How to Change Registered Agents in DC (DC) in 2024


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Change registered agent in DC

Changing an appointed Registered Agent is not a frequent activity in any business. While forming an LLC in DC, 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 DC, also known as The Nation’s Capital, 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 DC. The statement of change can be filed online or offline (whichever method is convenient).

What is Registered Agent in DC

The DC 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 DC, one must meet the following requirements,

registered agent
  1. The person must be or above 18 years old
  2. The person has to be a permanent resident of DC
  3. The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in DC
  4. The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in DC

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

To change the Registered Agent in DC, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $50 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the DC Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in DC 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 DC 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 DC Form RA-3 (PDF) from the official website of the DC 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
DC Form RA-3 – PDF
DC Registered Agent – Requirement
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations Division, P.O. Box 92300, Washington, D.C. 20090

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the DC registered agent is $50. This fee will be paid to the DC 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 DC

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 DC, there is a separate document called the Form RA-1 has to be submitted to the SOS. RA-1 Form is a Registered Agent Written Consent. If your Registered Agent is resigning, then they have to submit Form RA-2 – Registered Agent Resignation Letter. You must get the Form RA-1, 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 DC 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 DC. 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 DC

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in DC. 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 DC 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 DC. 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 DC Registered Agent only if they are the DC resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in DC, 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 DC?
To change your registered agent in DC, you need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Can I change my registered agent online in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online in DC by using the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs’ online filing system.
What is the fee for changing a registered agent in DC?
The fee for changing a registered agent in DC is $75.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in DC?
Once you file the necessary documents, the registered agent change in DC typically takes 3-5 business days to process.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent when changing to a new one in DC?
Yes, you are required to notify your current registered agent about the change when switching to a new one in DC.
What information is required on the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form in DC?
The form requires information such as the name of the business entity, the old registered agent’s name and address, the new registered agent’s name and address, and the effective date of the change.
Can a business entity be its own registered agent in DC?
No, a business entity cannot serve as its own registered agent in DC. It must appoint an individual or a registered agent service.
Are there any restrictions on who can be a registered agent in DC?
The registered agent in DC must have a physical address within the District of Columbia and be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the business entity.
Can I change my registered agent on my own, or do I need to hire a professional service in DC?
You can change your registered agent on your own in DC, but you may also choose to hire a professional service to assist you with the process.
Will changing my registered agent affect my business’s standing with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs?
No, changing your registered agent in DC will not affect your business’s standing with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs as long as the required forms are filed correctly and on time.
Is there a deadline for changing a registered agent in DC?
There is no specific deadline for changing a registered agent in DC, but it is recommended to complete the process promptly to avoid any issues with receiving important legal notifications.
Can I change my registered agent and registered office address at the same time in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent and registered office address at the same time by filing the necessary forms with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
What happens if I fail to change my registered agent in DC?
If you fail to change your registered agent in DC, you may miss important legal notifications and be subject to penalties or consequences for not having a registered agent on file.
Can I change my registered agent more than once in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent multiple times in DC if needed, but it is recommended to do so only when necessary to avoid confusion and potential issues.
Will changing my registered agent affect my business’s EIN or tax filings in DC?
No, changing your registered agent in DC will not affect your business’s Employer Identification Number (EIN) or tax filings as long as you update the necessary information with the IRS separately.
Can I include additional instructions or information when filing for a change of registered agent in DC?
Yes, you can include additional instructions or information when filing for a change of registered agent in DC to ensure that all necessary details are provided for the process.
Is there a specific form required for changing a registered agent in DC?
Yes, the specific form required for changing a registered agent in DC is the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form provided by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Can I change my registered agent in DC if I am in the process of dissolution or termination?
Yes, you can still change your registered agent in DC if your business is in the process of dissolution or termination, as long as the required steps are followed.
Can a registered agent refuse to be removed in DC?
No, a registered agent cannot refuse to be removed in DC once the necessary paperwork has been filed and processed by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Do I need to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in DC?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in DC when filing the required documents with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Can I request expedited processing for changing my registered agent in DC?
Yes, you can request expedited processing for changing your registered agent in DC by paying an additional fee for faster service.
What happens to the old registered agent once the change is processed in DC?
Once the change of registered agent is processed in DC, the old registered agent will no longer be responsible for receiving legal notifications on behalf of the business entity.
Can I change my registered agent by mail in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent by mail in DC by submitting the required forms and payment to the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Can I choose any individual or entity to be my registered agent in DC?
No, there are certain requirements that the registered agent in DC must meet, including having a physical address within the District of Columbia and being available during normal business hours to accept legal documents.
Can I appoint a family member or business partner to be my registered agent in DC?
Yes, you can appoint a family member or business partner to be your registered agent in DC as long as they meet the necessary requirements and are willing to fulfill the responsibilities of the role.
How do I know if my registered agent change has been processed in DC?
You can confirm that your registered agent change has been processed in DC by checking the status of your filing or contacting the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs for verification.
Can I file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form online or in person in DC?
Yes, you can file the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form online or in person with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to initiate the change.
What steps should I take to update my business records after changing my registered agent in DC?
After changing your registered agent in DC, you should update your business records and notify any relevant parties, such as the IRS or banking institutions, about the change to ensure smooth operations.
How do I change the registered agent for my company in DC?
To change the registered agent for your company in DC, you need to file a Change of Registered Agent form with the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
Can I change my registered agent in DC online?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in DC online by filing the necessary form through the DCRA’s online portal.

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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 DC registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in DC 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.

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