Get an Iowa Registered Agent

One of the things you’ll need to determine before filing your paperwork to form an Iowa limited liability company (LLC) or corporation in Iowa is who will serve as your registered agent. The state requires all registered businesses to have one, but what is a registered agent? What are their duties, and what are the requirements to be one?

What is an Iowa registered agent?

A registered agent is an individual or company designated by the business entity to receive important legal documents and state notices on behalf of the company. The agent must then relay them to the appropriate person in the company.

What does an Iowa registered agent do?

Iowa Code states that a state-registered business (such as an LLC or corporation) must designate and continuously maintain both a registered agent and registered office within the state. The registered agent’s main role is to receive service of process on behalf of the LLC. This position is necessary because it helps ensure that the correct people within a business are notified during time-sensitive events, such as service of process for lawsuits, garnishment notices against employees, or tax notifications.

Who can be a registered agent in Iowa?

A registered agent in Iowa can be any one of the following:

• An individual who resides in Iowa and whose business office is identical to the registered office.
• A domestic corporation or other eligible entity whose business office is identical to the registered office.
• A foreign (out-of-state) corporation authorized to transact business in Iowa and whose business office is identical to the registered office.

Can I be my own registered agent in Iowa?

You can be your own agent as long as you are a resident of the state and are fully available during all normal business hours.

Benefits of Using an Iowa Registered Agent Service

Opting for a registered agent service offers several benefits. These services specialize in receiving and relaying official paperwork, helping ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They give you peace of mind to work around town and travel without worrying about your legal mail. If you serve as your own registered agent, you’ll be required to stay at the registered office during all normal business hours, which makes meeting up with clients, going on vacation, etc., difficult. 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 whomever 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 Iowa?

The cost of a registered agent in Iowa 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; the expenses mainly stem from maintaining a physical street address or office space during regular 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 offered. While using a professional service might seem like an added expense, the benefits they provide — like helping ensure compliance with registered agent requirements, protecting your professional image, and offering added peace of mind — often justify the cost for many businesses.

Cost of Changing Registered Agents

If you need to change your own registered agent, you have two primary methods: filing online or by mail. But with either filing method, you’ll use the same form: the “Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent.” There’s no filing fee to submit this form to the Secretary of State.

There’s also the option to make this change while filing your Iowa biennial report; you can simply fill in the registered agent section with your new agent’s information. If you file by mail, the filing fee for LLCs is $45, but it’s only $30 if you file online (as of this writing). Corporations pay $60.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Iowa

As mentioned before, there are two different ways to file your registered agent change: changing the information when you file your biennial report or filing the Statement of Change with the Secretary of State. The easiest way is to log into Fast Track Filings (you’ll likely have an account from when you formed your LLC) and complete the change through that online portal.

You can also head to the Secretary of State’s website, open the Forms and Fees page, and find the “Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent” form that matches your business type. From there, you can download and fill out the form and mail it to the state. For both filing methods, there’s no filing fee to worry about.

Change of Registered Agent Requirements

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

Iowa Secretary of State Contact Information

Resignation of Iowa Registered Agent

If a registered agent needs to resign, they must notify the LLC and submit a “Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent” form to the Iowa Secretary of State. This process goes into effect right away after your form is filed, so it’s important to follow the proper procedure to help the business you represent stay compliant.

Steps to Remove a Registered Agent

1. Notify your business: Under state law, you’ll need to send your LLC or corporation a copy of your Resignation of Registered Agent form before you actually file it. It’s recommended to do this as early as possible as a professional courtesy so the business can find a new agent and stay compliant.
2. Submit your resignation: After the business is informed about your resignation, file the resignation paperwork with the Secretary of State. Unlike some other filings, this form doesn’t have a filing fee.
3. Hand off your responsibilities: Help your business transition to a new registered agent to avoid penalties. A valid registered agent is crucial to maintaining the LLC’s good standing.