How to Change a Registered Agent

While it may be tempting to let matters slide for a while, properly changing your registered agent will ensure your business remains in compliance with state laws regarding registered agents.

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how to change a registered agent

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Updated on: October 27, 2023
Read time: 3 min

If you've registered an LLC, C Corp, or any other business entity. You would have designated an initial registered agent when you registered your company. But what happens if you decide to change who your registered agent will be?

Luckily, changing a registered agent is not complicated; however, it's important to make the change properly and not let the matter slide, as having a registered agent is a matter of compliance with your state laws.

woman-sitting-at-a-desk-in-an-office changing her registered agent

Reasons for changing your registered agent

There are a multitude of reasons why you may wish to change your registered agent. When forming a business, people will designate themselves or another member of the newly created business to be the registered agent. However, because the registered agent's address is a matter of public record, the initial registered agent may no longer wish to serve as a registered agent. For example, people serving as registered agents for their companies may find themselves receiving a lot of unsolicited mail or junk mail:

Or perhaps you had designated yourself as your company's registered agent. Still, with the expansion of your business and the additional workload this entails, you can no longer fulfill the requirement of always being available at the registered agent's address during business hours. In such a case, hiring a registered agent service may make more sense to act as your company's registered agent.

Another common practice is to designate your attorney or accountant as your business's registered agent. But what happens if you change attorneys or accountants? You will also need to change your registered agent, as it's unlikely your former attorney or accountant will want to continue acting as your registered agent.

How to change your registered agent

The process for changing a registered agent varies from state to state, as does the fee each state charges for making the change; some states don't have any charge for filing a change of registered agent, while others charge a small fee. 

Before you submit your Registered Agent change, check in with your local Small Business Administration.  They provide links to each state's business services website, where you can obtain more information about the forms you need to fill out to change your registered agent. You can also call your state's business services office, which is often part of your state's Secretary of State office, for more information about what is required to change your registered agent.

Most states provide downloadable forms online on their websites. If the forms you need aren't available online or you're unable to download and print them, you should also be able to obtain them directly from your state's business services office.

Your state will require a change registered agent form and a form showing that your new registered agent consents to being designated your registered agent. Fill out and sign the forms as required; your registered agent will likely have to do the same with the consent form.

Once you've completed the forms required, you will need to file them. Some states offer online filing through their business office websites. You can also file the necessary forms by either mailing them in with the appropriate fee or by bringing the forms and fee directly to your state's business office.

Changing your registered agent is a relatively easy and simple process. The fee required for making such a change is generally fairly minimal in most states.

What happens if you have more than one business or have a business in more than one state needing registered agent?

Did you know Legalinc is a fully owned LegalZoom subsidiary that provides  Registered Agent representation for Law Firms, Tax Firms, and in-house legal teams at multi-state / multi-company organizations? 


Need Corporate Registered Agent representation? Talk to a specialist today. GET STARTED NOW 

 

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

71 days ago
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Aditya was incredibly helpful and…

Aditya was incredibly helpful and professional throughout our conversation. He guided me through the payment process for the Registered Agent Service and explained everything clearly and thoroughly. He made sure all my concerns were addressed and was very patient the entire time. He also had a very nice and calming voice, which made the whole experience even better. Honestly, with the way he handled the call—with confidence, clarity, and excellent customer service—I believe Aditya has what it takes to be a manager. He’d be a great asset in a leadership role. Thank you again, Aditya!

Myrjean Aquino
128 days ago
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Legal Zoom always saves the day

Legal Zoom always saves the day. As me registered agent for 14 years they have been a lifesaver.

Genevieve Pavitt
166 days ago
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Keen was very supportive and helpful to…

Keen was very supportive and helpful to help me sign in for a registered agent

Marta Salerno
173 days ago
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Legal Zoom made it very simple and easy…

Legal Zoom made it very simple and easy to set up my LLC and having them as my registered agent it keeps my company on time for Legal document filings and they notify me if something is coming up that needs my attention to keep on track.

Townline Bus LLC
231 days ago
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Rene was super helpful in making legal Zoom, my company's registered agent

Rene was super helpful in getting Legalzoom setup as registered agent for all my companies, and help me get everything organized so that I know when to file my statements of information. Excellent customer service!

Scott Clift
232 days ago
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My registered agent Oliver was the best!…

My registered agent Oliver was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful.

Robert Mckay
255 days ago
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Highly Satisfied with service!

Yes, I am highly satisfied with the customer service provided by Alex. And I am highly satisfied by Legal Zooms services filling my Annual Report + Registered Agent with compliance essentials. I've been a client of Legal Zoom for many years.

Wilma Connell
272 days ago
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Very professional and knowledgeable

I initially called concerning my registered agent account with my company. Jonar was the agent that assisted me with the my concerns and nailed it with his professionalism and knowledge provided he answered all my questions and we released the line with me being fully confident in making LegalZoom my choice to do business.

Quinten Lee
549 days ago
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Legal Zoom Service Legal Zoom is the…

Legal Zoom is the registered agent for our company. They are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable! We never have to worry about compliance or our end of year report. In addition, the new BOI report was included with our annual report!

Connie Cochrane
883 days ago
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I have been a client of LZ since 2007

I have been a client of LZ since 2007. They have been a very good registered agent. I very much appreciate talking with a "real human" Their team has always been friendly, knowledgeable, efficient and professional. Thanks, JB

Jeffrey Bartlett
912 days ago
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The representative was friendly and helpful…

The representative was friendly and clear with information to become my business 'Registered Agent'. The process was also quick and easy.

Daleen
1325 days ago
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Very helpful for first-time entrepreneurs

Legal zoom has been my Registered Agent for over a year. They've been very helpful to me as a first-time, new business owner. Without them, I'd have had a very hard time understanding my obligations to the state as a business owner. They've kept me well-informed and ensured I don't miss important filing deadlines. And their customer service is super helpful if you ever need to talk to someone.

Ashley A
Rated4.6out of 5 based on23,943+ reviewson

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