How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Hawaii Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Hawaii, you’ll need to inform the Hawaii Secretary of state. It costs $25 for corporations and $10 for LLCs 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 Hawaii Registered Agent

To change your registered agent in Hawaii, you must follow these steps:

Step 1. Find a new registered agent: You need to select a new registered agent who has a physical address in Hawaii and is available during normal business hours to accept legal and official documents on behalf of your business.

Step 2. Notify your current registered agent: You must provide written notice to your current registered agent that you will be changing agents. The notice should include the name and address of your new registered agent.

Step 3. File the necessary documents: Depending on your business entity type, you will need to file different documents to change your registered agent. For example, corporations must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, while LLCs and partnerships may need to update their operating agreements or partnership agreements.

Step 4. Pay the required fees: There are fees associated with changing your registered agent in Hawaii. The fee for filing a Change of Registered Agent form is $25 for corporations and $10 for LLCs and partnerships.

Step 5. Wait for confirmation: After submitting your documents and paying the fees, you will need to wait for confirmation from the state that your new registered agent has been approved. This confirmation will typically be sent to the new registered agent’s address.

Step 6. By following these steps and meeting the requirements set forth by the state, you can successfully change your registered agent in Hawaii.

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 Hawaii

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

No, Hawaii does not currently offer an online filing system for changing registered agents. You must file the necessary documents by mail or in person.

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Hawaii as long as you have a physical address in the state and are available during normal business hours to accept legal and official documents on behalf of your business.

The processing time for changing a registered agent in Hawaii can vary depending on the workload of the state agency handling your documents. It is recommended to allow several weeks for processing.

Failing to update your registered agent information can result in negative consequences for your business, such as missed deadlines or the inability to receive important legal documents. It is important to keep your registered agent information up-to-date to ensure compliance with Hawaii law.