How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Arizona Business

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

Looking for a new registered agent? Our favorite, Northwest Registered Agent, will pay your transfer fees and take care of all the reporting requirements at no additional charge.

Step By Step Guide to Change Your Registered Agent

Step 1. Check your company’s current registered agent: Check your Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) records to verify who your current registered agent is.

Step 2. Choose a new registered agent: Select a new registered agent who meets the requirements set by the Arizona Corporation Commission. The new agent must be a resident of Arizona or a corporation authorized to do business in the state.

Step 3. Get consent from the new registered agent: Once you have chosen a new registered agent, you must obtain their consent to act as your new agent. You can do this by having them sign a consent form.

Step 4. Fill out the appropriate form: Complete the Arizona Corporation Commission’s Statement of Change of Known Place of Business or Statutory Agent form (form M002). You will need to provide information about your company, your current registered agent, and your new registered agent.

Step 5. Pay the fee: You will need to pay a fee when you submit the form. As of 2023, the fee is $25. You can pay online through the ACC’s eCorp system or by mailing in a check or money order.

Step 6. Submit the form: Once you have completed the form and paid the fee, you can submit it to the Arizona Corporation Commission. You can submit it online through the ACC’s eCorp system or by mail.

Step 7. Notify your old registered agent: After the Arizona Corporation Commission approves your new registered agent, you should notify your old registered agent in writing that they have been replaced.

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 Arizona

All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the Arizona 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, you can change your registered agent online in Arizona through the Arizona Corporation Commission’s eCorp system. You can also mail in the form to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

As of 2023, the fee for changing your registered agent in Arizona is $25. This fee can be paid online through the ACC’s eCorp system or by mailing in a check or money order.

The processing time for changing your registered agent in Arizona can vary, but it typically takes around 3-5 business days for the Arizona Corporation Commission to approve the change.

If you do not have a registered agent or fail to maintain a registered agent in Arizona, your company can be at risk of losing good standing status with the Arizona Corporation Commission. It is important to maintain a current and valid registered agent to ensure that you receive important legal and tax documents for your business.