How To Change Registered Agent In Virginia? (Easy Guide)
If you have a registered business with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, you are required to have a Virginia registered agent in place for your business.
If you choose a registered agent service that you feel doesn't work for you and you're looking for a change, you can easily appoint a new registered agent in Virginia.
In this article, we will review how to change your Virginia registered agent. We are experts in registered agents, and we have had to change our registered agent more than once in multiple states, including Virginia, so we are well aware of the process.
Quick Summary
- Changing a registered agent in Virginia involves filing a form with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which can be done by mail, in person, or online without any fee.
- The process includes selecting a new agent who meets Virginia's requirements and submitting the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form.
- In Virginia, over 60% of businesses opt to use professional services for handling registered agent changes and other compliance-related tasks.
- Considering the straightforward process and absence of a filing fee, changing a registered agent in Virginia, in my opinion, seems user-friendly and accessible for businesses.
How To Change Your Virginia Registered Agent
To change your registered agent service with the Virginia State Corporation Commission, you must fill out and file a registered agent change form.
This resident agent service change form can be submitted by mail, in person, or online. There is no filing fee for a change of an LLC registered agent.
1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using a Professional Service
Here's a step-by-step guide when using a professional service to change your registered agent in Virginia:
- Choose a Professional Service: Select a reputable service experienced in Virginia business filings.
- Select a New Registered Agent: Choose an individual or entity qualified in Virginia and obtain their consent.
- Provide Information to the Service: Give the service your LLC details and the new agent's information.
- Fees:
- State Filing Fee: Approximately $25 (check for current rates).
- Service Fee: Ranges from $50 to $150, varies by provider.
- File the Change: The service will complete and file the 'Statement of Change' form (SCC635/834) with the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
- Notify Previous Agent: Either you or the service should inform your previous agent of the change.
- Confirmation and Record Keeping: Receive confirmation from the service once processed, and keep copies for your records.
As a business consultant, I've guided numerous clients through this process. Given that Virginia's first-year business failure rate stands at 22.5%, well above the national average, ensuring accuracy and compliance through a professional service when changing your registered agent can be a strategic move to mitigate risks and establish a solid foundation [1].
My clients have found this approach efficient, saving time and minimizing administrative burdens.
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."
- Socrates, Founder of Western philosophy.
2. Changing Your Registered Agent Online
- Access and Log in to the Virginia State Corporation Commission Website:
Use your existing account or create a new one if necessary. Have your business identification information ready for login or registration.
- Update Registered Agent Information:
Locate your business entity in the Clerk's Information System. Enter the new registered agent's details, including their name, physical address in Virginia, and their consent to serve as your agent.
- Filing and Fees:
The online filing fee is approximately $25 (subject to change). Complete the change request and process the payment online.
- Processing and Confirmation:
The change is processed immediately and becomes public record, providing a faster alternative to paper filing.
You will receive an electronic confirmation from the State Corporation Commission. Keep this for your records.
I find this online method quick and efficient to update your registered agent in Virginia, with immediate processing and electronic confirmation for convenience.
3. Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail, or In-person
Changing your registered agent in Virginia by mail or in-person is a simple process:
- Download and Complete the Form
Obtain the 'Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent' form from the Virginia State Corporation Commission's website. Fill it with the new agent's details, including their name and Virginia address.
- Submission
By Mail: Send the completed form to the State Corporation Commission's mailing address.
In-Person: Deliver the form to the Commission's office during business hours.
No Filing Fee: There's typically no charge for this service.
- Processing Time
Expect one to two weeks for mail submissions. In-person submissions may be processed faster.
If you were to choose to expedite changing your registered agent, there is a $50 filing fee for the next day's change of registered office and a $200 fee for same business day processing for Virginia LLCs [2].
Related articles:
- How To Form an LLC in Virginia
- How Much Does It Cost To Set Up an LLC in Virginia
- Best Services To Create an LLC in Virginia
Who Can Be A Virginia Registered Agent?
A Virginia registered agent can be anyone over 18 years old, an individual or business located in Virginia with a physical address within the state that is available during regular business hours [3].
PO Boxes are not allowed to be set for the Virginia registered agent, and if your registered agent is a foreign business, they must be authorized to transact business as a registered agent in Virginia.
FAQs
Can a Registered Agent Decline the Appointment?
Yes, a person or entity can decline to serve as your registered agent. It’s important to obtain their consent before appointing them.
Can I Change My Registered Agent at Any Time?
Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time, as long as you file the appropriate form and pay any necessary fees.
References:
- https://www.lendingtree.com/business/small/failure-rate/
- https://www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/Expedited-Services
- https://scc.virginia.gov/pages/Registered-Agents
