To change your registered agent (statutory agent) in the state of Arizona, you’ll need to follow the specific guidelines provided by the Arizona Secretary of State and file a Statement of Change form with the Arizona Secretary of State. Then choose one of the three main options.
To change your registered agent in Arizona 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 Arizona
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of Arizona 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 Arizona 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 Arizona 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 Arizona state regulations.
2. Change Arizona Registered Agent Online
To change your registered agent in the state of Arizona online, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain the Form: The form you need to file to change your registered agent in Arizona is called the “Statement of Change of Known Place of Business or Statutory Agent – Domestic Entity” (also known as ACC Change Form). You can obtain this form from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website.
- Visit the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) Website: Go to the ACC website at https://azcc.gov/.
- Navigate to the Online Services: On the ACC website, navigate to the “Online Services” section. Look for a link or tab that provides access to the online filing system.
- Access the Online Filing System: Click on the link or tab for the online filing system. This will direct you to the ACC’s online filing portal.
- Create an Account or Log In: If you have not used the online filing system before, you may need to create an account. Provide the required information to create your account or log in if you already have one.
- Locate the Form: Once you are logged in to the online filing system, search for the “Statement of Change of Known Place of Business or Statutory Agent – Domestic Entity” form. The form may be listed under the section for changing your registered agent or updating your business information.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the form with the necessary information, including your business name, current registered agent information, new registered agent information, and any other required details.
- Submit the Form: After completing the form, review it for accuracy and submit it electronically through the online filing system. Follow the instructions provided to complete the submission process.
Please note that the specific steps and online filing system may vary. It is recommended to visit the ACC website directly and explore their online services section to access the most up-to-date information, forms, and filing procedures for changing your registered agent in Arizona.
3. Change Arizona Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change your registered agent in the state of Arizona by mail, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain the Form: The form you need to file to change your registered agent in Arizona is called the “Statement of Change of Known Place of Business or Statutory Agent – Domestic Entity” (also known as ACC Change Form). You can obtain this form from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website.
- Download and Print the Form: Visit the ACC website at https://azcc.gov/ and search for the “Statement of Change of Known Place of Business or Statutory Agent – Domestic Entity” form. Download the form and print it out.
- Fill Out the Form: Fill out the form with the necessary information, including your business name, current registered agent information, new registered agent information, and any other required details. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information.
- Prepare the Supporting Documents: Gather any supporting documents required by the ACC, if applicable. These may include a certificate of acceptance from the new registered agent or any additional forms or attachments requested.
- Sign the Form: Sign the completed form to certify its accuracy and authenticity.
- Make Copies: Make copies of the completed form and any supporting documents for your records.
- Mail the Form: Place the original completed form and supporting documents in an envelope. Address the envelope to:Arizona Corporation Commission – Examination SectionÂ
1300 W. Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 - Submit the Form: Mail the envelope with the form and any supporting documents to the address mentioned above. It is recommended to use certified mail or a similar service that provides a tracking number to ensure delivery and retain proof of mailing.
It is essential to check the Arizona Corporation Commission website or contact their office directly to verify the current form, address, and any specific requirements or fees associated with changing your registered agent by mail.
Arizona Business Tips
Forming an LLC in Arizona involves several key steps and considerations. To begin, you must complete the necessary paperwork and filings to form an LLC in Arizona.
Conducting a thorough Arizona LLC name search is crucial when starting an AZ business to ensure that your desired business name is available and meets the state’s requirements and get your Arizona entity name registered or if you just file a DBA in Arizona if necessary.
Additionally, drafting a Arizona LLC operating agreement is essential as it outlines the internal management structure and operational guidelines for your LLC.
While you have the option to be your own registered agent in Arizona, many entrepreneurs opt to enlist the services of professional registered agents for their expertise and convenience. The length of time it takes to get an LLC in Arizona can vary depending on various factors such as processing times and the complexity of your application.
Alongside the formation process, you’ll need to obtain a Arizona Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS, which is necessary for tax purposes. To streamline the process and ensure compliance, it is advisable to seek the assistance of the top-rated LLC services in Arizona and the best registered agents in Arizona, who can guide you through the process and handle the necessary documentation.
Understanding the associated costs to form an LLC in Arizona is crucial, as it includes filing fees and potentially additional expenses based on the services you require.
Lastly, if you ever need to change your Arizona registered agent or dissolve an LLC in Arizona, it’s important to follow the state’s dissolution procedures to conclude your business operations effectively.
FAQs
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Arizona?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the Arizona 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 Arizona?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of Arizona. Arizona 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 Arizona 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 Arizona.
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 Arizona Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
