How to Change Registered Agent in DC – A Complete Guide


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein 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

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

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

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,

  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.
  • 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 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

LegalZoom Registered Agent – $299 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.

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 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 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. 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 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

What is a registered agent in DC?
A registered agent is a person or business that receives legal and tax documents on behalf of a business in Washington, DC.
Can I change my registered agent in DC?
Yes, businesses registered in DC can change their registered agent at any time.
How do I change my registered agent in DC?
You must file a statement of change of registered agent with the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA).
What information do I need to provide to change my registered agent in DC?
You will need the name and address of your new registered agent, as well as your business name, ID number, and signature.
Is there a fee to change my registered agent in DC?
Yes, there is a $50 fee to change your registered agent in DC.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent when I change to a new one in DC?
Yes, you should notify your current agent that you are changing to a new one.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in DC?
It can take up to ten business days for DCRA to process your statement of change of registered agent.
Can I assign multiple registered agents for my business in DC?
No, DC only permits businesses to have one registered agent.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent when they go out of business or are unavailable?
Your business may be considered in default by the DCRA, which can result in penalties and fees.
Can I serve as the registered agent for my own business in DC?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent if you meet the requirements.
Do registered agents have to be DC residents?
Registered agents in DC do not have to be residents of the District, but they must maintain a physical address within the jurisdiction.
Can I terminate my registered agent relationship in DC?
Yes, you can terminate your relationship with your registered agent in DC, but you must file a statement of termination form.
Do I need to provide annual reports to my registered agent in DC?
No, annual reports are filed directly to the DCRA, not sent to your registered agent.
What happens if I forget to update my registered agent in DC?
If you do not update your registered agent in DC, you may not receive important legal and tax notices, which can result in penalties and fees.
Can I change my registered agent any time during the year in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time during the year in DC.
Can I switch from a business corporation to a sole proprietorship when I change my registered agent in DC?
No, changing your registered agent does not affect your business structure.
Is it necessary to notify the IRS or state tax authorities if I change my registered agent in DC?
No, you do not need to notify the IRS or state tax authorities if you change your registered agent in DC.
Can I change my registered agent to a non-US citizen or non-US resident in DC?
No, registered agents in DC must have a physical presence within the jurisdiction, and be either a US citizen or US resident.
Can I file my statement of change of registered agent online in DC?
Yes, you can file your statement of change of registered agent electronically on the DCRA website.
Can I hire a professional service to act as my registered agent in DC?
Yes, many businesses hire professional services that specialize in serving as registered agents in DC.
What happens to my legal documents if I change my registered agent?
Your new registered agent will receive all legal documents going forward after you change to them, while your previous registered agent no longer receives them.
Can I get a refund if I change my registered agent during the year in DC?
No, DC does not offer pro-rated refunds for changing your registered agent during the year.
Can I change my registered agent and business address at the same time in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent and business address at the same time by filing a statement of change with the DCRA.
Can I choose a company as my registered agent in DC?
Yes, you can choose any business entity to be your registered agent in DC, as long as they meet the requirements.
When should I change my registered agent in DC?
You should change your registered agent in DC if your current agent goes out of business, is no longer available, or if you want to switch to a more reliable one.
If I change my registered agent, do I need to change my business name with the DCRA in DC?
No, changing your registered agent does not require a change to your business name.
Can I change my registered agent more than once in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent as many times as you need in DC.
Are there any disadvantages to changing my registered agent in DC?
The primary disadvantage of changing your registered agent in DC is the $50 fee, but this may be a small price to pay for better service.
What is the process for changing a registered agent in DC?
To change a registered agent in DC, you need to fill out and file the appropriate forms with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs or hire a third-party service to do it for you.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in DC?
It typically takes the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs 3-5 business days to process a change of registered agent request.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent if I want to change registered agents in DC?
No, you do not need to notify your current registered agent if you want to change registered agents in DC. However, it may be a good idea to let them know so they can help facilitate the transition.
Can I serve as my own registered agent in DC?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in DC as long as you have an address in DC where you can be reached.
What are DC’s requirements for a registered agent?
In order to serve as a registered agent in DC, a person or entity must have a physical street address in DC and be available during business hours to receive legal documents and other important notices.
Can I hire a third-party service to be my registered agent in DC?
Yes, you can hire a third-party registered agent service to be your registered agent in DC.
Will I have to pay a fee to change my registered agent in DC?
Yes, there is a fee to change registered agents in DC. As of 2021, the fee is $49.
Do I have to obtain my new registered agent’s consent before naming them in the change of registered agent form in DC?
No, you do not need to obtain your new registered agent’s consent before naming them in the change of registered agent form in DC.
What happens if I don’t file a change of registered agent form in DC?
If you don’t file a change of registered agent form in DC, you may miss important legal notices and be subject to penalties.
What happens if I make a mistake on my change of registered agent form in DC?
If you make a mistake on your change of registered agent form in DC, it may delay the processing of your request.
Can I file my change of registered agent form in DC electronically?
As of 2021, there is no option to file the change of registered agent form in DC electronically. You must file a paper form.
Can I mail in my change of registered agent form in DC?
Yes, you can mail in your change of registered agent form in DC. The address is
Can I hand-deliver my change of registered agent form in DC?
Yes, you can hand-deliver your change of registered agent form in DC. The address is
How will I know if my request to change my registered agent in DC has been approved?
You will receive a confirmation letter from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs once your request to change your registered agent in DC has been approved.
Will changing my registered agent in DC change my business’s tax ID number?
No, changing your registered agent in DC will not change your business’s tax ID number.
Will changing my registered agent in DC affect my business’s legal name or structure?
No, changing your registered agent in DC will not affect your business’s legal name or structure.
Can I change my registered agent in DC if my business is not located in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in DC even if your business is not physically located in DC as long as you are registered to do business in DC.
Is it possible to change my registered agent in DC while my business is inactive?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in DC even if your business is currently inactive.
Can I keep my current registered agent if I move to another state?
No, if you move your business to another state, you will need to change your registered agent in both your previous state and your new state.
Will there be any continuity issues if I change my registered agent in DC?
There should be no continuity issues if you change your registered agent in DC as long as you make sure to update all relevant parties of your new registered agent’s address.
Is there any paperwork my new registered agent will need to fill out in order to accept their new role in DC?
There is no specific paperwork that your new registered agent will need to fill out in order to accept their new role in DC.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple businesses at once in DC?
No, you must file a separate change of registered agent form for each business you wish to change in DC.
Can I name a person or entity to serve as both my registered agent and my attorney in fact in DC?
Yes, you can name a person or entity to serve as both your registered agent and your attorney in fact in DC.
Can I change my registered agent during the middle of a lawsuit in DC?
Yes, you can change your registered agent during the middle of a lawsuit in DC. You should make sure to notify all relevant parties of your new registered agent’s address.
Can I change my registered agent in DC if my business is subject to any ongoing legal issues or investigations?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in DC even if your business is subject to any ongoing legal issues or investigations.
Are there any restrictions on who I can name as my registered agent in DC?
There are no specific restrictions on who you can name as your registered agent in DC as long as the person or entity meets all necessary requirements.
What will happen to all of my legal documents if I change my registered agent in DC?
All of your legal documents will be forwarded to your new registered agent in DC once your change request is approved.
How often should I review my registered agent information in DC to make sure it is up-to-date?
It is a good idea to review your registered agent information in DC annually and update it as needed.

Also Read

Why Change Registered Agent in District of Columbia is So Important

One of the primary reasons for changing your registered agent is to ensure that your business remains compliant with state regulations. The registered agent is responsible for receiving important legal documents on behalf of the business, such as official correspondence from the state government or court papers. If your registered agent fails to fulfill their duties properly, it could result in missed deadlines, legal consequences, or even loss of standing with the state.

Another reason why changing your registered agent is crucial is to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of your business. The registered agent’s information is publicly listed on official documents and available for anyone to see. If you have concerns about privacy or do not want your personal information to be easily accessible, changing your registered agent could be a smart choice.

Moreover, a change in your business operations or structure may also necessitate a change in your registered agent. If your business has expanded to operate in different states or if you are changing your legal entity type, you may need a registered agent who is authorized to represent your business in those new locations or under the new entity.

Additionally, hiring a professional registered agent service can provide several benefits to your business. Professional registered agent services are experienced in handling legal documents and can ensure that nothing slips through the cracks. They also offer a level of reliability and consistency that may be difficult to maintain if you are acting as your own registered agent.

Furthermore, changing your registered agent can be a straightforward process that does not require a significant time commitment or financial investment. By filing the necessary forms with the state and notifying your existing registered agent, you can make a smooth transition to a new registered agent without much hassle.

In conclusion, changing your registered agent in the District of Columbia is more important than many people realize. Ensuring that you have a reliable and efficient registered agent is crucial for maintaining compliance with state regulations, safeguarding your privacy, adapting to changes in your business operations, and benefiting from the expertise of professional registered agent services. If you have not thought about your registered agent recently, now may be a good time to consider whether a change is necessary for the continued success of your business.

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 DC 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.

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