How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Delaware Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Delaware, you’ll need to inform the Delaware Secretary of state. It costs $10 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 Delaware Registered Agent

Step 1: Find a new registered agent.

Before you can change your registered agent in Delaware, you need to find a new one. This can be an individual or a company that is authorized to do business in Delaware and is willing to serve as your registered agent.

Step 2: Obtain the necessary forms.

To change your registered agent in Delaware, you need to file a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Delaware Division of Corporations. You can download this form from the Delaware Division of Corporations website.

Step 3: Complete the forms.

Fill out the Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with your new registered agent’s information. Make sure you include your company’s name, file number, and the date of the change.

Step 4: Sign the forms.

The Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office must be signed by an authorized representative of your company, such as a director or officer.

Step 5: File the forms.

Mail the completed Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form along with the appropriate filing fee to the Delaware Division of Corporations. You can also file the form online through the Delaware Division of Corporations website.

Step 6: Notify your old registered agent.

Once you have filed the Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office, you must notify your old registered agent in writing of the change. This is important so they know not to expect any future service of process on your behalf.

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 Structures That Are Required to Have a Registered Agent in Delaware

All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the Delaware 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

A registered agent is a person or entity appointed by a business to receive legal documents and official communications on its behalf. You may need to change your registered agent if your current agent is no longer available, if you want to switch to a more reliable or affordable agent, or if you need to comply with Delaware state law.

To change your registered agent in Delaware, you need to file a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Delaware Division of Corporations. You can file the form online or by mail, along with the appropriate filing fee. You also need to notify your old registered agent of the change in writing.

You need to include your company’s name, file number, and the name and address of your new registered agent. You also need to indicate the effective date of the change and whether you are changing both the registered agent and the registered office, or just the registered agent.

The processing time for changing your registered agent in Delaware can vary, but it typically takes 2-3 business days if you file online and 7-10 business days if you file by mail. However, if there are any errors or issues with your form, the processing time may be longer. It’s important to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date to avoid any delays.