How to Get a Colorado Registered Agent

Having a registered agent is mandatory when forming a limited liability company (LLC) in Colorado.  Below we’ll explain what a registered agent is, their job duties, and the requirements to be one.

What is a Colorado registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or company designated by the business entity to receive important legal documents on behalf of the company. 

What does a Colorado registered agent do?

The requirements for a registered agent are found in Colorado Revised Statutes, section 7-90-701. These say LLCs will have and continuously maintain a registered agent and office within the state. 

This position is needed because it ensures that the right people within an LLC are notified of time-sensitive events. These could include service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, notices of annual reports, or tax notifications.

Who can be a registered agent in Colorado?

The agent must satisfy minimum legal requirements to be a registered agent in Colorado, including:

• If the agent is an individual, they must be 18 years or older and have a primary residence or usual place of business in Colorado.
• If the agent is a domestic (in-state) business entity, it must have a usual place of business in Colorado.
• If the agent is a foreign (out-of-state) business entity, it must be authorized to do business in Colorado.
• Unlike other states, Colorado allows a properly registered business entity with a usual place of business in the state to serve as its own registered agent.
• The agent must have a physical address (often referred to as a registered office or principal office), and this registered agent street address must be in the state of Colorado. This can be the actual address of the business, the address of an owner, friend, family member, accountant, or attorney, or the address of a registered agent service, as long as it’s in the state. The office of the registered agent doesn’t have to be the same as the business address, but P.O. boxes and mailbox services are not allowed. 
• Being available to receive service of process on behalf of the business during normal business hours. Service of process refers to the delivery of legal documents, often a summons, subpoena, or lawsuit filed against a business entity. 
• The business must obtain registered agent consent for its Articles of Organization or Articles of Incorporation.

Can I be my own registered agent in Colorado?

You can be your own agent as long as you are a resident of the state, over 18 years old, and are available at the listed address during regular business hours.

Benefits of Using a Colorado Registered Agent Service

Opting for a registered agent service offers a plethora of benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to go work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. Many services also offer extra perks like digital access to your critical documents, compliance reminders, and more.

More importantly, a professional registered agent company can help protect you from potential embarrassment. If you’re acting as your own agent, you’ll have to accept service of process yourself, which means whoever you’re with at the time — maybe a client or business partner — will know you’re facing a lawsuit. But if you use an agent service, the process server will go to the registered agent’s address. Your agent will handle these notifications privately, discreetly, and promptly.

How much does it cost for a registered agent in Colorado?

The cost of a registered agent in Florida varies based on whether you choose an individual or a professional service. If you opt to be your own registered agent or designate someone you know, the costs can be minimal, primarily associated with the potential need to maintain a physical street address or office space during business hours. For many small business owners, being their own agent requires no out-of-pocket cost but requires time and attention instead. 

On the other hand, professional registered agent services usually come with a fee. These fees can range from $100 to a few hundred dollars annually, depending largely on the level of services they offer. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping ensure compliance, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses.

Cost of Changing Registered Agents

To change your registered agent in Colorado, you have two options:

Periodic Report: You can update your registered agent information when you file your periodic report. This report is due during the business quarter when you formed your business, and it costs $10 to file.

Statement of Change: If you need to change your registered agent outside of the periodic report filing window, submit a “Statement of Change” form online with the Colorado Secretary of State. This form also costs $10 to file.

How do I find registered agent services in Colorado?

Finding a registered agent in Colorado is straightforward. If you’re considering an individual as your agent, you can simply ask a trusted friend or associate who resides in Colorado and meets the basic requirements. If you’re leaning toward professional Colorado registered agent services, a quick online search for “registered agent Colorado” will yield a plethora of options. 

When evaluating these services, look for customer reviews, their years of experience, and any additional services they offer, like compliance alerts for required reports, free mail forwarding, or online storage of your important documents. Regardless of the route you choose, ensure that your registered agent is reliable, accessible, and understands the responsibilities associated with the role.

Our registered agent service can fill this role for you quickly and reliably.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Colorado

If you need to change your registered agent in Colorado, the most common method is to file a Statement of Change Changing the Registered Agent Information. This form must be completed online, and you can get started by finding it under “Changes” on the Secretary of State Business Forms List. Click “Search for your record to file online” and search for your LLC name. Then, follow the onscreen directions.

Make sure you have a few pieces of crucial information handy when you file:

• Your LLC name (an exact match for the name on file with the Secretary of State)
• Your former agent’s name and address
• Your new agent’s name and address

Don’t forget to check the box next to “Delivery of Notice;” this affirms that the new agent has been informed and consents to the position.

In some cases, your need for a new registered agent may fall into your Periodic Report period. Colorado requires all LLCs to file annual Periodic Reports during the yearly quarter it was formed. So, if you formed your LLC in March, your Periodic Report period would be January–March. Instead of filing a Statement of Change, you can simply update your registered agent information on the Periodic Report.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

When changing a registered agent, the new agent must meet the same requirements: be a Colorado resident or a business authorized to conduct business in Colorado, have a physical street address in the state, be 18 or older, and be available during business hours.

Resignation of Colorado Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the LLC and submit a “Statement of Change Regarding Resignation or Other Termination of Registered Agent” form to the Colorado Secretary of State. The agent stays on file for 31 days post-resignation unless a replacement is appointed sooner.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your LLC: Inform your LLC in writing that you’ll be resigning. Under Colorado state law, you need to notify your LLC before you file the resignation paperwork.
2. Submit your resignation: Complete the “Statement of Change” form and file it online with the Colorado Secretary of State. Include the appropriate $10 filing fee.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your LLC transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the LLC’s good standing.

Can I use my home address as my registered agent address in Colorado?

Yes, you can use your home address as your registered agent address in Colorado, but you must be available during normal business hours to receive official legal mail and service of process.

Can I use a virtual address as my registered agent address in Colorado?

No, you can’t use a virtual address as your registered agent address in Colorado. You must have a physical address in the state.