How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Maryland Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Maryland, you’ll need to inform the Maryland Secretary of state. It costs $25 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 Maryland Registered Agent

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Registered Agent

A registered agent is a person or business entity that is designated to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of a company. In Maryland, all corporations and LLCs are required to have a registered agent.

Step 2: Choose a New Registered Agent

Before you can change your registered agent, you need to choose a new one. You can choose to be your own registered agent, but most businesses prefer to use a professional service. Some popular options for registered agent services in Maryland include:

• A local law firm
• A commercial registered agent service
• An accountant or bookkeeper
• An individual who is a resident of Maryland

Step 3: Notify Your Current Registered Agent

Once you have chosen a new registered agent, you will need to notify your current registered agent that you are making a change. You can do this by sending a written notice via certified mail to your current registered agent’s address.

Step 4: File the Change of Registered Agent Form

To officially change your registered agent in Maryland, you will need to file a Change of Resident Agent form with the Maryland Secretary of State. You can file this form online or by mail.

If you choose to file online, follow these steps:

• Go to the Maryland Secretary of State website and create an account if you do not have one already.
• Click on the “File Online” button and select “Change Resident Agent.”
• Follow the prompts to fill out the form and upload any required documents.
• Pay the filing fee using a credit card.

If you choose to file by mail, follow these steps:

• Download the Change of Resident Agent form from the Maryland Secretary of State website.
• Fill out the form and include any required documents.
• Mail the form and payment of the filing fee to the address on the form.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation

Once you have submitted your Change of Resident Agent form, you will need to wait for confirmation from the Maryland Secretary of State. If you filed online, you should receive a confirmation email within a few business days. If you filed by mail, you should receive confirmation by mail within a few weeks.

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 Maryland

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