How to Change the Registered Agent for Your Virginia Business

If you are making a change to your registered agent in Virginia, you’ll need to inform the Virginia Division of Corporations and Commercial Code. It’s free 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 Virginia Registered Agent

Here’s a step by step guide with everything you need to change your registered agent in Virginia.

Step 1: Visit the Virginia Secretary of the common wealth State Corporation Commission Clerk’s Information System Website

Login or create an account.

Step 2: Click on “Change Registered Agent/Office” Once you have located your business record, click on the “Change Registered Agent/Office” button to start the process of updating your registered agent information.

Step 3: Confirm Business Information You will be asked to confirm your business entity’s name, type, and identification number. Make sure all the information is correct.

Step 4: Enter New Registered Agent Information Enter the information of the new registered agent that you would like to appoint. This will include their name, physical address, and email address. Make sure that the new registered agent is eligible to serve as a registered agent in Virginia.

Step 5: Review and Submit the Form Review the form to make sure that all the information is correct. Then, submit the form. There is no filing fee to change registered agents in Virginia.

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 Virginia

All businesses, domestic and foreign, that register with the Virginia 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 an individual or a company designated by a business entity to receive important legal and official documents on its behalf. In Virginia, every business entity is required to appoint and maintain a registered agent who has a physical address in the state.

To change your registered agent in Virginia, you must file a Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent form with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC). The form can be filed online or by mail, and must include the name and address of the new registered agent.

Yes, there is a fee to change your registered agent in Virginia. The fee is currently  and must be submitted along with the Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent form.

Yes, a business owner can act as their own registered agent in Virginia, as long as they have a physical address in the state where they can receive legal and official documents during regular business hours. However, it is recommended to use a professional registered agent service to ensure timely and reliable delivery of important documents.