How to Change Registered Agent in Illinois – 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 Illinois

Change Registered Agent in Illinois: A registered agent in Illinois is a point of contact between your LLC and the state. You must appoint a Registered Agent when you form an LLC in Illinois. At any point in time, you might need to replace/change your Registered Agent in Illinois. When it comes to changing the registered agent in Illinois, it is a straightforward method. To change your Registered Agent in Illinois, 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 Illinois. Also, you will get to learn when and why you have to change your Registered Agent, appointed for your Illinois LLC.

What is Registered Agent in Illinois

The Illinois 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 Illinois, 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 Illinois
  3. The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in Illinois
  4. The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in Illinois

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

To change the Registered Agent in Illinois, 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 Illinois Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Illinois 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 Illinois 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 Illinois Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Illinois 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
Illinois Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Illinois Registered Agent – Requirement
Department of Business Services, Limited Liability Division, 501 S. Second St., Rm. 351, Springfield, IL 62746

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Illinois registered agent is $25. This fee will be paid to the Illinois 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 –

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 LegalZoom Registered Agent – $299 Per Year

Registered Agent Consent Letter in Illinois

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 Illinois, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Secretary of State. You must get the Statement of 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 Illinois Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Illinois

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Illinois. 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 Illinois 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 Illinois. 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 Illinois Registered Agent only if they are the Illinois resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Illinois, 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 Illinois?
A registered agent in Illinois is a person or entity designated by a business to receive legal papers and important government communications on behalf of the company.
Can I change my registered agent in Illinois if I have a pending lawsuit?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Illinois even if there is a lawsuit pending against your business. However, you need to follow the proper legal procedures to ensure that the court and other parties involved are properly notified of the change.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Illinois?
The fee for changing a registered agent in Illinois varies depending on the type of business you have. For most corporations and LLCs, the fee is $25. However, some more complex businesses may require additional fees.
How often can I change my registered agent in Illinois?
There are no specific rules prohibiting how often you can change your registered agent in Illinois. However, it is not recommended to change your registered agent too frequently as it can lead to confusion and potentially affect legal proceedings and administrative processes.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Illinois?
The process of changing a registered agent in Illinois typically takes about one to two weeks, depending on how quickly the Secretary of State processes the paperwork. It may take longer if there are complications or errors in the paperwork.
Do I need to inform my old registered agent when I change to a new registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you must properly notify your old registered agent when you change to a new one. The old registered agent must file a statement of resignation with the Secretary of State before your new registered agent can take over.
Can I be my own registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Illinois as long as you have a physical street address in the state where you can be reached during business hours.
How do I select a new registered agent in Illinois?
To select a new registered agent in Illinois, you can choose a person or entity that has a street address in the state and meets the requirements outlined by the Secretary of State. Many businesses choose to hire a service or third-party provider to act as their registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent on my own in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent on your own in Illinois by filing the proper paperwork with the Secretary of State and notifying all relevant parties. However, many businesses choose to use a service or third-party provider to handle this process for them.
Will changing my registered agent affect my business’s incorporation in Illinois?
No, changing your registered agent will not affect your business’s incorporation in Illinois. However, it is important to make sure that all legal documents and government communications are properly redirected to your new registered agent.
Can my attorney serve as my registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, your attorney can serve as your registered agent in Illinois as long as they have a physical street address in the state. Some attorneys may also provide registered agent services.
Can a foreign entity serve as a registered agent in Illinois?
No, a foreign entity cannot serve as a registered agent in Illinois. The agent must have a physical street address in the state.
Do I need to obtain consent from my new registered agent before appointing them in Illinois?
You do not need to obtain explicit consent from your new registered agent before appointing them in Illinois. However, it is good practice to confirm that they are willing and able to serve as your registered agent.
How do I resign as a registered agent in Illinois?
To resign as a registered agent in Illinois, you must file a statement of resignation with the Secretary of State and notify the business you are representing.
Do I need to submit a new Annual Report when I change my registered agent in Illinois?
No, if you have already submitted your Annual Report for the current year, you do not need to submit a new report when you change your registered agent in Illinois.
Can I change my registered agent online in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online in Illinois using the Secretary of State’s online filing system. However, you will need to pay a small convenience fee if you choose this option.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Illinois?
If you don’t change your registered agent in Illinois, you risk missing important legal and regulatory filings, which could lead to fines, penalties, or even the involuntary dissolution of your business.
Can I change my registered agent without any downtime in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent without any downtime in Illinois, as long as you properly notify all relevant parties of the change.
Can a registered agent change the business name in Illinois?
No, a registered agent cannot change the business name in Illinois. Only the business owner or an authorized representative can change the business name.
If my business is inactive, do I need to appoint a registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you will still need to appoint a registered agent in Illinois even if your business is inactive. This is because your business is still considered to be a legal entity and may receive important government communications or legal notices.
Can I change both my registered agent and my registered office at the same time in Illinois?
Yes, you can change both your registered agent and your registered office at the same time in Illinois by filing the proper paperwork and notifying all relevant parties.
Can I request an expedited processing of my registered agent change in Illinois?
Yes, you can request an expedited processing of your registered agent change in Illinois by filing expedited paperwork and paying an additional fee.
Can I change my registered agent myself or do I need a lawyer in Illinois?
You can change your registered agent yourself in Illinois by filing the proper paperwork and notifying all relevant parties. However, you may want to consult with a lawyer to ensure you are properly complying with all legal requirements.
Can I change my registered agent during a business merger in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent during a business merger in Illinois. However, you will need to follow the proper legal procedures to ensure that the change is properly documented.
Can I change my registered agent’s information outside of regular business hours in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent’s information at any time in Illinois using the Secretary of State’s online filing system. However, the changes will not be processed until the next business day.
Is there a grace period to change my registered agent in Illinois?
There is no grace period to change your registered agent in Illinois. If you miss an important legal or regulatory deadline because you failed to properly notify your registered agent, you may face fines, penalties, or other consequences.
What does it mean to change a registered agent in Illinois?
Changing a registered agent in Illinois means replacing your current registered agent with a new one to handle legal documents and state filings on behalf of your business.
How do I change my registered agent in Illinois?
To change your registered agent in Illinois, you need to submit a form called “Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office” to the Illinois Secretary of State.
Who can be a registered agent in Illinois?
Any Illinois resident or business entity authorized to do business in the state can be a registered agent in Illinois.
Can I change my registered agent to a non-Illinois resident or entity?
Non-Illinois residents or entities can only serve as registered agent if they are registered with the Illinois Secretary of State as a foreign corporation or LLC.
What is the fee to file a change of registered agent in Illinois?
The fee for filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office is $25 in Illinois.
Can I use a commercial registered agent service to change my registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you can use a commercial registered agent service to change your registered agent in Illinois as long as they are registered in the state.
Will I receive confirmation that my registered agent has been changed in Illinois?
Yes, the Illinois Secretary of State will mail confirmation to the new registered agent and the business entity’s registered office.
Can I change my registered agent during the annual report filing period in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent during the annual report filing period in Illinois, but you must submit both the change of registered agent form and annual report form.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent before changing to a new registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you should notify your current registered agent before changing to a new registered agent in Illinois.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent within the required timeframe in Illinois?
If you don’t change your registered agent within the required timeframe in Illinois, your business could be subject to penalties or dissolution for noncompliance.
Can I change my registered agent for only part of my business in Illinois?
No, you must change your registered agent for the entire business entity in Illinois.
What if my new registered agent’s address is outside of Illinois?
If your new registered agent’s address is outside of Illinois, they must be registered as a foreign corporation or LLC with the Illinois Secretary of State.
What information do I need to provide when changing my registered agent in Illinois?
You need to provide the name and address of your new registered agent when changing your registered agent in Illinois.
What happens if my current registered agent cannot be reached in Illinois?
If your current registered agent cannot be reached in Illinois, you may need to obtain a court order to acquire legal documents and state filings.
Can my registered agent resign in Illinois?
Yes, your registered agent can resign in Illinois, but you must appoint a new registered agent within thirty (30) days.
Can I change my registered office address at the same time as changing my registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered office address at the same time as changing your registered agent in Illinois.
Do I need to provide the reason for changing my registered agent in Illinois?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in Illinois.
Can I change my registered agent when my business is in a legal dispute in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent when your business is in a legal dispute in Illinois, but you should consult with legal counsel first.
Can I change my registered agent using expedited filing in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent using expedited filing in Illinois, but there are additional fees for expedited processing.
Can I change my registered agent by email in Illinois?
No, you cannot change your registered agent by email in Illinois. You must submit a paper form with signature.
Do I need to update my articles of incorporation when changing my registered agent in Illinois?
No, you do not need to update your articles of incorporation when changing your registered agent in Illinois.
Can I choose multiple registered agents for my business in Illinois?
No, you can only choose one registered agent for your business in Illinois.
Can I change my registered agent if my business is suspended in Illinois?
No, you cannot change your registered agent while your business is suspended in Illinois.
Can I change my registered agent for a nonprofit corporation in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for a nonprofit corporation in Illinois.
Can I change my foreign corporation’s registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your foreign corporation’s registered agent in Illinois by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Can I change my limited partnership’s registered agent in Illinois?
Yes, you can change your limited partnership’s registered agent in Illinois.
Where can I find the form to change my registered agent in Illinois?
You can find the form to change your registered agent in Illinois on the Illinois Secretary of State website.

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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 Illinois 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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