How to Change Registered Agents in Arkansas (AR) in 2024

Changing an appointed Registered Agent is not a frequent activity in any business. While forming an LLC in Arkansas, 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 Arkansas, also known as The Natural State, there is a process to change the Registered Agent. In this article, the LLCBuddy editors come up with the methods available to change the registered agent in Arkansas. The statement of change can be filed online or offline (whichever method is convenient).

What is Registered Agent in Arkansas

The Arkansas Registered 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 Arkansas, one must meet the following requirements,

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

You can also be your own registered agent in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas

To change the Registered Agent in Arkansas, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $0 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Arkansas Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

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

Visit the Arkansas 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 Arkansas Notice of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Arkansas 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 Arkansas Notice of Change of Registered Agent – PDF Arkansas Registered Agent – Requirement	Arkansas Secretary of State, 1401 W. Capital Ave., Suite 250, Little Rock, AR 72201

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Arkansas registered agent is $0. This fee will be paid to the Arkansas 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 Arkansas

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 Registered 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 Arkansas, 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 Registered Agent has given the nod to provide their services to the LLC. An additional filing fee (or expedited fee) might be charged. Check Arkansas 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 Arkansas. 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 Arkansas

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Arkansas. 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas. 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 Arkansas Registered Agent only if they are the Arkansas resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Arkansas, 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 my registered agent in Arkansas?

To change your Arkansas registered agent, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

Can I change my registered agent online in Arkansas?

Yes, you can change your registered agent online in Arkansas by submitting the necessary forms through the Secretary of State’s website.

Is there a fee to change my registered agent in Arkansas?

Yes, there is a fee to change your registered agent in Arkansas. The fee varies depending on the type of entity.

What information do I need to provide to change my registered agent in Arkansas?

To change your registered agent in Arkansas, you will need to provide the name and address of your new registered agent.

How long does it take to change my registered agent in Arkansas?

The processing time to change your registered agent in Arkansas can vary, but typically it takes about 1-2 weeks.

Can I change my registered agent more than once in Arkansas?

Yes, you can change your registered agent multiple times in Arkansas if needed.

What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Arkansas?

Failure to maintain a registered agent in Arkansas can result in your business being in default and potentially facing penalties.

Do I need to notify my current registered agent when changing in Arkansas?

It is good practice to notify your current registered agent when changing in Arkansas, but it is not required.

Can I be my own registered agent in Arkansas?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Arkansas as long as you have a physical address in the state.

Do I need a registered agent service to change in Arkansas?

No, you do not need a registered agent service to change in Arkansas, but it can be helpful for maintaining compliance and privacy.

Can I change my registered agent for multiple businesses at once in Arkansas?

You can only change your registered agent for multiple businesses at once in Arkansas if they are listed under the same entity.

Are there any restrictions on who can be a registered agent in Arkansas?

The registered agent in Arkansas must be either an individual resident of the state or a business entity authorized to do business in the state.

What happens to my old registered agent once I change in Arkansas?

Once you change your registered agent in Arkansas, your old registered agent will no longer be authorized to accept legal documents on your behalf.

Can I appoint multiple registered agents for my business in Arkansas?

No, in Arkansas, you can only appoint one registered agent for your business entity.

Do I have to notify the IRS of my registered agent change in Arkansas?

You do not need to notify the IRS specifically, but you should update your registered agent information on your annual report filed with the Secretary of State in Arkansas.

Is there a specific form required to change my registered agent in Arkansas?

Yes, the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form is required to change your registered agent in Arkansas.

Can I change my registered agent address and agent name at the same time in Arkansas?

Yes, you can update both the registered agent address and agent name simultaneously when changing in Arkansas.

Can an attorney be my registered agent in Arkansas?

Yes, an attorney can serve as a registered agent in Arkansas as long as they are a resident of the state or have a physical business address.

Do I need to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in Arkansas?

No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in Arkansas.

Can I change my registered agent for free in Arkansas?

No, there is a fee associated with changing your registered agent in Arkansas. Check with the Secretary of State for current fees.

What is the deadline for changing my registered agent in Arkansas?

There is no deadline per se, but it is important to update your registered agent information promptly to avoid any compliance issues.

Can I change my registered agent if my business is inactive in Arkansas?

Yes, you can still change your registered agent in Arkansas even if your business is inactive.

Can I change my registered agent online if my business entity is not in good standing in Arkansas?

In most cases, you will need to bring your business entity back to good standing before changing your registered agent online in Arkansas.

Do all business entities in Arkansas need a registered agent?

Yes, all business entities in Arkansas are required to have a registered agent to accept legal documents on their behalf.

Can I change my registered agent’s email address in Arkansas?

The registered agent’s email address is not typically included on official documents in Arkansas, but you may update it with the Secretary of State for internal use.

Is there a residency requirement for a registered agent in Arkansas?

The registered agent must either be an individual who is a resident of Arkansas or a business entity authorized to transact business in the state.

Can I change my registered agent to a foreign entity in Arkansas?

Yes, you can change your registered agent to a foreign entity in Arkansas as long as they are authorized to transact business in the state.

Can a family member serve as my registered agent in Arkansas?

Yes, a family member can serve as your registered agent in Arkansas as long as they meet the residency or business entity requirements.

How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Arkansas?

The cost to change a registered agent in Arkansas is $25.

When does the change of registered agent take effect in Arkansas?

The change of registered agent takes effect immediately upon filing the necessary paperwork with the Arkansas Secretary of State.

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 Arkansas registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in Arkansas 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.