered agent in Wisconsin.
- Changing your registered agent in Wisconsin is a breeze! Just fill out and send a Change of Registered Agent form to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Corporate Section.
- You can mail it, drop it off in person, or even do it online. Changing your agent is free, but updating your registered office costs $10.
- And, if you choose Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll take care of all the paperwork hassle for you. Easy, right?
Steps on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Wisconsin
This section will detail these steps to help you change your registered agent smoothly and efficiently.
Step#1. Select a new Wisconsin registered agent
The first step in changing your registered agent in Wisconsin is to select a new registered agent. Your new registered agent must be a Wisconsin resident or a Wisconsin-based business entity authorized to do business in the state.
Your registered agent must also have a physical street address in Wisconsin. You can select an individual or a business entity as your registered agent.
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 an essential step as it ensures that your former registered agent will no longer receive legal documents on behalf of your business.
You can notify your former registered agent by sending them a letter or an email informing them of the change. You should also request that they confirm in writing that they have received your notice and will no longer act as your registered agent.
I recommend selecting Northwest as your registered agent in Wisconsin for streamlined operations. They manage all the paperwork, freeing you to focus on business growth.
Step#3. Complete your Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent
The next step is to complete your Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent form. You can obtain this form from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Corporate and Consumer Services, Corporate Section.
On the form, you must provide the name and address of your new registered agent, the name of your business, and your Wisconsin business identification number.
You must also indicate whether your new registered agent is an individual or a business entity.
Here’s how the Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent form for a registered agent looks like:
Step#4. Submit your Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent to the Wisconsin Secretary of State
The final step in changing your registered agent in Wisconsin is to submit your completed Change of Registered Agent form to the Wisconsin Secretary of State. Depending on your preference, you can submit the form by mail, in person, or online.
Once your form has been processed, the Wisconsin Secretary of State will update your business records to reflect the change in your registered agent. You will then receive a confirmation letter confirming that your registered agent has been successfully changed.
DFI typically processes documents within five business days. For expedited service, mark your documents clearly as “for expedited processing.” If filing online, you can choose next-day expedited processing as an option.
Choosing a New Registered Agent
Your registered agent will be responsible for receiving important legal and tax documents on behalf of your business, so you want to make sure you select a reliable and trustworthy agent.
Types of Registered Agents
There are several types of registered agents to choose from, including:
- Individual: An individual can serve as your registered agent if they are a Wisconsin resident and have a physical address in the state. This can be a good option if you have a small business and want a personal touch.
- Professional Service: A professional service, such as a registered agent company, can serve as your registered agent. They will charge a fee for their services but can provide additional benefits such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring.
- Business Entity: A business entity, such as a law firm or accounting firm, can also serve as your registered agent. This can be a good option if you need additional legal or financial services for your business.
Considerations for Selecting a Professional Service
If you choose to use a professional service as your registered agent, there are several considerations to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Look for a registered agent service with a good reputation. Check online reviews and ask for references to ensure you work with a trustworthy company.
- Fees: Registered agent services will charge a fee for their services. Compare costs from different companies to find the best value for your business.
- Additional Services: Some registered agent services offer additional services, such as mail forwarding and compliance monitoring. Consider whether these services are essential for your business and choose a company that provides the services you need.
Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Wisconsin LLC Registered Agent?
When changing your registered agent in Wisconsin, choosing a reliable and efficient service provider is essential. Northwest Registered Agent is an ideal choice for several reasons.
Firstly, they will file your Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent paperwork. This will save you time and effort and ensure the process is done correctly and efficiently.
As your registered agent, Northwest doesn’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.
Northwest Registered Agent offers instant Wisconsin registered agent services for an annual price of $125. This is an affordable and competitive price, considering their range of services.
Another benefit of Northwest is that they provide instant Wisconsin forms directly in your online account. This makes filing in Wisconsin quick and easy.
Additionally, Northwest provides state resources in your Wisconsin registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This ensures you have all the necessary resources and information to make informed decisions about your Wisconsin LLC.
Lastly, Northwest Registered Agent locally scans ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real-time for no added cost. This ensures that you receive all legal documents promptly and can take action as needed.
What does the State of Wisconsin Say about changing a Registered Agent?
When changing your LLC’s registered agent in Wisconsin, the state has specific requirements that you must follow. Any business entity that wants to change its registered agent can do so on its Annual Report or by filing a separate Form 13: Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Change.
According to the state’s regulations, each entity shall continuously maintain a registered agent in Wisconsin.
It is important to note that the entity cannot name itself as the registered agent. Therefore, you must enter the name and email address of the new registered agent in Wisconsin on the form.
The state of Wisconsin requires that the form be correctly filled out, and changing your registered agent in Wisconsin costs $10. You can pay with your credit or debit card, irrespective of the means of filing.
To submit a change form by mail or in person, download it from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website and then fill it out.
The completed form and the check must be mailed to the address:
State of WI-Dept. Of Financial Institutions
Box 93348
Final Thoughts
Changing your registered agent in Wisconsin is straightforward. You select a new registered agent, notify your former agent, complete your Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent, and submit it to the Wisconsin Secretary of State.
Here are the steps to change your registered agent in Wisconsin:
- Step #1. Select a new Wisconsin registered agent
- Step #2. Notify your former registered agent
- Step #3. Complete your Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent
- Step #4. Submit your Wisconsin Change of Registered Agent to the Wisconsin Secretary of State
When selecting a new registered agent, it is important to choose a reliable and trustworthy agent available during regular business hours and with a physical address in Wisconsin. Your former registered agent must be notified in writing of the change and should provide any necessary documentation or information to facilitate the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for changing my registered agent in Wisconsin?
To change your registered agent in Wisconsin, you must file a Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Change form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. You can do this online or by mail. After submitting the form, the state will process the form and update your registered agent information after submitting it.
What forms are required to update my registered agent information in Wisconsin?
To update your registered agent information in Wisconsin, you must file a Registered Agent and/or Registered Office Change form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. You can find the form on their website.
Can I be my registered agent in Wisconsin, and what are the requirements?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Wisconsin if you are a Wisconsin resident and have a physical street address. You cannot use a P.O. box as your registered office address.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Wisconsin?
The fee to change your registered agent in Wisconsin is $10. You can pay this fee online or by mail. Hire Northwest to do it all.
Can I change my registered agent online with the Wisconsin Secretary of State?
You can change your registered agent online with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. You can also submit the change by mail.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Wisconsin?
The registered agent must be a Wisconsin resident or entity authorized to do business in Wisconsin and have a physical street address in the state.
How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Wisconsin?
The state typically processes changes to registered agents within 5-7 business days. However, processing times can vary depending on the volume of requests received.
How do I contact the Wisconsin Secretary of State?
You can contact the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions by phone at (608) 261-7577 or by email at DFISecretary@wisconsin.gov. You can also visit their website at https://dfi.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx.
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.
