How to Change Registered Agent For Your LLC (Step-by-Step)
Removing your old agent and changing to a new registered agent for your LLC may be necessary for various reasons.
Perhaps you’re moving out of state or dissatisfied with your current registered agent’s performance. I’ve been there!
There are several options for choosing a new registered agent, including:
- being your registered agent
- appointing a local agent
- or using a registered agent service
Whatever the reason, changing your registered agent can be a relatively simple process that involves just a few steps.
Being your registered agent can save you money, but you must be available during business hours to receive legal documents.
- To change your LLC registered agent, you must fill out the appropriate Statement of Change of Registered Agent forms for your chosen state to make the change official
- Then you submit the form to the Secretary of State, Corporations Division and pay the change of agent fee.
- The best part is that if you hire Northwest as your new registered agent, they’ll handle all the paperwork and pay you the state filing fee.
Appointing a local registered agent ensures a physical presence in the state but can be costly. Using a registered agent provides a professional service that can handle all legal documents on your behalf with fewer worries.
In this article, I’ll explain in five easy steps how to change your registered agent for your LLC – with fees involved.
I’ll also show you how to do them by each state in the U.S.
How to Change Registered Agent (in 5 Steps)
Here’s how to change your registered agent in five easy steps:
Step 1. Evaluate and Choose Your New Registered Agent
The first step in changing your registered agent is to evaluate and choose a new one.
You may want to consider a few factors when choosing your new registered agent, such as their experience, reputation, and availability. You can choose from various options, including a commercial registered agent service, an attorney, or an individual who meets the state’s requirements.
Step 2. Get the Appropriate Form For Your LLC State
Depending on your state and entity type, you must fill out specific forms to make the change official. Common names for this form (depending on the State) are:
- Notice of Change of Registered Agent
- Statutory Agent Acceptance
- Statement of Information
- Domestic LLC Change of Agent
- Change of Registered Office
- Commercial or Noncommercial Registered Agent/Office
- Statement of Change
- Designation of Registered Agent
- Foreign LLC Change of Agent
- Domestic Corporation Change of Agent
- Foreign Corporation Change of Agent
The form you need may vary by state, so it’s important to check with your state’s business services office or consult an attorney.
Step 3: Complete the Change of Agent Form and Fulfill Every Requirement
Once you have the appropriate form, you must complete it and fulfill every requirement.
This may include providing details about your new registered agent, such as their name, address, and contact information. You may also need to provide a copy of your new registered agent’s acceptance of appointment. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and provide all the necessary information.
Step 4: Pay the Change of Registered Agent Fee
Changing your registered agent may be associated with a nominal fee in some states.
The fee may vary depending on your state and entity type. Be sure to check with your state’s business services office to determine the fee and how to pay it. You may be able to pay online, by mail, or in person.
Step 5: Notify Your Old Registered Agent of the Change (optional)
While not required, it’s a good idea to notify your old registered agent of the change.
Let them know you’re moving on.
This can ensure they don’t continue receiving important legal documents on your behalf. You can notify them by sending a letter or email that includes the details of your new registered agent and the effective date of the change.
Some registered would let you cancel their services easily without hassle, while a few would make it impossible to cancel. If that’s the case, make sure you do not have funds in the card they bill you on.
How To Change Registered Agent by State
How Much Does it Cost to Change a Registered Agent (Fees Involved)
Changing your LLC’s registered agent requires some paperwork and fees. The fees involved in changing a registered agent vary from state to state. The fees are nominal in some states but can be quite expensive in others.
Below is a table that outlines the fees involved in changing a registered agent in each state:
| State Registered Agent | Change of Agent Fee |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $100 |
| Alaska | $25 |
| Arizona | $5 |
| Arkansas | $25 |
| California | $20 |
| Colorado | $10 |
| Connecticut | $50 |
| Delaware | $50 |
| Florida | $25 |
| Georgia | $50 |
| Hawaii | $25 |
| Idaho | $20 |
| Illinois | $25 |
| Indiana | $20 |
| Iowa | $50 |
| Kansas | $35 |
| Kentucky | $10 |
| Louisiana | $25 |
| Maine | $35 |
| Maryland | $25 |
| Massachusetts | $25 |
| Michigan | $5 |
| Minnesota | $35 |
| Mississippi | $50 |
| Missouri | $20 |
| Montana | $20 |
| Nebraska | $10 |
| Nevada | $60 |
| New Hampshire | $15 |
| New Jersey | $25 |
| New Mexico | $25 |
| New York | $30 |
| North Carolina | $5 |
| North Dakota | $10 |
| Ohio | $25 |
| Oklahoma | $35 |
| Oregon | $100 |
| Pennsylvania | $5 |
| Rhode Island | $20 |
| South Carolina | $10 |
| South Dakota | $10 |
| Tennessee | $20 |
| Texas | $15 |
| Utah | $15 |
| Vermont | $25 |
| Virginia | $25 |
| Washington | $20 |
| West Virginia | $15 |
| Wisconsin | $10 |
| Wyoming | $5 |
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should check with your state’s Secretary of State office for the most up-to-date information.
In addition to the state fees, some registered agent service providers may charge fees for changing your registered agent. These fees can vary depending on the provider and the level of service you require. Basic service fees for a registered agent can range from $50 to $300 per year. This fee typically includes the basic service of receiving and forwarding legal documents to your business.
My registered agent of choice tends to help business owners pay the ‘change of registered agent’ fee if they migrate to their service. They cover the fees for you.
Reasons You Might Want To Change Your Registered Agents
As your business grows and evolves, you may find that your current registered agent no longer fits your needs.
Here are some common reasons why you might want to consider changing your registered agent:
Excessive/Expensive Billing with Annoying Upsells from Your Current Registered Agent
One of the most common reasons for changing your registered agent is excessive or expensive billing. If your current registered agent charges you more than you expected or constantly upsells you on additional services you don’t need, it may be time to look for a new provider.
You Don’t Want to Be Your LLC’s Registered Agent Anymore
Another reason you might want to change your registered agent is if you are currently serving as your LLC’s registered agent and no longer want to do so. This can be for various reasons, such as a change in your circumstances or a desire to outsource this responsibility to a professional provider.
Your Business is Expanding to Other States
If your business is expanding to other states, you may need to change your registered agent to comply with the requirements of those states. Each state has its rules and regulations regarding registered agents, so it’s important to ensure that you have the right provider in place for each state in which you operate.
Cost Considerations
Cost is always a consideration for business services, and registered agent services are no exception. If your current provider is too expensive or doesn’t offer the level of service you need for the price you’re paying, it may be time to start looking for a more affordable option.
Your Registered Agent Resigned or Ended The Business Relationship
Your registered agent may sometimes resign or end their business relationship with you. This could be due to various reasons, such as retirement or a change in business focus. If this happens, you must find a new registered agent to replace them.
Bad or Irresponsive Customer Service
Finally, if you are experiencing bad or unresponsive customer service from your current registered agent, it may be time to start looking for a new provider. Good customer service is essential for any business relationship; your registered agent should be no exception.
After the Change, What Next?
Congratulations on successfully changing your registered agent! Now that you have completed this process, it is important to take the necessary steps to maintain compliance and ensure that your LLC continues to operate smoothly.
Here are a few important steps to take:
Maintaining a Physical Address
Your registered agent must have a physical address in the state where your LLC is registered. Ensuring that your registered agent’s physical address is always up-to-date is important. Moving your business to a new location requires updating your registered agent’s address with the state.
Meeting Deadlines for Annual Reports
Most states require LLCs to file an annual report. The due date for this report varies by state. Staying on top of these deadlines is important to avoid penalties or other consequences. Your registered agent may be able to help you keep track of these deadlines and ensure that you file your annual report on time.
Handling Legal and Tax Documents
Your registered agent will receive legal and tax documents for your LLC. It is important to ensure that your registered agent can promptly forward these documents to you. You should also ensure that your registered agent has accurate contact information for you and your LLC.
Read more: Operating Agreement Guide for LLC
Final Thoughts – What’s Next?
Congratulations, you have successfully changed the registered agent for your LLC!
This is an important step in maintaining your business’s legal compliance. You should keep a few things in mind now that you have completed this process.
Firstly, make sure to notify your previous registered agent of the change. This can be done through a letter or email, providing them with the details of your new registered agent and the effective date of the change. This will ensure that they do not continue to receive important legal documents on behalf of your business.
Secondly, remember that changing your registered agent may also require updating other legal documents, such as your operating agreement or articles of organization.
Review all of your legal documents to ensure they reflect the change in registered agent.
Finally, remember that your registered agent plays an important role in your business. They are responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of your business and ensuring that they are properly forwarded to you. It is important to choose a reliable and trustworthy registered agent.
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.
