How to Change Registered Agent in Alabama – A Complete Guide

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Change registered agent in Alabama

Change Registered Agent in Alabama: A registered agent in Alabama is a point of contact between your LLC and the state. You must appoint a Registered Agent when you form an LLC in Alabama. At any point in time, you might need to replace/change your Resident Agent in Alabama. When it comes to changing the registered agent in Alabama, it is a straightforward method. To change your Resident Agent in Alabama, one has to submit the statement of change of the Resident Agent. It can be filed online or by mail.

In this article, you will learn how to change registered agent in Alabama. Also, you will get to learn when and why you have to change your Resident Agent, appointed for your Alabama LLC.

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,

  1. The person must be or above 18 years old
  2. The person has to be a permanent resident of Alabama
  3. The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in Alabama
  4. 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.
  • You will find the ‘Update’ option in your dashboard if the online update option is available.
  • Click on the ‘update’ option to find the ‘registration’ option.
  • 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 updation 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.

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 LinksSubmit 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.

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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.

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 very common 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. And 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

What is a registered agent in Alabama?
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal and official documents on behalf of a business in Alabama.
Why should I change my registered agent in Alabama?
There could be various reasons to change your registered agent such as the current agent is not performing their duties, you are moving to a different state, or you want to use a professional registered agent service.
How do I change my registered agent in Alabama?
You can change your registered agent in Alabama by completing the required forms and filing them with the Alabama Secretary of State.
Who can be a registered agent in Alabama?
In Alabama, a registered agent can be an individual residing in the state or an entity authorized to do business in Alabama.
Can a business be its own registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, a business can be its own registered agent in Alabama.
Can I be my own registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Alabama. However, you must have a physical address in Alabama and be available during normal business hours to receive legal notices.
How much does it cost to change your registered agent in Alabama?
The state filing fee to change your registered agent in Alabama is $15.
How long does it take to change registered agent in Alabama?
After submitting the required forms and paying the filing fee, the processing time to change your registered agent in Alabama is usually around 1-2 business days.
Can I change my registered agent online in Alabama?
Yes, it is possible to change your registered agent online in Alabama by using the Secretary of State’s Business Services Web page.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Alabama?
If you don’t change your registered agent in Alabama, you will miss important legal notifications, which can lead to legal consequences for your business.
Can I change my registered agent from another state to Alabama?
Yes, you can change your registered agent from another state to Alabama if you are planning to conduct business there.
Can I change my registered agent in Alabama before forming my business?
No, you cannot change your registered agent in Alabama before forming a business entity as you need a registered agent to form your business.
Can I hire a registered agent service in Alabama?
Yes, you can hire a registered agent service in Alabama to act as your registered agent.
Are there any requirements for a registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, a registered agent in Alabama must have a physical address in the state, be available during business hours, and agree to accept legal notices on behalf of the business.
What documents do I need to file to change my registered agent in Alabama?
In Alabama, you need to file either a Change of Registered Office or Over Agent form.
Will changing my registered agent affect my business name or structure in Alabama?
No, changing your registered agent in Alabama will not affect your business name or structure.
Can I change my registered agent for different business entities at once in Alabama?
No, you need to file separate forms to change your registered agent for different business entities in Alabama.
Is it mandatory to notify my first registered agent about the change in Alabama?
No, it is not mandatory to notify your first registered agent about the change- the State of Alabama will handle the rest.
Can I change my registered agent in Alabama if my current agent does not consent to the change?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Alabama even if the current agent does not consent to the change.
When does the change of registered agent take effect in Alabama?
The change of registered agent will take effect when the Secretary of State approves the filed forms in Alabama.
How do I find a registered agent in Alabama?
You may search online directories or consult with professional registered agent service providers in Alabama.
Can the Alabama Secretary of State act as my registered agent?
No, in Alabama, the Secretary of State cannot act as your registered agent.
How many times can I change my registered agent in Alabama?
You can change your registered agent in Alabama as many times as needed, provided you follow the state’s required procedures.
Can a foreign corporation change its registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, a foreign corporation doing business in Alabama can change its registered agent by following the state’s procedures.
Will I receive a confirmation after changing my registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, the Secretary of State will send an acknowledgment in the form of a stamped copy of the filed-formed that should be maintained in company records.
How can I expedite the change of registered agent in Alabama?
There is no premium or express processing service in Alabama to expedite completing the process.
Can I change my registered agent if my business is dissolved or has been terminated?
No, once a business entity in Alabama has been terminated or dissolved, changing the agent becomes moot.
Is changing a registered agent is in Alabama only necessary while starting a new business?
No, generally changing a registered agent in Alabama is possible at any time over the life of the business entity.
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in Alabama?
The fee to change a registered agent in Alabama is $25.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in Alabama?
Once the statement of change of registered office or agent is approved by the Alabama Secretary of State, the change generally takes effect immediately.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent for my Alabama business?
If a business fails to maintain a registered agent in Alabama, it may face fines and other penalties or even dissolution.
Do I have to notify anyone else about changing my registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, you are required to notify your previous registered agent in writing and provide them with a copy of the statement of change of registered office or agent.
Can I serve as my own registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Alabama as long as you have a physical street address in the state where someone can receive service of process during normal business hours.
Can a PO Box be used as a registered agent address in Alabama?
No, a PO Box cannot be used as a registered agent address in Alabama.
What are the qualifications for a registered agent in Alabama?
In Alabama, registered agents must have a physical street address in the state and be available during normal business hours.
Can I change my registered agent on an annual report in Alabama?
No, you cannot change your registered agent on an annual report in Alabama. You must file a statement of change of registered office or agent separately.
Do I have to file a new certificate of formation when changing my registered agent in Alabama?
No, you do not have to file a new certificate of formation when changing your registered agent in Alabama.
What is a registered office in Alabama?
A registered office in Alabama is the street address where a registered agent is located and where service of process can be delivered for a business entity.
Can a law firm be a registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, a law firm can serve as a registered agent in Alabama as long as it meets the state’s qualifications.
Do I have to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in Alabama?
No, you do not have to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in Alabama.
What address will my new registered agent need to provide when filing the change in Alabama?
Your new registered agent will need to provide a specific street address for the statement of change of registered office or agent in Alabama, which cannot be a PO Box.
Can I change my registered address at the same time as changing my registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, you can change your registered address at the same time as changing your registered agent in Alabama by including this information on the statement of change.
What happens if my new registered agent is unable to perform their duties in Alabama?
If your new registered agent is unable to perform their duties in Alabama, you will need to find a new agent and file another statement of change of registered office or agent.
Can I change my registered agent to someone who lives outside of Alabama?
No, you cannot change your registered agent to someone who lives outside of Alabama.
Do I need to provide any contact information for my new registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, you must provide the phone number and email address of your new registered agent on the statement of change of registered office or agent in Alabama.
Can I use a national registered agent service in Alabama?
Yes, you can use a national registered agent service in Alabama as long as it meets the state’s qualifications.
How do I know if my statement of change has been approved in Alabama?
You can check the status of your statement of change of registered office or agent in Alabama online through the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.
Is there a deadline for filing a statement of change of registered office or agent in Alabama?
No, there is no deadline for filing a statement of change of registered office or agent in Alabama, but it must be filed promptly.
Can an attorney serve as a registered agent in Alabama for their clients?
Yes, an attorney can serve as a registered agent in Alabama for their clients as long as they meet the state’s qualifications.
Do foreign corporations need a registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, foreign corporations doing business in Alabama are required to maintain a registered agent in the state.
What types of entities require a registered agent in Alabama?
In Alabama, corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other business entities are required to maintain a registered agent.
What happens if my statement of change is rejected in Alabama?
If your statement of change of registered office or agent is rejected in Alabama, you will need to make the necessary corrections and resubmit the document.
How do I officially notify the Alabama Secretary of State of my new registered agent?
You will need to submit a statement of change of registered office or agent with the Alabama Secretary of State to officially notify them of your new registered agent.
Can a family member or friend serve as my registered agent in Alabama?
Yes, a family member or friend can serve as your registered agent in Alabama as long as they meet the state’s qualifications.

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In Conclusion

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. It is quite simple as it can be done online and through mail filing. This article has it all. If you have any queries about changing a registered agent, you can drop a comment below in the box.


About Author & Editorial Staff

Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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