How To Change Registered Agent in Pennsylvania (The Guide)

In Pennsylvania, limited liability company owners can change their registered agents with the Secretary of State if the need arises.

To help you understand the filing procedure better, we joined forces with our great team of licensed business advisors with over nine years of experience in the LLC industry and spent four weeks researching the Pennsylvania Secretary of State website for the correct information.

Here's everything you should know about changing a registered agent service in Pennsylvania.

Quick Summary

Who Can Be A Pennsylvania Registered Agent?

Any individual or company can be a Pennsylvania registered agent, provided they meet all state requirements for being one.

A Pennsylvania Commercial Registered Office Provider (CROP) acts as a primary communication point with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State and handles correspondence with the state and other legal notices on behalf of a business entity.

To be a registered agent service in the Pennsylvania Department, you must meet the following state-registered agent requirements:

For a business entity to be a commercial registered agent it:

• Must have a principal office address in Pennsylvania
• Must be permitted to do business in this state
• Must be authorized to manage business filings and handle legal papers

For an individual to be a commercial registered agent you:

• Must be 18 years and above
• Must have a physical address in Pennsylvania
• Must be available during regular office hours to handle legal correspondence with the Secretary of State

How To Change Your Pennsylvania Registered Agent?

To change your Pennsylvania LLC registered agent, you must fill out and submit a Statement of Change of Registered Office by Agent with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Corporations Bureau, and Charitable Organizations.

It costs $5 to file this document, and once the SOS approves it, your new Pennsylvania registered office provider can start working on behalf of your business.

As a Pennsylvania limited liability company owner, you can change your commercial registered office provider online, by mail, or through a professional service.

Let's look at each filing method.

1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using a Professional Service

You can designate the registered agent changing process to an expert who'll handle the filing with the Pennsylvania Department of State.

Once you identify the professional service you like, create an online account on their website and request them to help you change your registered office provider.

Once you share the necessary details of your business, the experts will take care of the rest.

They’ll alert you when the commercial registered agent form is approved.

2. Changing Your Registered Agent Online

Complete the process online if you want the easiest way to change your commercial registered office provider.

The Pennsylvania Department of State's online filing portal allows you to complete the change of registered agent easily and quickly [1].

Create an account, log in with your password, and select the Statement of Change of Registered Office form online.

Proceed to fill out the details of your business and new Pennsylvania registered agent service.

Complete the process by paying the $5 state filing fee using a credit card or e-check.

If you change your registered office online, it can take a few hours for the SOS to approve your application.

3. Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail 

You can also download the Statement of Change of Registered Office by Agent form, fill it out, print it, and submit it to the SOS mail [2].

When filling out the form, you must provide the following details for the SOS to approve your application:

• Name of the business
• The principal registered office address of the business
• Name and address of the old registered agent service
• Name and address of the new registered agent service
• Termination status of the old registered agent service
• The correct date of the filing
• Contact details (name, email, and phone number)
• Official signature of the filer

Note that the registered office address should be in the form of an actual street number or a rural route box number, and the Department of State will not receive or submit any document, including just a post office box address.

The SOS accepts printed forms, but if you decide to handwrite them, they must be completed in readable black or blue-black ink and be legible to allow for reproduction.

Once you verify your details, attach the non-refundable $5 filing fee as a check. Make the check payable to the Pennsylvania Department of State.

The name and business address on the check must be pre-printed professionally.

If you want your document approved faster, you can pay for any of these expedited services:

• $100 for same-day delivery
• $300 for three-hour delivery
• $1,000 for a one-hour delivery

Mail the completed form to this address:

Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722

FAQs

Do You Want To Change Your Pennsylvania Registered Agent? 

If you're seeking a professional to assist you with the amendment process, check out our list of the best registered agent services in Pennsylvania.

These nine low-cost registered agent services will file your Statement of Change of Registered Office and handle other LLC filings you may require.

Additionally, most of these websites have complimentary registered agent services for the first year, ongoing legal compliance, and regular email notifications to maintain your entity in the correct position with the Pennsylvania Secretary of State.

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References:

1. https://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/RegistrationForms/Pages/default.aspx
2. https://www.dos.pa.gov/BusinessCharities/Business/RegistrationForms/Documents/Updated%202017%20Registration%20Forms/Miscellaneous%20Forms/15-108%20Chge%20of%20Reg%20Off%20by%20Agnt.pdf