How to Change the Registered Agent for Your West Virginia Business

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

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

Step 1: Go to the West Virginia Secretary of State website Visit the West Virginia Secretary of State website at www.sos.wv.gov and click on the “Business & Licensing” tab in the main menu.

Step 2: Access your account If you already have an account, log in using your email address and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by clicking on the “Register” button.

Step 3: Select the business entity you want to update Once you are logged in, select the business entity you want to update from the list of entities associated with your account.

Step 4: Click on “Change Registered Agent” On the business entity’s overview page, look for the “Change Registered Agent” link and click on it.

Step 5: Enter the new registered agent’s information Enter the name and address of your new registered agent in the appropriate fields. Make sure the new registered agent meets all the requirements set forth by the state of West Virginia.

Step 6: Submit the form Once you have entered the new registered agent’s information, submit the Change Registered Agent form. If there are no errors, you will receive a confirmation message.

Step 7: Wait for confirmation After submitting the form, wait for confirmation that your registered agent has been updated. The Secretary of State will send you a notice of the change once it has been made.

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 West Virginia

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