How to Change the Registered Agent on an LLC

If you already have an LLC, you’re probably familiar with the role of a registered agent.

Registered agents serve as the point of contact for your business, which means that they’re responsible for receiving official documents such as tax forms and legal notices.

You need a registered agent to incorporate a US business, plus a separate registered agent in each state where your company operates.

You can learn more about the registered agent requirement here.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of changing the registered agent for your LLC.

Please note that most of the same steps and procedures apply to C Corps and other business types.

While the process is generally the same throughout the US, some details may vary from state to state.

Check with the state government if you have any questions about the specific rules in a particular state.

If you’re looking for a new registered agent, take a look at Firstbase Agent today.

We can act as your registered agent in all 50 US states, and we make it easy to stay on top of your obligations with a compliance dashboard + automatic notifications for upcoming deadlines.

We’ll even file all the necessary change of agent forms on your behalf.

Why Change My Registered Agent?

There are a few reasons why you might want to change your company’s registered agent.

For example, you might be using a registered agent platform that no longer operates in a particular state.

Alternatively, you may be looking for a provider that offers more comprehensive services.

In some cases, founders sign up as their own registered agent, but eventually find themselves wanting to delegate the role to someone else.

Whatever the case, changing registered agents is a common procedure that many US businesses initiate every day.

How to Change My LLC Registered Agent

As mentioned above, the details vary in different states, but the general process remains the same.

To start, check your state government’s website for businesses or corporations.

They’ll explain the procedures, requirements, and any fees associated with changing your registered agent.

Some states even post the change of agent forms online — for example, you can view and download the relevant Delaware form for corporations here.

Delaware simply asks for a few basic details including your company’s name, new registered agent information, and the signature of an authorized officer.

Again, this may be slightly different in other states, but it should be more or less that simple regardless of your company’s location.

How Much Does It Cost to Change My Registered Agent?

If you want to change your company’s registered agent, the fees and processes will depend on your state and business type.

Delaware corporations can file to change registered agents for a flat rate of $50, but that drops to just $5 for nonprofit organizations.

In some cases, you may also have the option of paying an additional fee for expedited services.

Failing to keep an active registered agent could lead to significant compliance penalties, so it may be worth paying extra to avoid or minimize the time spent out of compliance.

Conclusion

Managing red tape and paperwork can be tricky, but changing your company’s registered agent is a fairly straightforward process.

Of course, it’s even easier if you sign up for Firstbase Agent and let us handle the paperwork for you.

More questions about your company’s compliance situation? Our team is here to help.

Hit the button in the lower-right hand corner to get in touch and discuss your questions.