How To Change Registered Agent in Ohio? (Simple Guide)
As an LLC owner in Ohio who plans on changing their registered agent, you should comprehend the filing process and the regulations you must follow to ensure the Ohio Secretary of State approves your application.
To help you stay compliant during the process, I spent a considerable time researching and navigating the Secretary of State's website. I even consulted with LLC specialists in Ohio to provide you with pertinent details regarding which amendment documents to submit and what procedure to follow.
Here's everything you need to know about changing your Ohio statutory agent.
Quick Summary
- To change your Ohio registered agent, you must fill out and submit a Statutory Agent Update form with the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division.
- It costs $25 for a business entity to change an Ohio statutory agent service.
- LLCs can change their Ohio registered agents online, by mail, in person, or through a professional service.
Who Can Be an Ohio Registered Agent?
Any individual or business entity can be an Ohio registered agent if they meet all the state's requirements for being a statutory agent.
A registered/statutory agent in Ohio handles all legal correspondence with the Secretary of State on behalf of a limited liability company.
Here are the Ohio state requirements for being a registered agent:
- Must have a registered office address in Ohio
- Must be authorized to transact business in the state of Ohio
- Must be available throughout normal office hours to handle legal notices
- Must be eligible to take legal papers
- Must be of legal age
How To Change Your Ohio Registered Agent?
To change your Ohio registered agent, you must fill out and submit a Statutory Agent Update form with the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division.
It costs $25 to file this document and change your Ohio statutory agent.
Business owners can complete this process online, by mail, in person, or through a professional service.
Here's a detailed description of each filing method.
1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using a Professional Service
If you don't want to file the Ohio statutory agent paperwork, hiring a professional provider to change your statutory agent is a smart choice.
Once you hire a reputable service provider, they'll file your Statutory Agent Update form with the Ohio Secretary of State.
You'll first create an online account on their website, log in to access the different service packages and ask them to help you change a registered agent.
The professional service will handle the filing for you; you'll only have to pay the state fees and await a notification once your amendment is approved.
Most professional registered agent services charge different fees for changing a statutory agent in Ohio.
Hence the total amount you pay depends on the company you collaborate with.
2. Changing Your Registered Agent Online
You can change your statutory agent in Ohio on the SOS Business Filings website [1].
Once you create an online profile with your name, email, address, and phone number, you can log in to access the Statutory Agent Update form.
Proceed to complete the form with the correct business details and new registered agent information.
You'll complete the process by paying the filing fee using a credit card or e-check.
The standard processing may take a few days, but you can pay extra fees to expedite the process and have your request approved within a few hours.
The new approved details will be automatically updated on the existing business record.
3. Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail
As an Ohio business owner, you can change your registered agent service by mail.
This means you must submit a physical paper form of the Statutory Agent Update document.
Download the Statutory Agent Update form online, fill it out, and submit it to the SOS.
There are two forms you must file; the cover letter and the Statutory Agent Update form.
In the cover letter, you must include the following details:
- Filer's name or the person to whom the approved certificate will be sent.
- Mailing address (city, state, and zip code)
- Phone number
- Email address
When filling out the Statutory Agent Update form, you must provide the following:
- Name of business entity
- Charter license or registration number
- Name and address of the current LLC registered agent
- Name and address of the new Ohio registered agent service
The new Ohio registered agent must also sign to prove their acceptance of the role [2].
Once you verify all the details, print the form and attach the $25 filing fee as a check or money order payable to the Ohio Secretary of State.
If you want your amendment request approved faster, you can pay an additional $100 and have it processed within 2 business days.
To request expedited service of mailed forms, write "EXPEDITE" on the envelope.
4. Changing Your Registered Agent In-person
To change registered agents in person, you must walk into the Ohio Secretary of State head office and deliver your Statutory Agent Update form.
Once you download the form on the official SOS website, please fill it out, print it, and submit it. If you’re using the same registered agent with a new office address, fill out the address details only.
Remember also to complete the cover letter to avoid inconveniences during evaluation.
Hand-delivered Statutory Agent Update documents are accepted between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, and you can pay using cash, check, MasterCard, or Visa.
Walk-in clients have two options for expedited delivery:
- $200 for a one-day delivery
- $300 for a 4-hour delivery
If you pay for the second expedited processing option, the Ohio Secretary of State’s staff will review and approve your document while you wait.
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FAQs
How Long Does It Take To Change a Registered Agent in Ohio?
It takes 3-7 business days to change a registered agent in Ohio. Note that this is the standard processing time, but you can pay additional fees to expedite the process.
How Much Does It Cost To Change a Registered Agent in Ohio?
It costs $25 to change a registered agent in Ohio. The amount covers the processing of the Statutory Agent Update form, but it may be more if you request expedited service.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Ohio?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Ohio if you're of legal age and have a registered physical address there. As an Ohio LLC’s registered agent, you’ll handle correspondence and accept legal documents.
Do You Want To Change Your Ohio Registered Agent?
As a business owner, you might need to switch registered agent services in Ohio during your company's existence.
To ensure you take the appropriate procedures and keep your company in good standing, we recommend hiring these top Ohio registered agent services to assist you with filing your Statutory Agent Update form.
If you employ these registered agent services, you won't have to fret about undelivered documents because they are available and physically present at the registered office during regular business hours.
Additionally, these registered agents are familiar with Ohio's corporate and compliance laws, ensuring that your important legal documents are handled properly and on time.
References:
- https://bsportal.ohiosos.gov/
- https://www.ohiosos.gov/globalassets/business/forms/521.pdf
