How to Change the Registered Agent for Your New York Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in New York, you’ll need to inform the New York 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 New York Registered Agent

Here’s everything you need to know to change your registered agent.

Step 1: Gather Necessary Information

First, you’ll need to collect some basic information about your business, including the entity name, file number (if applicable) and existing registered agent information. You’ll also need to have chosen who will be appointed as the new registered agent prior to filing the paperwork.

Step 2: Complete a Certificate of Change

Next, you must fill out the Certificate of Change Form, which can be found on the New York Secretary of State website. This form should include information about both your current and newly appointed registered agents, as well as other pertinent details about your business or organization. Make sure all required fields are filled out accurately before submitting either electronically through the New York Department of State Division of Corporations’ eAccess filing system or by mail directly to Department of State at One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue Albany NY 12231.

Step 3: Pay Fees

The filing fee for applications submitted electronically is $25. Paper applications come with a $5 extra fee when mailed directly to Department of State at One Commerce Plaza 99 Washington Avenue Albany NY 12231.

Step 4: Receive Confirmation

Once your filing has been submitted along with all applicable fees according to state regulations, you will receive notification from the office confirming acceptance of your request – usually within 5-7 days after submission unless it is particularly busy season which can cause processing delays.

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 New York

All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the New York 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