How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Alabama Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Alabama, you’ll need to inform the Alabama Secretary of state. It costs $100 to do it yourself. Read this guide to learn how.

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Step By Step Guide to Change Your Registered Agent

Changing your registered agent in Alabama is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Choose a New Registered Agent

The first step is to find a new registered agent that meets Alabama’s requirements. A registered agent must be a resident of Alabama or a company authorized to do business in Alabama, and they must have a physical street address in the state.

Step 2: Complete the Appropriate Form

The next step is to complete the appropriate form for changing your registered agent. If you have a corporation, you will need to file form 624 with the Alabama Secretary of State. If you have an LLC, you will need to file form 590.

Step 3: Pay the Filing Fee

There is a filing fee of $100 for changing your registered agent in Alabama. You can pay this fee by check or money order made out to the Alabama Secretary of State or by credit card if you file the form online.

Step 4: Submit the Form

Once you have completed the form and paid the filing fee, you can submit it to the Alabama Secretary of State. You can do this by mail or in person. If you file the form online, there is no need to submit a paper copy.

Step 5: Notify Your Current Registered Agent

After you have filed the appropriate form with the Alabama Secretary of State, you must notify your current registered agent that you are making a change. You can do this by sending a letter or email to your current registered agent.

Step 6: Update Your Company Records

Once the change is complete, make sure to update your company’s records with the new registered agent’s information. This includes updating your articles of incorporation or articles of organization.

What Do Registered Agents Actually Do?

The minimum requirements of a registered agent are to receive your official state mail and service of process, but a good registered agent can become an essential part of your business’ compliance needs.

An excellent registered agent will:

  • Help keep your address off public documents.
  • Send you same day digital scans of all legal documents and state notifications.
  • Offer services in all 50 states.
  • Provide compliance management like annual report reminders and filing services.

Businesses That Are Required to Have a Registered Agent in Alabama

All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the Alabama Secretary of State must maintain a registered agent. This includes all:

  • LLCs
  • Corporations
  • Limited partnerships
  • Limited Liability Partnerships

It does not include:

  • Sole proprietors
  • General partnerships

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there is a fee to change your registered agent in Alabama. The current fee as of 2023 is $100, and it must be submitted along with your Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form.

The processing time for changing your registered agent in Alabama can vary depending on the volume of filings received by the Secretary of State’s office. However, most filings are processed within 3-5 business days of receipt.

Yes, you are required to notify your previous registered agent when you change to a new one in Alabama. You can do this by sending a copy of your Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form to your previous registered agent’s address on file. This ensures that all parties are aware of the change and that there is no interruption in the receipt of important legal notices.