There are a few reasons why you might want to change your registered agent in Ohio. Maybe the person who was serving as your statutory agent is retiring or you want to switch to a professional registered agent company, etc.
Regardless of the reason, you need to file a Statutory Agent Update form with the Ohio Secretary of State to change a registered agent in Ohio. Don’t know how to file? No worries, this article will walk you through every step of changing an Ohio registered agent of registered office. Keep reading.
What is a Registered Agent?
A registered agent is a person or entity designated by your business to receive service of process, state correspondence, and receiving or sending important business mails. Depending on the state, a registered agent may also be known as:
- Statutory agent,
- Resident agent, or
- Service of process agent.
How to Change Registered Agent in Ohio
For an LLC in Ohio, regardless of whether you choose the DIY method or hire a company, you need to file the certificate of change of registered agent. To change your registered agent mentioned in your Article of Organization, you file a change of registered agent or registered office form with the secretary of state.
However, before you file your application to change your registered agent in Ohio, you must be sure that your registered agent is:
- At least 18 years of age or older.
- Your registered agent should be a resident of the state of Ohio
- A registered agent must be present in the office during regular business hours.
- Your designated registered agent is happily willing to be nominated as your registered agent.
- Since P.O. mailbox can’t be used in most states, a registered agent must have a physical address to deliver documents.
- Your registered agent must be comfortable with their address going to be public in the state record.
Method #1
Hire a Company to Change Registered Agent in Ohio
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Method #2
Change Registered Agent DIY in Ohio
You can change your registered agent or the address of the registered office by filing the Statutory Agent Update with the Ohio Secretary of State. You can file the Statutory Agent Update to change the registered agent or principal office address online or by mail.
Changing a Registered Agent or Registered Office Online
You can change the registered agent or registered office online by following the steps given below.
- Login to the Ohio Secretary of State website to change the Statutory Agent or registered office.
- Click “Update an Existing Business Record”.
- Enter your business Ohio ID number or search for your business by its name
- Complete the form with correct information, including the payment information.
- Review and submit the form.
Important Note: If you select expedite service on paper filings, it must include a cover letter.
Changing a Registered Agent or Registered Office via Mail
If filing a Statutory Agent Update form by mail is more convenient, you first need to download the form from the Ohio Secretary of State website.
Fill it out with your correct information and ask your new registered agent to sign the form. Send it along with the filing fee to the address given below:
Mailing Address:
Ohio Secretary of State
P.O. Box 788
Columbus, OH 43216
Change of Registered Agent Fee in Ohio: $25
The state of Ohio charges you $25 to process your change of registered agent document. You can pay this fee by credit card (online filings only), check, or money order.
Expedite Your Change of Registered Agent Order
If you want the Ohio Secretary of State to expedite the Statutory Agent Update form processing, you need to select the expedite service on the form. Expedite service ranges from 2 business days costing an additional $100 to 4 hours of expedite service costing an additional $300.
Information Needed to Complete Change of Registered Agent Form
To change your Ohio registered agent, you will need to type in the following information on the change of registered agent or registered office by entity type form:
- Your Ohio entity I.D. number,
- The name of your business entity,
- The name of your current registered agent,
- The name of your new registered agent,
- The address of your new registered agent,
- Signature of the authorized person by your business,
- Signature of your new registered agent consenting to their appointment,
- Credit card information to pay the filing fee if filing online,
- If filing through the mail, tick the box if paying the fee through check or fill the information of charge fees to a prepaid account.
Why Change Registered Agent in Ohio?
In business, nothing is permanent, nor does everything hold for forever. With changing situations and circumstances, you update and revise your decisions. The same goes with the registered agent.
For instance, you may have appointed your attorney or CPA as your registered agent. Now you wish to change your attorney or CPA, so you would also want to change the registered agent. Some of the common reasons to change your registered agent could be:
- Your designated registered agent wants to retire.
- Your current registered agent moves to another state.
- Your present registered agent is too busy to take responsibility for your business correspondence anymore.
- You are not satisfied with the existing registered agent.
- You have nominated yourself as your registered agent but cannot handle this responsibility due to your busy schedule
- Your designated registered is charging a lot, and you want to hire cheaper registered agent services
FAQs on Changing Registered Agent in Ohio
Can I be My Own Registered Agent in Ohio?
All business owners in Ohio can be their own registered agents. So, whether you are running an LLC or operating your business as a corporation, you can designate yourself to accept service of process and official notices for your business.
Can I switch Registered Agents?
You can switch registered agents at any time. When you are ready to make a change, cancel the previous registered agent service and hire a new one. Then file the appropriate paperwork (change of registered agent form) with your state. However, most states require a fee to process your change of registered agent document.
Can I Get Free Registered Agent Services?
Yes, many reputable LLC services such as ZenBusiness, IncFile, etc provide 1-year free registered agent services after incorporating your business with them. For example, ZenBusiness in its basic package of $39 files your article of organization and provides a free registered agent for one year. Whereas as a standalone service, registered agent service cost you $99.
How do I change my registered agent in Ohio?
File a Change of Registered Agent form with the Ohio Secretary of State, and you’ll be able to change your registered agent. You just need to fill in the correct information, including the name of the previous registered agent, the name and address of the new registered agent, your business name and I.D. number, etc.
Do you have to have a registered agent for an LLC in Ohio?
Registered agents are a must for any formal business in Ohio. So whether you have an LLC, LLP, or corporation, you need to designate a registered agent for state correspondence. If you’re not sure what a registered agent’s role is and do you need one, read our article on What is a Registered Agent? Be Your Own or Hire a Service to help your company operate smoothly.
What is the responsibility of a registered agent?
Registered agents ensure that critical legal and other documents, such as subpoenas or regulatory notices, are delivered to you without any delay. They help your business remain compliant and up-to-date by delivering all necessary paperwork. They are responsible for accepting official correspondence on behalf of the company, such as tax forms, legal notices, and business mails.
Aisha Noreen is an owner of a small business with more than 9 years of experience in the marketing industry. With the wisdom of an old soul, she always seeks innovation and mind-blowing ROI techniques. Her unique approach helped many small businesses thrive and she can surprise you in many ways as well. Believe it or not, her energy, passion, and creativity are contagious enough to transform your business and take it to another level.
