How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Michigan Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Michigan, you’ll need to inform the Michigan Secretary of state. It costs $5 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 Michigan Registered Agent

Step 1: Choose a New Registered Agent Before you can change your registered agent in Michigan, you need to choose a new registered agent. Your new registered agent can be an individual or a business entity, but they must have a physical address in Michigan and be available during business hours to receive legal and tax documents on behalf of your business.

Step 2: Notify Your Current Registered Agent Once you have chosen a new registered agent, you need to notify your current registered agent that you will be making a change. This can be done by sending a letter via certified mail, return receipt requested. The letter should include your business name, the name and address of your new registered agent, and a request for your current registered agent to provide written consent to the change.

Step 3: Complete the Michigan Change of Registered Agent Form Next, you will need to complete the Michigan Change of Registered Agent form. This form can be downloaded from the Michigan Secretary of State website or obtained by mail. You will need to provide your business name, the name and address of your current registered agent, the name and address of your new registered agent, and the date that the change will be effective.

Step 4: File the Form and Pay the Fee Once you have completed the Change of Registered Agent form, you can file it with the Michigan Secretary of State. You can do this online through the Michigan Business One Stop website or by mail. The filing fee is $5.

Step 5: Wait for Confirmation After you have submitted the Change of Registered Agent form and paid the fee, you will need to wait for confirmation from the Michigan Secretary of State. This confirmation will be sent to your new registered agent’s address and will include the effective date of the change.

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 Michigan

All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the Michigan 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 business entity that is designated by a corporation, LLC, or other business entity to receive legal and tax documents on its behalf.

Yes, you can change your registered agent in Michigan online through the Michigan Business One Stop website.

The filing fee for changing your registered agent in Michigan is $5.

Yes, you must notify your current registered agent in writing before making the change. You must also obtain written consent from your new registered agent.