Accurately complete the form with your business details, current registered agent’s information, and the new registered agent’s particulars. Ensure to include the appropriate filing fee.
Following these steps ensures a compliant and successful registered agent change in New Jersey.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in New Jersey
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 New Jersey
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey state regulations.
2. Change New Jersey Registered Agent Online
Changing a registered agent in the state of New Jersey online involves several steps. Here’s a breakdown of the process, including some SEO terms with LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) words to improve search visibility:
Step 1: Access the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website
To initiate the change of registered agent, visit the official website of the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. This website serves as the primary resource for all business-related filings and information in New Jersey. The website can be accessed at https://www.nj.gov/njbusiness/.
Step 2: Locate the appropriate form
On the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website, search for the form used to change the registered agent for your business entity. The specific form you need is called the “Change of Registered Agent/Office” form. This form allows you to update both the registered agent’s name and address. Ensure you download the most recent version of the form.
Step 3: Obtain the Change of Registered Agent/Office form
Download the “Change of Registered Agent/Office” form from the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
Step 4: Complete the Change of Registered Agent/Office form
Fill out the “Change of Registered Agent/Office” form accurately and completely. Provide the required information, including the name and address of the new registered agent, as well as the name of your business entity, its identification number, and any other requested details.
Step 5: Submit the form electronically
Once you have completed the form, return to the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website and follow the instructions for electronic submission. There may be a specific online portal or filing system designated for submitting the “Change of Registered Agent/Office” form. Ensure that you provide all required information and attach the completed form as a PDF or other acceptable file format.
Step 6: Pay the filing fee
In most cases, there is a filing fee associated with changing the registered agent in New Jersey. The exact fee amount can be found on the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website. Be prepared to make the payment electronically using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
By following these steps, you can successfully change the registered agent for your business entity in New Jersey using the online filing system provided by the state.
3. Change New Jersey Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change a registered agent in the state of New Jersey by mail, follow these steps:
Step 1: Obtain the appropriate form
Visit the New Jersey Department of Treasury’s official website to download the “Change of Registered Agent” form. You can find the form on the department’s website under the “Business Registration Forms” section.
Step 2: Fill out the form
Complete the “Change of Registered Agent” form accurately and provide all the necessary information. Ensure that you enter the correct name and contact information for both the current registered agent and the new registered agent.
Step 3: Prepare the supporting documentation
Gather any additional supporting documentation required by the state. This might include a Certificate of Good Standing or other relevant certificates or forms. Make copies of these documents to include with your submission.
Step 4: Enclose the fee
Check the instructions on the form or the Department of Treasury’s website to determine the fee amount for changing the registered agent. Include a check or money order payable to the “New Jersey Department of the Treasury” for the appropriate fee.
Step 5: Mail the documents
Place the completed “Change of Registered Agent” form, supporting documentation, and the payment in an envelope. Address the envelope to:
New Jersey Department of the Treasury Division of Revenue Corporate Filing Unit PO Box 308 Trenton, NJ 08646
Step 6: Wait for confirmation
Allow sufficient time for the New Jersey Department of the Treasury to process your request. Once your documents are processed, you should receive a confirmation or acknowledgment from the department, indicating that your registered agent has been successfully changed.
Remember, it is important to follow the instructions provided on the form and consult the Department of Treasury’s website for any updates or changes to the process.
New Jersey Business Tips
If you’re looking to form an LLC in New Jersey, it’s crucial to understand the necessary steps and requirements. To begin, conduct a New Jersey LLC name search to ensure the availability of your desired business name.
Once you’ve confirmed its availability, you can proceed with preparing the essential formation documents, including registering your business name and drafting a New Jersey LLC operating agreement, which outlines the internal structure and management of your LLC.
Additionally, you have the option to be your own registered agent in New Jersey or enlist the services of a professional registered agent. It’s worth noting that the length of time to get an LLC in New Jersey can vary, but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months.
To streamline the process, it’s advisable to gather all required information and submit your filings promptly. Furthermore, obtaining a New Jersey Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is essential for tax purposes.
Detailed guides and online resources are available to help you navigate the steps involved, and various New Jersey LLC services and registered agents can assist you in forming your LLC efficiently and assist you with resources like deciding between an LLC vs S Corp in New Jersey.
Additionally, ensure compliance with any necessary business licenses in New Jersey, and consider the New Jersey LLC cost while budgeting for the formation process.
Lastly, should the need arise, understanding how to change your New Jersey registered agent the steps to dissolve an LLC in New Jersey is crucial for closing your business properly.
FAQs
How long does it take to change a registered agent in New Jersey?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of New Jersey. New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey.
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 New Jersey Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
