Choose your new agent
A registered agent is usually required to be physically located in the state where your business entity is registered. For example, if you are located in California but your business is registered in Delaware, your registered agent must be located in Delaware. Some states require this role to be performed by a licensed attorney or CPA if they are not an employee, while other states require little more than residency.
Of course, you want a reputable and responsible individual or entity to ensure their practices align with your expectations. The most important attribute of a registered agent is thorough and timely delivery. If your agent fails to give you notice of a properly served lawsuit in a timely fashion, you could miss important court deadlines, resulting in a default judgment against your business.
File with your state
To change your registered agent, you will likely need to notify the state of the change. Each state has its own process, and you can find details on the Secretary of State’s website. Typically, you will fill out a form, provide evidence that your new registered agent consents to that designation, and sign it. The new registered agent will also sign this form. You can either file online or mail the form. The state may require a small fee.
Want to simplify this process? Rocket Lawyer can help ensure a smooth transition to your new registered agent with the correct documents and procedures.
Better yet, why not have Rocket Lawyer be your registered agent? We have registered agents located in all 50 states, ready to serve you as your point of contact. And since we know that time is money, we make any correspondence we receive on your behalf accessible online.
Ways Rocket Lawyer can help
- Registered Agent services.
When it’s time to choose a new registered agent, Rocket Lawyer has you covered with easy-to-use and affordable Registered Agent services. When your registered agent receives anything on your behalf, you will be notified and provided access to your correspondence online. Rocket Legal+ members get HALF OFF Registered Agent services.
- Annual Report filings.
You may be required to file an Annual Report, Statement of Information, or similar document with your state. Rocket Lawyer can help you file your Annual Report on time, every time. Keep your business on solid legal ground. Let us file your Initial and Annual Reports to ensure your business is compliant. With a Rocket Legal+ membership, it’s only $99.99 (full price is $199.99) to file your Initial and Annual Reports and protect against costly penalties.
- Talk to a Legal Pro.
Whether you’re trying to steady the ship or shifting course, it can be helpful to ask Legal Pros for advice, to review documents, or evaluate your risks. Reach out to a Rocket Legal Pro for affordable and reliable legal help.
- Save on Everything Legal for your business.
Whether you want personalized legal documents or Pro Services, a Rocket Legal+ membership pays for itself. As a Rocket Legal+ member, your first business registration filing is FREE (excluding state fees) and you get HALF OFF tax prep and filing, Trademark Services (excluding USPTO fees), Annual Report filings, and more.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Rocket Lawyer is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.
