There are various reasons that you might need to change your West Virginia registered agent.
You may have been your own registered agent but don't feel that you can keep up with the paperwork as a West Virginia business owner.
Maybe your registered agents moved out of state or are no longer available.
Regardless of the reason, our team of LLC experts has gathered to help you take the right steps to change your West Virginia registered agent.
We are experts in registered agents, and we have had to change our own registered agent more than once in multiple states, including West Virginia, so we are well-versed in the process.
Quick Summary
- To change your registered agent, you need to fill out a change form and submit it to the West Virginia Secretary of State.
- Anyone over 18 that has a physical West Virginia address and is available during regular business hours can be a registered agent in West Virginia with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
- You can file for a change of registered agent by mail, in person, by fax, email, or online.
How To Change Registered Agent In West Virginia?
To change your registered agent in West Virginia with the Secretary of State, you must fill out and file a registered agent service change form.
The registered agent service change form can be submitted by mail, in person, by fax, email, or online.Â
Here is a step-by-step guide to changing your West Virginia registered agent with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
1. Choose A New Registered Agent
Choose your new West Virginia agent for your business entity.
Fill out and file your registered agent change form for your West Virginia small business.
2. Notify Your Previous Registered Agent
Notify your previous registered agent of your business change registered agent with the state.
3. Processing
Wait for the state to process your Statement of Change of West Virginia LLC registered agent.
1. Changing Your Registered Agent Using A Professional Service
You can change your designated registered agent using a professional service by choosing that specific service as your new service and filing your Statement of Change with the state.
The professional service can file the form for you and help you save time.
2. Changing Your Registered Agent Online
You can change a registered agent online by visiting the One Stop Business Center website, creating an account, choosing the correct form from the One Stop Business Portal, filling it out, and paying a $15 fee [1].
The state will process your filing within 24-48 hours.
3. Changing Your Registered Agent By Mail
You can change your registered agent by mail by filling out a Statement of Change registered agent form and sending it to the state.
You must also pay the $15 fee by check or card. If you are paying by card, you also need to complete an e-Payment Authorization page.
You also have the option to fax or email your statement of change to the state.
If you file using any of these methods, processing can take one to two weeks.
Who Can Be A West Virginia Registered Agent?
Anyone over 18 years old that is an individual or business entity located in West Virginia that has a physically located address in the state and is available during normal business hours to accept annual report filings, service of process, and more, can be a registered agent in West Virginia [2].
PO Boxes are not allowed to be the West Virginia street address for the registered agent in West Virginia, and if your registered agent is a foreign business entity, they must be authorized to transact business as a registered agent in West Virginia with the West Virginia Secretary of State.
How Can I Expedite My Filing?
You can expedite your Statement of Change filing by choosing the option on your form regardless of filing type.
There is a 24-hour expedited filing fee of $25, a 2-hour expedited fee of $250, and a 1-hour expedited fee of $500 [3].
Related articles:
- How To Form an LLC in West Virginia
- Premium LLC Formation Services in West Virginia
- How Long Does It Take To Form an LLC in West Virginia
FAQs
Does West Virginia Require You To Have A Registered Agent?
Yes, West Virginia requires you to have a registered agent for your business entity. Every registered business must have a registered agent.
Can I Serve As My Own Registered Agent In West Virginia?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in West Virginia as long as you meet all the requirements.
What Does A West Virginia Registered Agent Do?
A West Virginia registered agent helps file an annual report, accepts service of process and other notifications for your business, and forwards them to you.
Do You Want To Change Your Virginia Registered Agent?
If you're looking to change your West Virginia registered agent, you will need to choose any individual West Virginia resident over 18 years old or any business that has a physical address in the state that can be available during regular business hours.
Changing your registered agent in West Virginia can be done online, by mail, fax, email, or in person.
These West Virginia registered agent services can help file your change of registered agent without the hassle of doing it yourself.
References:
- https://business4.wv.gov/operatemybusiness/Pages/ChangesAmendments.aspx
- https://www.wvlegislature.gov/wvcode/code.cfm?chap=31E&art=5
- https://sos.wv.gov/FormSearch/Business/Corporation/cd-2.pdf
