To change your registered agent in Pennsylvania, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form with the Pennsylvania Department of State.
This form can be downloaded from their official website. Complete the form with accurate information, including your business entity name, the current registered agent’s details, and the new registered agent’s information.
Submit the filled-out form along with the necessary filing fee through mail or in person to the Department of State. Following these steps ensures a proper and compliant change of your registered agent in Pennsylvania.
To change your registered agent in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
Using a professional registered agent service in the state of Pennsylvania can provide several benefits for businesses.
Here are some of the advantages for using a registered agent service:
1. Compliance and Legal Requirements: The process of changing a registered agent is different for each state. A registered agent service ensures that your business remains compliant with Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania state regulations.
2. Change Pennsylvania Registered Agent Online
To change a registered agent in the state of Pennsylvania online, you can follow these steps:
- Access the Pennsylvania Department of State Website: Visit the official website of the Pennsylvania Department of State. This step is essential for accessing the necessary form and completing the change of registered agent process. Ensure that the website is secure and reliable for submitting your information.
- Locate the Correct Form: Look for the specific form required to change the registered agent for your business entity. In Pennsylvania, the form you need is called “DSCB:15-4120/6120 – Statement of Change of Registered Office/Registered Agent.” This form allows you to provide the updated information for your new registered agent.
- Download or Fill Out the Form Online: Once you find the correct form, you can either download it in a PDF format and fill it out manually, or you may have the option to fill out the form directly online on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website. Ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding your business entity and the new registered agent.
- Submit the Form Online: If you have the option to submit the form online, follow the instructions provided on the website. Typically, you will need to create an account or log in if you already have one. Fill in the required information accurately, attach any supporting documents if needed, and submit the form electronically. Remember to keep a copy of the submitted form for your records.
- Pay the Required Fee: There may be a fee associated with changing the registered agent in Pennsylvania. The fee amount and payment options will be specified on the website. Ensure that you pay the fee using the accepted payment methods, such as credit card or electronic funds transfer (EFT), to complete the process.
- Confirmation and Processing Time: After submitting the form and paying the fee, you should receive a confirmation of your submission. The Pennsylvania Department of State will review your request, process the change, and update the registered agent information for your business entity. The processing time may vary, but you can expect to receive confirmation of the updated registered agent once the change has been successfully processed.
To access the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website and find the necessary forms for changing the registered agent, please visit: https://www.dos.pa.gov.
3. Change Pennsylvania Registered Agent By Mail or In-Person
To change a registered agent in the state of Pennsylvania by mail, follow these steps:
- Obtain the appropriate form: The form you need to use is called the “Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent” (Form DSCB: 15-1506/1507). You can download this form from the Pennsylvania Department of State’s official website.
- Complete the form: Fill out the form with the necessary information. Make sure to include the current registered agent’s name and address, as well as the new registered agent’s name and address.
- Prepare the filing fee: Pennsylvania requires a filing fee for changing the registered agent. The fee may vary, so it’s recommended to check the current fee schedule on the Pennsylvania Department of State’s website.
- Prepare the mailing package: Place the completed form and the filing fee in an envelope. You may want to make copies of the form and fee for your records.
- Address the envelope: Address the envelope to the following address:Pennsylvania Department of State
Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations
P.O. Box 8722
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8722 - Mail the package: Send the envelope containing the completed form and filing fee to the address provided above via regular mail or a reliable courier service. It’s a good idea to request a return receipt or delivery confirmation to have proof of mailing.
- Confirmation and processing: The Pennsylvania Department of State will review your submission and process the change request. They will notify you by mail or email once the change has been recorded in their system.
Remember to consult the official website of the Pennsylvania Department of State for any updates or changes in the process. Here is the website link for further information: Pennsylvania Department of State – Corporations
FAQs
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Pennsylvania?
It typically takes around 5-10 business days for the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
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 Pennsylvania Secretary of State’s website or by contacting their office directly.
