If you are making a change to your registered agent in Tennessee , you’ll need to inform the Tennessee Secretary of state. It costs $20 to do it yourself. Read this guide to learn how.
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Follow this step by step Guide to change your registered agent and stay in compliance with the state of Tennessee.
Step 1: Go to the Tennessee Secretary of State website
To begin the process of changing your registered agent in Tennessee, visit the Tennessee Secretary of State website. Follow this link to go directly to the registered agent change page.
Step 2: Enter Your Company’s Secretary of State Control Number
You can find your company’s control number through the business information search page.
Step 3: Choose your business entity type
Next, you’ll need to choose your business entity type from the list of options provided. This could include a corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or other type of business entity.
Step 4: Select “Change Registered Agent”
After choosing your business entity type, select “Change Registered Agent” from the list of filing options. This will take you to a page with information about the process of changing your registered agent.
Step 5: Log in or create an account
To file your change of registered agent online, you’ll need to log in or create an account on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website. If you already have an account, enter your username and password. If not, click on “New User” and follow the prompts to create your account.
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:
All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the Tennessee Secretary of State must maintain a registered agent. This includes all:
It does not include:
A registered agent is a person or entity that is designated to receive legal documents, such as lawsuits and subpoenas, on behalf of a business entity in Tennessee.
To change your registered agent in Tennessee, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office. The form can be filed online or by mail.
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Tennessee if you are a resident of Tennessee and have a physical address in the state where you can receive legal documents during business hours. However, many businesses choose to hire a professional registered agent service to avoid the risk of missing important legal documents.
If you fail to maintain a registered agent in Tennessee, your business entity may fall out of good standing with the state and be subject to penalties or fines. Additionally, if you are sued and cannot be served with legal documents, a judge may enter a default judgment against your business entity, which could result in significant financial and legal consequences.