To change your registered agent in the state of Delaware, you’ll need to follow Delaware’s specific guidelines and file a Change of Agent form with the Delaware Department of State.
You can submit the form in three ways.
To change your registered agent in Delaware 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 Delaware
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware state regulations.
2. Change Delaware Registered Agent Online
To change a registered agent in the state of Delaware online, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain the Correct Form: The form you need to use to change your registered agent in Delaware is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office” (Form 200). This form is available on the website of the Delaware Division of Corporations.
- Access the Delaware Division of Corporations Website: Go to the website of the Delaware Division of Corporations, which is the official entity responsible for handling business filings in the state. The website can be accessed at: https://corp.delaware.gov/
- Locate the Form: On the Delaware Division of Corporations website, navigate to the section for forms or search for “Form 200.” Look for the form titled “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office.”
- Download the Form: Once you locate the correct form, click on it to download it in PDF format. Save the form to your computer or device.
- Complete the Form: Open the downloaded Form 200 and fill it out accurately and completely. Provide the necessary information, including your business name, entity type, current registered agent information, new registered agent information, and any other required details.
- Submit the Form Online: To submit the completed Form 200 online, you will need to use the Delaware Division of Corporations’ online filing system, called “Delaware Business One Stop.” This system allows you to file various business documents electronically.
- Create an Account: If you haven’t used the Delaware Business One Stop system before, you will need to create an account. Follow the instructions provided on the website to create your account and log in.
- File the Form: Once you are logged into the Delaware Business One Stop system, select the option to file the “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office” (Form 200). Follow the prompts to upload the completed form and pay any necessary fees.
- Confirmation and Updates: After successfully filing the form, you will receive confirmation of the filing, typically via email. The Delaware Division of Corporations will update the registered agent information in their records accordingly.
Please note that the specific steps and processes may change over time, so it’s recommended to visit the official website of the Delaware Division of Corporations for the most up-to-date information and to ensure compliance with the current requirements and procedures.
3. Change Delaware Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change a registered agent in the state of Delaware by mail, you can follow these steps:
- Obtain the Correct Form: The form you need to use to change your registered agent in Delaware is the “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office” (Form 200). This form can be obtained from the website of the Delaware Division of Corporations.
- Access the Delaware Division of Corporations Website: Visit the website of the Delaware Division of Corporations, the official entity responsible for business filings in the state. You can access the website at: https://corp.delaware.gov/
- Locate the Form: On the Delaware Division of Corporations website, navigate to the forms section or search for “Form 200.” Look for the form titled “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office.”
- Download the Form: Once you find the correct form, click on it to download it in PDF format. Save the form to your computer or device.
- Fill Out the Form: Open the downloaded Form 200 and complete it accurately and thoroughly. Provide all the necessary information, including your business name, entity type, current registered agent information, new registered agent information, and any other required details.
- Print and Sign the Form: After completing the form, print it out and sign it. Ensure that the signature is in accordance with your business’s signing authority.
- Prepare the Mailing: Place the signed original form and any required filing fee payment in an envelope. It is recommended to use certified mail or a similar service to track the delivery of your submission.
- Mail the Form: Send the envelope containing the completed form and payment to the Delaware Division of Corporations. Here is the mailing address:
Delaware Division of Corporations
401 Federal Street, Suite 4
Dover, DE 19901 - Confirmation and Updates: Once the Delaware Division of Corporations receives and processes your form, they will update the registered agent information in their records. You should receive confirmation of the change by mail or email.
Remember to consult the official website of the Delaware Division of Corporations for the most up-to-date information, including any changes to the process, fees, or address.
Delaware Business Tips
Forming an LLC in Delaware involves several key steps and considerations. To begin, you must complete the necessary paperwork and filings to form an LLC in Delaware.
Conducting a thorough Delaware LLC name search is crucial when starting a business to ensure that your desired business name is available and meets the state’s requirements and get your Delaware entity name registered.
Additionally, drafting a Delaware 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware and the best registered agents in Delaware, who can guide you through the process and handle the necessary documentation.
Lastly, if you ever need to change your Delaware registered agent or dissolve an LLC in Delaware, 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 Delaware?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the Delaware Department 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 Delaware?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of Delaware. Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware.
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 Delaware Department of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
