How to Change a Corporation's Registered Agent
One of the most important public disclosures a corporation makes is the designation of its registered agent. A registered agent also commonly is referred to as an agent for service of process. The registered agent (or agent for service of process) is the individual--or other legal entity, including the corporation itself--designated to accept a summons and a petition if the corporation is sued. If the occasion comes for a new agent for service of process to be appointed, you need to understand how to change a corporation's registered agent.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Telephone the corporation's division of the secretary of state's office where the corporation is established. Request to be sent a form to change the registered agent for a corporation.
-
2
Complete the form to change a corporation's registered agent.
-
3
Deliver the completed form to change a corporation's registered agent to the secretary of state's office.
-
4
Log on to the secretary of state's website. Access the corporation's division section. Most secretaries of state provide an Internet portal through which you can change a corporation's registered agent.
-
5
Complete the online form to designate a new registered agent for a corporation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Promptly change a corporation's registered agent when the need arises.
The failure to change a corporation's registered agent as needed can result in serious legal consequences. For example, the secretary of state's office can suspend a corporation's authorization. Moreover, a court will enter a judgment against a corporation in the event of lawsuit in which the proper registered agent cannot be served with the summons and petition (or complaint) associated with the case.
