How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Indiana Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Indiana, you’ll need to inform the Indiana Secretary of state. It costs $25 to do it yourself. Read this guide to learn how.

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Step By Step Guide to Change Your Indiana Registered Agent

Step 1: Understand the role of the registered agent A registered agent is an individual or a company that receives legal and official documents on behalf of a business entity. In Indiana, a registered agent must have a physical address in the state and be available during regular business hours to accept any legal notices or correspondence from the Indiana Secretary of State.

Step 2: Find a new registered agent If you’ve decided to change your registered agent, the first step is to find a new one. You can choose an individual, such as yourself or a member of your company, or you can hire a registered agent service. A registered agent service is a company that specializes in receiving and forwarding legal documents on behalf of businesses. Make sure that your new registered agent meets the requirements set by the Indiana Secretary of State.

Step 3: Inform your current registered agent Once you’ve found a new registered agent, you’ll need to inform your current registered agent that you’re changing agents. You can do this by sending them a letter or an email, or by giving them a phone call. Make sure to give them plenty of notice so they have time to prepare for the change.

Step 4: File the change with the Indiana Secretary of State To officially change your registered agent, you’ll need to file a Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Indiana Secretary of State. You can file the form online, by mail, or in person. The form requires basic information about your company, your new registered agent, and your current registered agent.

Step 5: Wait for confirmation After you’ve filed the form, you’ll need to wait for confirmation from the Indiana Secretary of State. The confirmation will come in the form of a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office, which will be sent to your new registered agent’s address.

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 Indiana

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

In Indiana, a registered agent is an individual or company that is designated to receive legal and official documents on behalf of a business entity. The registered agent must have a physical address in Indiana and be available during regular business hours to accept any legal notices or correspondence from the Indiana Secretary of State.

Yes, you can change your registered agent in Indiana at any time. However, you must follow the proper procedures and notify your current registered agent before making the change. You’ll also need to file a Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Indiana Secretary of State to officially make the change.

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Indiana as long as you meet the requirements. You must have a physical address in Indiana, be available during regular business hours, and be willing to accept legal notices and correspondence on behalf of your business entity.

The timeline for changing a registered agent in Indiana can vary depending on the method you choose to file the Change of Registered Agent/Office form. If you file the form online, you can receive confirmation within a few days. If you file by mail or in person, it may take longer for the Indiana Secretary of State to process your request and send confirmation.