To change your registered agent in the state of Georgia, you’ll need to follow the specific guidelines provided by the Georgia Secretary of State and file an “Amended Annual Registration” with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Corporations Division. You can submit the form in three ways.
To change your registered agent in Georgia 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 Georgia
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia state regulations.
2. Change Georgia Registered Agent Online
1. Visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website: Go to the official website of the Georgia Secretary of State. The website address is typically www.sos.ga.gov.
2. Navigate to the Business Search or Business Entities section: Look for a section on the website that provides services related to business entities, such as corporations or LLCs. You may find it under “Business Search” or “Business Entities” on the website’s main menu.
3. Search for your business entity: Use the provided search function to locate your business entity within the state’s database. This will help ensure that you have the correct information associated with your business.
4. Access the appropriate form: Look for the specific form required to change the registered agent for your business entity. The form is likely to have a name like “Change of Registered Agent” or “Statement of Change of Registered Agent.” Check for the availability of online filing options or downloadable PDF forms.
5. Fill out the form: Provide all the necessary information on the form, including your business entity’s details, the current registered agent’s information, and the new registered agent’s information. Follow the instructions carefully and ensure accuracy to avoid delays or rejections.
6. Submit the form: Depending on the online filing options available on the website, you may be able to submit the form electronically. Alternatively, if you have downloaded a PDF form, you might need to print, sign, and mail it to the appropriate address provided on the form or the Secretary of State’s website.
3. Change Georgia Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change a registered agent in the state of Georgia by mail, you can follow these steps:
1. Obtain the Correct Form: The form you need to use to change your registered agent in Georgia is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form ST-5). This form is provided by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.
2. Access the Georgia Secretary of State’s Website: Visit the website of the Georgia Secretary of State, the official authority responsible for business filings in the state. The website can be accessed at: https://sos.ga.gov/
3. Locate the Form: On the Georgia Secretary of State’s website, navigate to the Business Services section or search for “Form ST-5” using the provided search function. Look for the form titled “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent.”
4. 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.
5. Complete the Form: Open the downloaded Form ST-5 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.
6. Print and Sign the Form: Once the form is completed, print it out and sign it. Ensure that all required fields are properly filled in.
7. Prepare the Mailing: Place the signed Form ST-5, along with any required attachments or supporting documents, in an envelope. Make a copy of the form for your records.
8. Mail the Form: Send the envelope containing the completed Form ST-5 to the following address:
Office of Secretary of State
Corporations Division
2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, Suite 313 West Tower
Atlanta, GA 30334
9. Confirmation and Updates: After processing your request, the Georgia Secretary of State’s office will update the registered agent information in their records. They may send a confirmation notice by mail or email.
It’s essential to consult the official website of the Georgia Secretary of State or contact their office directly to verify the most up-to-date information, confirm the specific requirements, and obtain any additional instructions for changing the registered agent by mail.
Georgia Business Tips
Forming an LLC in Georgia involves several key steps and considerations. To begin, you must complete the necessary paperwork and filings to form an LLC in Georgia.
Conducting a thorough Georgia LLC name search is crucial to ensure that your desired business name is available and meets the state’s requirements. Additionally, drafting a Georgia 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 Georgia, 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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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 best LLC services in Georgia and the best registered agents in Georgia, who can guide you through the process and handle the necessary documentation.
Moreover, it’s essential to consider any required business licenses in Georgia specific to your industry and location. Understanding the associated costs to form an LLC in Georgia 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 Georgia registered agent or dissolve an LLC in Georgia, 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 Georgia?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the Georgia 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 Georgia?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of Georgia. Georgia 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 Georgia 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 Georgia.
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 Georgia Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
