How to Change a Registered Agent in Illinois (4 Easy Ways)
Changing the registered agent of your Illinois LLC is very simple. You need to fill out a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office form with the Illinois Secretary of State, and the process will be done quickly.
With years of experience in the industry, we have gathered all the relevant information needed to make the change independently.
Quick Summary
- To change your registered agent in Illinois, you will need to submit a form called Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office to the Illinois Secretary of State.
- You can update or change your registered agent in Illinois through a professional registered agent service, online filing, or submitting a form by mail or in person.
- Changing a registered agent in Illinois takes anywhere from 1 to 10 business days.
- Changing your registered agent through the annual report filing is a convenient way to ensure your business remains compliant while minimizing administrative tasks.
How To Change Registered Agents In Illinois?
To change registered agents in Illinois, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office form with the Illinois Secretary of State.
You can either use a professional service, apply online or send it through the mail. Let me explain each point in detail.
1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using A Professional Service
If you're using a professional Illinois registered agent service and want to change your registered agent, you'll need to follow the specific process outlined by your service provider.
Typically, you'll need to provide written notice to the service provider, indicating that you wish to terminate their services and appoint a new registered agent.
The new registered agent's information should be included in the notice.
Once the service provider receives your notice, they will likely provide you with a form to complete and file with the Illinois Secretary of State.
You will be required to pay for the state fees of $25 plus the service charge.
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2. Changing Your Registered Agent Online
Changing the corporate or LLC agent can be done quickly and easily online by selecting either the Corp Agent Change or LLC Agent Change option.
- Choose the Correct Online Portal
Illinois provides two separate online filing portals: one for Limited Liability Companies (LLC Agent Change) and another for Corporations (Corp Agent Change). Select the portal that corresponds to your entity type.
- Prepare Required Information
Before you start the online process, ensure you have all the necessary information, including:
- Your business entity’s exact name as registered.
- The current registered agent’s name and address.
- The new registered agent’s name and physical address in Illinois.
- An email address for confirmation and correspondence.
- Log In or Create an Account
If you already have an account with the Illinois Secretary of State's online services, log in. If not, you'll need to create an account to access the filing services.
- Select the Agent Change Option
Once logged in, navigate to the filing options and select either "Corp Agent Change" or "LLC Agent Change" based on your entity type.
Fill in the online form with the required information about your current and new registered agent. Double-check for accuracy to avoid processing delays.
- Pay the Filing Fee and Expedited Service Fee
The standard filing fee for changing a registered agent is $25. However, if you opt for faster, an additional expedited service fee is required. The expedited service fee in Illinois can vary, so check the current rate on the Secretary of State's website.
- Submission
Review your submission for accuracy, then submit your application along with the payment. After submission, you will receive an email confirmation.
3. Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail or In-Person
To submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office through mail or in person, you need to download the appropriate form from the Illinois Secretary of State website and fill it out.
Here the steps you should take:
Step 1: Identify Your Business Entity Type
First, determine your business entity type to select the correct form. Illinois offers different forms for:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
- Corporations
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Limited Partnerships (LPs)
Step 2: Download the Appropriate Form
Visit the Illinois Secretary of State website to download the form specific to your entity type:
- The Limited Liability Companies Form for LLC changes.
- The Corporation Form for corporate changes.
- Other forms are available for nonprofit organizations and limited partnerships.
Step 3: Complete the Form
Fill out the form with the required information, which typically includes:
- Your business entity’s name as registered in Illinois.
- The current registered agent and office address.
- The new registered agent's name and address.
- An authorized signature from your business.
Step 4: Prepare the Filing Fee
Prepare a check for the processing fee:
- A $25 processing fee is applicable for most changes of registered agent or office.
- Make the check payable to the Illinois Secretary of State[2].
Step 5: Submit Your Form
- By Mail: Send the completed form along with your check to this mailing address
Illinois Secretary of State
Department of Business Services
501 S. Second St., Rm. 350
Springfield, IL 62756
- In-Person: You can also submit the form and payment in person at the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield.
Step 6: Confirmation
After processing, you will receive confirmation from the Illinois Secretary of State.
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4. Changing Your Registered Agent by Annual Report
Changing your registered agent in Illinois can be conveniently done while filing your annual report.
Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Your Annual Report: When it's time to file your annual report with the Illinois Secretary of State, gather all necessary information about your business, including the current registered agent's details.
- Access the Annual Report Form: You can file your annual report online through the Illinois Secretary of State's website or obtain a paper form if you prefer to mail in your filing.
- Update Registered Agent Information: On the annual report form, look for the section designated for updating your registered agent's information. Enter the new registered agent's name and physical address in Illinois.
- Review and Submit: Before submitting, double-check all the information on your annual report, including the updated registered agent details, to ensure accuracy.
- Pay the Filing Fee: Annual report filing fees in Illinois are $75 for both LLCs and corporations, with corporations also paying a franchise tax based on paid-in capital.
- Confirmation: After your annual report and registered agent change are processed, you will receive confirmation from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Who Can Be An Illinois Registered Agent?
An Illinois registered agent can be an individual who is a state resident or a corporation authorized to conduct business within Illinois.
The registered agent in Illinois must have the following:
- A physical address within the state where they can receive legal documents
- Be available during regular business hours to accept service of process on behalf of the business entity they represent
To serve as your own registered agent, you must meet the previous requirements. However, not all registered agents are limited to operating in certain states.
Some companies use the same registered agent across all states to avoid having multiple agents.
To locate the current registered agent, ensure that their name, address, and county information matches the details on the state database.
A registered agent is crucial for businesses as it ensures they receive critical legal documents promptly and appropriately.
Failure to have a registered agent can result in penalties or default judgments.
FAQs
Is There A Deadline For Appointing A New Registered Agent If My Current One Resigns?
Illinois law requires you to appoint a new registered agent promptly, though it does not specify an exact timeline. It's wise to do so as soon as possible to avoid gaps in legal document reception.
Can I Be My Registered Agent In Illinois?
Yes, you can be your registered agent in Illinois if you meet the residency requirement and have a physical address where legal documents can be served.
Change Your Registered Agent In Illinois
You can easily change your Illinois registered agent by filing online or by mail. By following the correct steps and choosing reliable Illinois registered agent service providers, you can make the process smooth and ensure that your business follows the laws of Illinois.
There are numerous professional registered agent services in Illinois that can help you handle all legal problems and focus on your business.
References:
- https://illinoisregisteredagent.com/agent-change-corporations
- https://storage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-29062418/documents/5c05714671fe3uo6MtPq/llc136_137%20Statement%20of%20Change%20of%20Agent.pdf
