If you want to change your registered agent as a business owner in Rhode Island, you should follow the correct filing procedure to ensure the Secretary of State will approve your application.
To help you, we teamed up with our business experts with over twenty years of experience in the LLC industry.
We spent six weeks researching the Rhode Island Secretary of State's website for the correct registered agent documents and filing steps.
Here's everything you need to know about changing your registered agent service in Rhode Island.
Quick Summary
- To change your Rhode Island registered agent, you must fill out and submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State.
- It costs $20 to change registered agents in Rhode Island.
- You can be your own registered agent in Rhode Island if you're a resident of legal age.
Who Can Be A Rhode Island Registered Agent?
Any individual or business entity can be a Rhode Island registered agent if they meet all the state requirements for being a statutory agent.
Per Rhode Island state law, a registered agent communicates with the Secretary of State and handles all legal notices and service of process on behalf of limited liability companies.
To be a trustworthy resident agent in Rhode Island, you must meet the following criteria:
- Must have a registered Rhode Island street address
- Must be authorized to provide registered agent services and accept service of process
- Must be a resident of Rhode Island
- Must be permitted to complete transactions in Rhode Island
- Must be available throughout normal business hours
- Must be 18 years or older
How To Change Your Rhode Island Registered Agent?
To change your Rhode Island registered agent, you must fill out and submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent file with the Secretary of State.
As an LLC owner, you can change your registered agent service online, by mail, in person, or through a professional service.
Let's look at how you can file the amendment form using each method.
1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using a Professional Service
Using a professional service is a simple approach to submitting a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form to the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Once you've chosen the expert firm you want to work with, register for an online account on their website and inquire about their change of resident agent services.
Depending on the company, you'll need to share certain details of your LLC, including its business name, office address, and contact information of the previous and current Rhode Island registered agents.
The qualified staff will file and deliver your registered agent paperwork to the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
You'll then pay the $20 filing fee plus any service fee the company levies.
Once the Rhode Island Secretary of State approves your application, you'll receive an email notification from the professional service provider.
2. Changing Your Registered Agent Online
The easiest way to change LLC registered agent in Rhode Island is to complete the process online on the SOS business filings website [1].
Log into the website with your Customer Identification Number (CID) and PIN to access the filing form.
The Rhode Island Secretary of State offers two different forms for changing a registered agent service: one for an LLC and another for a corporation.
So, select the correct one according to your business type.
Proceed to complete the accurate details of your business and LLC resident agent.
Then pay the filing fee using a credit card.
3. Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail
Limited liability companies in Rhode Island can also change their registered agents by mail.
Visit the SOS website to access the Statement of Change of Registered Agent PDF form, fill it out, and print it [2].
When filling out the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form, you must include the following business details:
- Entity ID number
- Name of corporation
- Name of the present resident agent
- Name and registered office address of the new Rhode Island resident agent
- Date received
- Official signature from an authorized agent
Complete the filing process by paying the $20 fee as a check or money order.
Submit the completed form to this official address:
Division of Business Services 148 W. River Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615
4. Changing Your Registered Agent In-person
The Secretary of the State lets you change your Rhode Island registered agent service in person.
You must get the PDF form online, download it, and fill in the correct business details.
Submit the completed form to the SOS and pay the $20 state filing fee.
Note that the filing fee is non-refundable, and you can pay via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express)
The SOS also takes cash, money orders, or checks payable to the State of Rhode Island.
Once you submit a physical resident agent form, the SOS will process it within the same day if you deliver by 4 PM.
In-person filings can be directed to this address:
Business Services Division,
148 W. River Street, Ste. 1,
Providence, RI 02904.
FAQs
Does RI Require a Registered Agent?
Yes, RI requires a registered agent for all registered businesses transacting there. When registering the company, you must name a registered agent and a registered office on the SOS public record file.
Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Rhode Island if you're over 18 years old, are a resident of Rhode Island, and are authorized to receive important legal documents on behalf of a business entity.
How Long Does It Take To Change a Registered Agent in Rhode Island?
It takes 7-10 business days to change a registered agent in Rhode Island by mail. In-person submissions are processed within the same day if submitted by 4 PM.
How Much Does It Cost To Change a Registered Agent in Rhode Island?
It costs $20 to change a registered agent in Rhode Island. This is the state filing fee for processing the Statement of Change of Registered Agent document.
Do You Want To Change Your Rhode Island Registered Agent?
Every LLC or corporation in Rhode Island can change a registered agent if the former can’t handle the responsibility.
If you're looking for expert guidance on changing your registered agent, check out these best Rhode Island registered agents that you can hire to help you file the paperwork correctly.
Besides helping you change your registered agent, most of these services offer other LLC filings, including annual reports, free mail forwarding, Rhode Island business addresses, free phone services, and access to local corporate lawyers.
References:
- https://business.sos.ri.gov/corp/LoginSystem/login_form.asp
- https://docs.sos.ri.gov/documents/BusinessServices/640-change-of-registered-agent-business-corporation.pdf
