To change your registered agent in North Carolina, access the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” form (Form B-09) on the North Carolina Secretary of State’s official website https://www.sosnc.gov/forms/by_title/_business_registration_forms.
Complete the form accurately, providing your business information, current registered agent’s details, and the new registered agent’s information.
Attach the appropriate filing fee. Submit the form via mail or in person to the Secretary of State’s office https://www.sosnc.gov/forms/by_title/_business_registration_forms. Following these steps ensures a compliant and successful registered agent change in North Carolina.
How to change your registered agent in North Carolina
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 North Carolina
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina state regulations.
2. Change North Carolina Registered Agent Online
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Access the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Website: Go to the official website of the North Carolina Secretary of State. This website is a reliable and authoritative source for all your business filing needs. https://www.sosnc.gov/
- Locate the Registered Agent Change Form: Look for the specific form used for changing the registered agent. In North Carolina, this form is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form B-09). This form is required to initiate the registered agent change process.
- Download the Form: Download the Form B-09 from the Secretary of State’s website. The website usually provides a direct link to download the form in a PDF format. Ensure that you have the most recent version of the form to avoid any processing issues.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the Form B-09 accurately and completely. Provide the necessary information, including the name of your business entity, the current registered agent’s details, and the new registered agent’s information. Double-check the information to ensure its accuracy and consistency.
- Submit the Form Online: Visit the online filing section of the Secretary of State’s website. Look for the option to submit the completed Form B-09 online. Fill in the required fields and attach the completed form as instructed. Make sure to follow any additional instructions provided on the website for a successful submission.
- Pay the Filing Fee: Pay the required filing fee associated with the registered agent change. The fee amount can vary, so it’s essential to check the fee schedule on the Secretary of State’s website or the specific page for registered agent changes.
- Receive Confirmation: After submitting the form and paying the fee, you will typically receive a confirmation or receipt of the filing. Keep a copy of this confirmation for your records as proof of the registered agent change.
3. Change North Carolina Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change a registered agent in the state of North Carolina by mail, please follow the steps outlined below:
- Download the Form: Obtain the appropriate form for changing a registered agent in North Carolina. The form you need is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form B-09). You can download this form from the North Carolina Secretary of State’s website.Website link: https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/business_registration/forms
- Fill out the Form: Complete the Form B-09 with the necessary information. Ensure you provide accurate details regarding the old registered agent, new registered agent, and the business entity.
- Prepare Supporting Documentation: Gather any supporting documentation required by the Secretary of State’s office. Typically, this may include a written consent from the new registered agent accepting the appointment and a filing fee (check or money order payable to the “Secretary of State”).
- Prepare Mailing Package: Place the completed Form B-09, supporting documentation, and the filing fee in an envelope. Make sure to include your return address on the envelope.
- Address the Envelope: Address the envelope to the North Carolina Secretary of State’s office:Secretary of State Corporate Division
P.O. Box 29622 Raleigh, NC 27626-0622 - Mail the Package: Send the package via certified mail or a reliable courier service to ensure tracking and delivery confirmation. It is advisable to retain a copy of the mailed package for your records.
- Await Confirmation: Once the Secretary of State’s office receives your package, they will review the submission. You should expect to receive a confirmation or any further instructions from them regarding the change of registered agent.
Remember, it is crucial to consult the official website of the North Carolina Secretary of State for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding changing a registered agent by mail.
NC Guide On LLC Formation
To create an LLC in North Carolina, one of the first steps is conducting a North Carolina entity name search to ensure your desired business name isn’t already in use. Once you’ve confirmed a unique name, you can get it registered during the filing process.
Next, you’ll prepare a North Carolina LLC operating agreement which outlines the organization and governance of your business.
During this setup phase, learning how to obtain an EIN, or Employer Identification Number, from the IRS is essential for future tax-related activities. If you need assistance with these steps, there are top LLC formation services in North Carolina that can make the process smoother.
Likewise, for those who prefer not to act as their own registered agent, the best registered agent services in North Carolina are available to handle legal notifications for your LLC.
Over the course of your business operation, you may need to know how to change your registered agent or how to close and dissolve a North Carolina LLC, both of which can be managed by your North Carolina registered agent.
FAQs
How long does it take to change a registered agent in North Carolina?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of North Carolina. North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina.
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 North Carolina Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
