To change your registered agent in the state of Alabama, you’ll need to follow the specific guidelines provided by the Alabama Secretary of State and choose one of the three main options.
To change your registered agent in Alabama there are three main options to take.
- Hire a professional service (the easiest way)
- Do it online
- Do it by mail or in-person
Tip: We recommend Northwest ($125/year) they can help you change your registered agent, and get the paperwork filed correctly.
1. Hire a Professional Registered Agent Service in Alabama
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of Alabama can provide several benefits for businesses.
Here are some of the advantages for using a registered agent service:
1. Compliance and Legal Requirements: A registered agent service ensures that your business remains compliant with Alabama state regulations. They have a deep understanding of the legal requirements and deadlines associated with maintaining a registered agent, helping you avoid penalties and potential legal issues.
2. Reliable and Consistent Service: Professional registered agent services have dedicated staff who are responsible for receiving and handling legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of your business. This ensures that important documents are promptly and securely delivered to you, providing peace of mind and minimizing the risk of missing crucial notifications.
3. Privacy and Confidentiality: When you designate a professional registered agent, their address is used as your business’s registered address. This helps maintain your privacy by keeping your personal or business address off public records. It can also help protect you from unsolicited mail or unwanted visitors at your place of business.
4. Flexibility and Convenience: A registered agent service allows you to focus on running your business instead of constantly monitoring and receiving legal documents. They provide a reliable point of contact for all official correspondence, freeing up your time and resources.
5. Out-of-State Representation: If your business operates in multiple states or is incorporated in Alabama but operates elsewhere, a registered agent service can handle the requirements of being a registered agent in those other states. This ensures compliance with the respective state’s regulations, even if you’re not physically located there.
6. Professional Expertise: Registered agent services specialize in providing registered agent services and have expertise in handling legal documents and compliance matters. They can offer guidance on various business-related matters and may provide additional services like business entity formation, annual report filing, and other administrative tasks.
7. Business Continuity: If you change your business address or move out of state, having a professional registered agent ensures that your business will maintain a consistent point of contact. This helps prevent interruptions in receiving important documents and legal notices, allowing your business to continue operating smoothly.
It’s important to research and choose a reputable registered agent service provider that meets your specific business needs and operates within Alabama state regulations.
2. Change Alabama Registered Agent Online
To change the registered agent in Alabama online, you can follow these steps:
- Access the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. The website link is: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/.
- On the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, navigate to the Business Services section or search for “Business Services” in the search bar.
- Look for the specific form required to change the registered agent. In Alabama, the form you need is called “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form RA-CL). This form allows you to update both the registered office and registered agent information.
- Download the Form RA-CL from the website. It is typically available in a PDF format.
- Fill out the form with the required information. You will need to provide details such as the name of the business entity, the current registered agent’s information, the new registered agent’s information, and the effective date of the change.
- Once you have completed the form, save a copy for your records.
- On the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, look for the option to file the form electronically. This may be available through an online portal or e-filing system.
- Follow the instructions provided to upload and submit the completed Form RA-CL electronically. You may need to create an account or log in to the online filing system.
- Pay any required filing fees online, if applicable. The specific fee amount will be indicated on the website or in the filing instructions.
- After submitting the form and payment, you should receive confirmation of the filing. Keep a copy of the confirmation or receipt for your records.
Remember to regularly check the Alabama Secretary of State’s website for any updates or changes in the filing process or requirements.
3. Change Alabama Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change the registered agent in Alabama by mail, you can follow these steps:
- Access the Alabama Secretary of State’s website. The website link is: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/.
- On the Alabama Secretary of State’s website, navigate to the Business Services section or search for “Business Services” in the search bar.
- Look for the specific form required to change the registered agent. In Alabama, the form you need is called “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form RA-CL). This form allows you to update both the registered office and registered agent information.
- Download the Form RA-CL from the website. It is typically available in a PDF format. Here is the direct link to the form: Form RA-CL.
- Print out the Form RA-CL.
- Fill out the form with the required information. You will need to provide details such as the name of the business entity, the current registered agent’s information, the new registered agent’s information, and the effective date of the change. Make sure to sign the form where required.
- Once you have completed the form, make a copy for your records.
- Prepare an envelope with sufficient postage and address it to the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office. Here is the mailing address: Alabama Secretary of State Business Services Division
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616 - Place the completed Form RA-CL and any required filing fees (check or money order) in the envelope.
- Seal the envelope and mail it to the provided address.
It’s recommended to send the form via certified mail or a similar service to track the delivery and ensure it reaches the Alabama Secretary of State’s office securely.
Remember to regularly check the Alabama Secretary of State’s website for any updates or changes in the filing process or requirements.
FAQs
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Alabama?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the Alabama Secretary of State’s office to process the change of registered agent. This timeframe can vary depending on the volume of filings and other factors.
Can I be my own registered agent in the state of Alabama?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of Alabama. Alabama allows business entities to designate themselves as their own registered agent, as long as they meet the requirements set by the state.
When acting as your own registered agent, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Physical Address: You must have a physical street address in Alabama where you can receive service of process and official correspondence. P.O. Box addresses are not acceptable.
- Availability: You must be available during regular business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday) to accept legal documents and other important notifications on behalf of your business.
- Residency: If you are an individual acting as the registered agent for your business, you must be a resident of Alabama.
By serving as your own registered agent, you take on the responsibility of promptly receiving and handling legal documents and official notices on behalf of your business.
Please note that requirements and regulations may change over time, so it’s advisable to verify the most up-to-date information on the Alabama Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
