How to Change a Registered Agent for an LLC

As a business owner, you may need to change your registered agent for various reasons. It’s important to understand the steps involved and the deadlines you need to meet to help ensure your business stays in compliance with state regulations. Changes to the registered agent must be filed with the Secretary of State or the equivalent office in your state. This guide can help you with the process of changing your registered agent to keep your business in good standing.

Reasons for Changing Your Registered Agent

There are several reasons why you might want or need to change your registered agent (also known as a statutory agent, resident agent, or agent for service of process in some states). Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Dissatisfaction with your current registered agent’s service.
• Your registered agent is no longer in business or has changed their address or contact information.
• You want to consolidate your business services with one provider, including your registered agent service.
• You’ve moved your business to a new state and need a registered agent in the new state.
• A registered agent resigned from their duties.
• You want to take advantage of the benefits of using a professional registered agent service like ZenBusiness, such as receiving legal documents and compliance notices promptly and securely, and having a physical address in the state of formation.

No matter your reason for changing your registered agent, it’s important to understand the process and take the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.

How to Change Your Registered Agent

Changing your registered agent involves a few steps. You’ll need to obtain the necessary forms and be aware of any filing fees associated with the process. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Research and select a new registered agent

Take your time to research and find a registered agent who meets your needs. Look for a registered agent who meets the legal requirements of the position or a reputable company that provides reliable and affordable registered agent services.

If you already have a registered agent but are considering changing to a new one, it’s essential to conduct thorough research to find a registered agent that best suits your needs. Some states also require you to get written consent from your new registered agent to serve in the role.

While you can opt to handle the process yourself or ask someone else to act as your registered agent, using a professional registered agent service like ZenBusiness can save you time and hassle in the long run.

A registered agent service can provide a range of benefits, including keeping your business in compliance with registered agent laws by providing someone who’s always present and available to accept service of process and quickly relay that and any other important notices to you. Check out the service of process definition.

Having a registered agent service ensures that any embarrassing notices, such as notification of a lawsuit against your business, happen away from your place of business and the eyes of your customers and employees.

Being your own registered agent ties you to your office all day because, as the agent, you’re required to be present at the registered office during all normal business hours. This makes meeting up with clients, going on vacation, etc., difficult.

Using a registered agent service consistently also eliminates the hassle of having to change your registered agent address with the state if your business moves to a new location. Your business moves, but your registered agent’s address doesn’t.

Step 2: Notify your current registered agent of the change

Once you’ve selected a new registered agent, you must notify your current agent that you’re ending their services. This can be done through a formal notice or a resignation letter.

Step 3: File the necessary paperwork with the state and pay any filing fees

You’ll need to file the necessary paperwork with the state to officially change your registered agent. This can include a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form or similar document. Different states have different methods and forms for changing your agent. Some states offer online filing options for submitting the necessary forms to change your registered agent.

Step 4: Update your LLC’s internal records with the new registered agent information for government correspondence

Make sure to update your LLC’s internal records with the new registered agent’s information. This includes updating your operating agreement and any other important documents. The registered agent’s address will become a matter of public record, so it’s important to keep internal records updated to manage any potential issues. (For more information, please see our operating agreement definition page.)

Change of Registered Agent: Timelines and Deadlines

Once you’ve decided to change your registered agent, it’s important to consider the timing of the change. Different states have different requirements for when you can change your registered agent, and some states may have specific deadlines or annual requirements that need to be met. The process for a registered agent change varies by state, so it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements and deadlines.

Sometimes, it’s best to change your registered agent during your LLC’s annual report or other regular filing requirements. This helps ensure that your change is registered with the state and that your LLC remains in good standing.

It’s important to note that some states require a period of overlap where you have both the old and new registered agent on file for a certain amount of time. This allows for a smooth transition and helps ensure that important legal documents aren’t missed during the changeover.

To avoid any penalties or legal issues, it’s important to check your state’s specific requirements and deadlines for changing your registered agent.

We can help!

If you’re unhappy with your current agent and would like to switch to ZenBusiness’s registered agent service, we can help. In addition to meeting your state’s registered agent requirements, we can upload digital copies of the documents we receive to your dashboard so you can view, download, or print them anytime. ZenBusiness can also help ensure all necessary forms are correctly filed with the Secretary of State to maintain compliance.

But that’s just one of many ways our services can help you start, run, and grow your business. We can help you form an LLC, provide an operating agreement template, and help keep your company in compliance. Let us help you keep your business in good standing.