How to Change Registered Agents in Alabama (AL) in 2025

Changing an appointed Resident Agent is not a frequent activity in any business. While forming an LLC in Alabama, it is mandatory to appoint a Registered Agent as a point of contact between the state and your LLC. However, there might be some times when changing of a registered agent is necessary. It might be the resignation or termination of the individual.

In Alabama, also known as The Yellowhammer State, there is a process to change the Resident Agent. In this article, the LLCBuddy editors come up with the methods available to change the registered agent in Alabama. The statement of change can be filed online or offline (whichever method is convenient).

What is Resident Agent in Alabama

The Alabama Resident Agent, appointed by the limited liability company, is a person who receives all the legal documents on your company’s behalf. To become a registered agent in Alabama, one must meet the following requirements,

The person must be or above 18 years old
The person has to be a permanent resident of Alabama
The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in Alabama
The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in Alabama

You can also be your own registered agent in Alabama. However, it is not wise to be your own agent as it can divert your attention from the core of your business.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Alabama

To change the Resident Agent in Alabama, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $25 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Alabama Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Alabama online, you must search for the appropriate online form. You can file your change of Resident Agent statement online if the online form is available through the Secretary of State. Follow the below-given instructions:

Visit the Alabama Secretary of State’s official website
Log in to the portal using your credentials.
On your dashboard, you will find the option to update your documents.
You will get an online form (or in PDF format)
Fill out the form (or download it on your PC, then fill it out) with the old and new registered agent’s details.
Submit (or upload) the completed form to the portal.
In the next section, you will get payment details (if applicable) and pay the fees using a credit card.

Your online change of registered agent update is done! It takes some time to update the details on the portal. Once it is updated, your new registered agent can start conducting business on your behalf immediately.

Filing Through Mail or In-person

If you want to file the statement of change of registered agent via mail or in person (if available), then you should follow the rules. For in-person or mail filings, you need to download the Alabama Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Alabama Secretary of State. Complete the form by filling in all the information about the LLC and both (new and existing) registered agents. The form has to be signed by the new registered agent. This will provide the consent of the new agent. Once completed, submit it to the below-mentioned address:

Important Links	Submit Offline Form
Change of Registered Agent – Online Alabama Change of Registered Agent – PDF Alabama Registered Agent – Requirement	Secretary of State, P.O. Box 5616, Montgomery, AL 36103

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Alabama registered agent is $25. This fee will be paid to the Alabama Secretary of State by check or credit card.

If you hire a Registered Agent service, filing the Statement of Change would be much easier. Also, the registered agent will help you with the consent letter the new registered agent has to sign. LLCBuddy editorial team suggests a list of the best LLC services that offer registered agent services. Some of them offer standalone registered agent services.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

#1 TOP PICK

ZenBusiness Registered Agent – $199 Per Year

Registered Agent Consent Letter in Alabama

The registered Agent’s Consent letter is a document that a new registered agent must submit along with the formation document. It is a statement that the agent submits upon agreeing to work with the LLC. When you change the Resident Agent, you must also submit the consent letter signed by the new agent. In many states, submitting the Change of Registered Agent form does the job; sending any additional consent document to the SOS is unnecessary. However, there are many states where you must submit the consent letter separately and pay a certain fee (if applicable). This consent must include the following details-

LLC name
A letter that says the person gives consent to serve the LLC as a registered agent
The execution date
Name of the registered agent
Signature of the registered agent

In Alabama, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Secretary of State. You must get the Change of Registered Agent Form, fill it out, and submit it to the SOS. The agent must sign the form or self-attest. It is proof that the new Resident Agent has given the nod to provide their services to the LLC. An additional filing fee (or expedited fee) might be charged. Check Alabama Secretary of State for fee details.

BOI Reporting

As per the Corporation Transparency Act, from the 1st of January, 2024, every LLC and any other business entity must file the BOI report with FinCEN. In the BOI Report, the owner(s)’ details must be mentioned. It is to maintain the transparency of the organization. It is not required to mention the change of a registered agent while filing the BOI Report in Alabama. However, it is recommended to maintain a proper process and document for any changes made inside the LLC to maintain transparency under any act.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Alabama

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Alabama. Some of the main and most important reasons are listed below,

Be Your Own Registered Agent

A prevalent reason is that if anyone wants to be his/her own registered agent. Any LLC owner can be the registered agent himself/herself as per the Alabama Secretary of State. So, you may want to change the registered agent and become one yourself for your LLC. In that case, you must submit the change form with your details.

Want to Hire a Professional Registered Agent

You may have designated yourself or someone from the family as the registered agent for your LLC in the initial phase. But with expansion in business, your roles and responsibilities also expand. You may not be present at the office during working hours. A registered agent is required to be available in the office. So, you must hire a registered agent who could replace you.

Existing Registered Agent Resigns

If your current registered agent resigns or your service provider is out of business, you can change your Registered Agent in Alabama. You must change the registered agent if the existing one resigns or is out of service.

Forming foreign LLC

This is to be noted that a person is eligible to be a Alabama Resident Agent only if they are the Alabama resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Alabama, you might need to change your registered agent because not all registered agents are eligible to work in different states.

FAQs

How do I change the registered agent for my Alabama LLC?

You can change the registered agent for your Alabama LLC by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Alabama Secretary of State.

What is the fee to change the registered agent for an Alabama corporation?

The fee to change the registered agent for an Alabama corporation is $25.

Can I change the registered agent for my Alabama business online?

Yes, you can change the registered agent for your Alabama business online through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

How long does it take to process a change of registered agent in Alabama?

It typically takes the Alabama Secretary of State 5-7 business days to process a change of registered agent.

Do I need to notify my current registered agent before changing to a new one in Alabama?

Yes, you should notify your current registered agent before changing to a new one in Alabama to ensure a smooth transition.

What information do I need to provide to change the registered agent for my Alabama nonprofit corporation?

To change the registered agent for your Alabama nonprofit corporation, you will need to provide the name and address of the new registered agent.

Can I serve as my own registered agent for my Alabama business?

Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent for your Alabama business if you have a physical address in the state where legal documents can be served during business hours.

What happens if I do not change the registered agent for my Alabama business?

If you do not change the registered agent for your Alabama business, you may miss important legal notifications and risk falling out of good standing with the state.

Can a registered agent resign from representing an Alabama business?

Yes, a registered agent can resign from representing an Alabama business by filing a Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent with the Alabama Secretary of State.

How can I find a registered agent service to represent my Alabama business?

You can find a registered agent service to represent your Alabama business by searching online or asking for recommendations from other business owners in the state.

Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Alabama?

In Alabama, a registered agent must be a resident of the state, a corporation authorized to do business in Alabama, or a commercial registered agent service.

Can I change the registered agent for my Alabama LLC without a fee?

No, there is a $25 fee to change the registered agent for an Alabama LLC.

How often can I change the registered agent for my Alabama corporation?

There are no restrictions on how often you can change the registered agent for your Alabama corporation.

What is the deadline for changing the registered agent for an Alabama LLC?

There is no specific deadline for changing the registered agent for an Alabama LLC, but it is recommended to do so as soon as possible.

Can I appoint multiple registered agents for my Alabama business?

No, you can only appoint one registered agent for your Alabama business.

Can a registered agent refuse to accept service of process for an Alabama business?

No, a registered agent cannot refuse to accept service of process for an Alabama business as it is their legal obligation to do so.

What is the role of a registered agent in Alabama?

The role of a registered agent in Alabama is to receive legal documents and government notices on behalf of a business entity.

Do I need to provide my Social Security Number when changing the registered agent for my Alabama business?

No, you do not need to provide your Social Security Number when changing the registered agent for your Alabama business.

Can I change the registered agent for my Alabama partnership?

Yes, you can change the registered agent for your Alabama partnership by filing the necessary paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State.

What happens if the registered agent for my Alabama business is unable to fulfill their duties?

If the registered agent for your Alabama business is unable to fulfill their duties, it is important to appoint a new registered agent as soon as possible.

Do I need to update my business address when changing the registered agent in Alabama?

It is recommended to update your business address when changing the registered agent in Alabama to ensure that all legal documents are delivered to the correct location.

Can I change the registered agent for my Alabama business retroactively?

No, you cannot change the registered agent for your Alabama business retroactively. It must be done in a timely manner.

How do I know if the change of registered agent for my Alabama business has been approved?

You can check the status of the change of registered agent for your Alabama business by searching the Secretary of State’s online database.

Is there a specific form I need to use to change the registered agent for my Alabama business?

Yes, you will need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Alabama Secretary of State to change the registered agent for your business.

Can a registered agent be a PO Box in Alabama?

No, a PO Box cannot serve as a registered agent in Alabama. The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state.

What is the penalty for not updating the registered agent for my Alabama business?

The penalty for not updating the registered agent for your Alabama business can result in administrative dissolution or legal complications.

Can I appoint a family member as the registered agent for my Alabama business?

Yes, you can appoint a family member as the registered agent for your Alabama business as long as they meet the state’s requirements.

Do I need a new EIN when changing the registered agent for my Alabama business?

No, you do not need a new EIN when changing the registered agent for your Alabama business. The EIN remains the same.

Can I fax the paperwork to change the registered agent for my Alabama business?

No, you cannot fax the paperwork to change the registered agent for your Alabama business. It must be filed by mail or online through the Secretary of State’s website.

How do I change my registered agent in Alabama?

To change your registered agent in Alabama, you must submit a completed Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form to the Secretary of State.

How a Registered Agent Helps Maintain Compliance and Privacy in Alabama

Understanding the responsibilities of a registered agent is crucial when starting a business in Alabama. Every business has to have a point of contact with the state; a registered agent acts as that point of contact. A registered agent is responsible for receiving all legal documents, notices, and other official correspondences for your business. While this may seem simple, the importance of having a reliable registered agent, especially in matters concerning compliance and privacy, is significant.

Keeping the business compliant with the state’s guidelines and regulations is one of the main responsibilities of the registered agent. As all other states, Alabama has requirements like maintaining timely and accurate records for all legal documents. Your registered agent’s lack of diligence can lead to your business missing important notifications. Not meeting these requirements may result in fines and, in the most severe cases, business dissolution.

Having a good registered agent means that all business communications marked legal will be received in time and handled properly, maintaining the business in good standing.

A registered agent also ensures business owners maintain immediacy in privacy protection. Public records show the registered name and business address as public information. Details such as these can allow anyone to trace unsolicited communications which can infringe on personal privacy.

By using their address for all legal documents, a registered agent offers a level of separation, protecting your personal information.

Moreover, having a registered agent can improve the professional image of your business. When clients or partners notice an address allocated solely for legal correspondence, it indicates a certain degree of professionalism and dependability. Such appearance can build trust and enhance the perception of your business in transactions.

In Conclusion

Registered Agents are the most important individuals in an LLC. They must be trustworthy, capable, and efficient to handle all the paperwork and documentation. During your business, you may arrive at a point where you need to change the registered agent. The need may arise when the existing agent wants to quit, or you are terminating the existing agent or expanding your business. Changing the Alabama registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Resident Agent in Alabama is not a complicated process, however, it is better to get a service provider, such as ZenBusiness. It not only offers the registered agent service at a reasonable price but also offers LLC formation at $0. This article has it all. If you have any queries about changing a registered agent, you can drop a comment below in the box.