How To Change Registered Agent In Iowa (Step by Step Guide)

When running a business in Iowa, it's essential to have a registered agent to receive legal documents and official government communications on your behalf.

However, there may be instances when a business owner wishes to change their registered agent for various reasons, such as relocation, retirement, or dissatisfaction with the current agent's performance.

As LLC experts with years of experience in the field, we have created a detailed guide to help you change your registered agent in Iowa, ensuring a seamless transition and continued adherence to state requirements.

Quick Summary

Who Can Be Iowa Registered Agent?

Iowa registered agent can either be an individual who is a resident of Iowa or a business entity authorized to conduct business in Iowa.

A registered agent should be at least 18 years old and have a physical street address in Iowa to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the business entity they represent [1].

The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important documents for limited liability companies and must promptly notify the business entity of any documents received on their behalf.

How To Change Iowa Registered Agent?

To change your registered agent in Iowa, you can choose between three methods: using a professional service, changing your registered agent online, or changing your registered agent by mail.

We will take you step-by-step through each of these options.

1. Changing Iowa Registered Agent Using A Professional Service

One of the easiest ways to change your registered agent is by using a professional registered agent service.

These services specialize in receiving legal documents and can provide additional benefits such as mail forwarding and compliance assistance.

If you want to change an LLC registered agent and prefer to use a professional service, follow these steps:

1. Select a reliable and reputable professional registered agent service provider to assist you.
2. Provide the new registered agent's information to the service provider, such as their name, address, and contact details.
3. The professional registered agent service will prepare the necessary documents for filing with the state and submit them on your behalf.
4. Once the state approves the change, the professional service will notify you and your old LLC registered agent.
5. The Iowa registered agent service will receive the necessary documents and will assume their new role on behalf of your company.

2. Changing Iowa Registered Agent Online

You can also change your registered agent in Iowa online.

These are the steps you need to take [2]:

1. Visit the Iowa Secretary of State's Business Services webpage and log in to your account [3].
2. Once you are logged in, navigate to the "Change Registered Agent/Office" section and click the "File Online" button.
3. Enter the required information, such as your company name and the new registered agent's name, address, and contact details to ensure you change registered agents.
4. Pay the necessary fee using a credit card.
5. Review the information you provided and submit the filing.
6. Once the state approves the change, they will send confirmation to your new registered agent and update your company's records.

3. Changing Iowa Registered Agent By Mail

To change your registered agent in Iowa by mail, follow these steps:

1. Obtain the appropriate form for changing your registered agent. You can download the form from the Iowa Secretary of State's website or request a copy by mail.
2. Fill out the form with the required information, including your company name, old registered agent's, and new registered agent's information.
3. Sign and date the form.
4. Prepare a check or money order for the filing fee. The fee amount can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
5. Mail the completed registered agent form and the filing fee to the address listed.
6. Wait for confirmation from the Secretary of State's office that your request has been approved and your registered agent has been updated.

How To Notify Others Of The Change

Once you have successfully changed your registered agent in Iowa, you must notify all stakeholders.

This includes your company's directors, officers, and third-party service providers who may need to communicate with your registered agent.

Here are some steps you can take to notify others of the change:

• Update your company's records to reflect the new registered agent's name and address.
• Send a notice informing all stakeholders of the change and provide them with the new registered agent's contact information.
• Update relevant contracts, agreements, and other legal documents to reflect the new registered agent's information.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that all stakeholders know about the change and can communicate with your new registered agent as needed.

FAQs

Do You Want To Change Your Iowa Registered Agent?

As a business owner, you may need to change your Iowa registered agent at one point.

Since changing the registered agent and running a business can be a huge task, we recommend hiring some of Iowa's best registered agent services to work on your behalf.

These services will file forms while you handle your business tasks.

They are experts in this field and will make the process much faster and easier for a business owner like you.

---

References:

1. https://sos.iowa.gov/business/faqs.html
2. https://help.sos.iowa.gov/how-do-i-change-my-registered-agent
3. https://filings.sos.iowa.gov/