Change Registered Agent in Hawaii for Free

We all know the feeling- you’re running a business and things start to get busy. You work hard on your company but are unable to fulfill the duties of your Hawaii registered agent anymore and thinking of changing your company’s registered agent.

Well, there are some tasks that can wait until tomorrow, and changing a registered agent in Hawaii is one of those tasks. Luckily you’ve got this changing a registered agent in HAwaii guide. This article will help you correctly change your registered agent without any trouble.

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 Hawaii

For an LLC in Hawaii, 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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii
  • 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 Hawaii

Among hundreds of companies providing registered agent services for your LLC in Hawaii across all states, we bring the top 2 registered agent services for you here i.e. ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent, which are far better alternatives of LegalZoom.

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Method #2

Change Registered Agent DIY in Hawaii

You can change your registered agent or the address of the registered office by filing the Statement of Change with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. You can file the Statement of Change online or through the mail.

Changing a Registered Agent or Registered Office Online

You can change the registered agent or registered office online with Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs website. following the steps given below.

  1. Login to your Business Express account at Hawaii Business Express website.
  2. Search for your business
  3. Select your business and Click “Fill out Form” under “X-7 Statement of Change of Registered Agent”
  4. Complete the form with correct information, including the payment information.
  5. Submit the form after reviewing it.

 Important Note: All the information MUST be typed or filled out in black ink. Otherwise, the forms will not be accepted.

Changing a Registered Agent or Registered Office via Mail or In-Person

If filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent by mail is more convenient, you first need to download the form from the Hawaii Business Registration Division, Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs website.

Fill it out with your correct information on your computer and sent it along with the filing fee and submit using one of the option given below:

In Person:
State of Hawaii
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
335 Merchant St.
Honolulu, HI 96810

Mail:
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Business Registration Division
P.O. Box 40
Honolulu, HI 96810

Fax:
(808) 586-2733

Email:
[email protected]

Changing a Registered Agent or Registered Office by Submitting an Annual Report

If you’re within the filing deadline for Hawaii Annual Report of your business, you can change the Registered Agent or Registered Office without needing to file additional paperwork.

You can file Hawaii annual report online or submitting it by mail, fax, email, or in personby. For hard copy submission, download the form from the relevant Info & Forms section of the Hawaii Business Registration Division of Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs website, complete the form and send it back to Hawaii Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs .

Change of Registered Agent Fee in Hawaii: $25

The state of Hawaii charges you $25 to process your Statement of Change of Registered Agent. You can pay this fee by credit card or check. You must include an authorization form for credit card payments if filing a hard copy. Read the payment page of the change form for complete instructions.

Information Needed to Complete Change of Registered Agent Form

To change your Hawaii 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 Hawaii 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 $25 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 Hawaii?

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 Hawaii

Can I be My Own Registered Agent in Hawaii?

All business owners in Hawaii 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 Hawaii?

File a Change of Registered Agent form with the Hawaii Secretary of State, and you’ll be able to change your registered agent for $25. 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 Hawaii?

Registered agents are a must for any formal business in Hawaii. 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.

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