How to Change Registered Agent in Iowa – 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 Iowa

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

What is Registered Agent in Iowa

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

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

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

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Iowa 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 Iowa 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 Iowa Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Iowa 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
Iowa Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Iowa Registered Agent – Requirement		Lucas State Office Building, 321 E 12th St, Des Moines, IA 50319

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

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 Iowa, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Secretary of State. The previous registered agent can send the Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent to SOS. 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 Iowa Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Iowa

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Iowa. 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 Iowa 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 Iowa. 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 Iowa Registered Agent only if they are the Iowa resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Iowa, 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 Iowa?
A registered agent in Iowa is an individual or an entity chosen by a business to receive legal documents and other official correspondence on their behalf.
Can I change my registered agent in Iowa?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Iowa.
Is there a fee to change your registered agent in Iowa?
There is a fee to change your registered agent in Iowa.
How much is the fee to change my registered agent in Iowa?
The fee to change your registered agent in Iowa is $45.
How do I change my registered agent in Iowa?
You must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent Form with the Iowa Secretary of State.
What information is needed to change my registered agent in Iowa?
You will need to provide the name and address of your new registered agent, as well as the effective date of the change.
Can I change my own registered agent in Iowa?
Yes, if you are an Iowa resident and willing to act as your own registered agent.
Does my new registered agent need to be located in Iowa?
Your new registered agent must be located in Iowa if you are changing your registered agent within Iowa.
Can I change my registered agent in Iowa online?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Iowa online through the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in Iowa?
It typically takes 3-5 business days for the Iowa Secretary of State to process a change of registered agent form.
Can I change my registered agent without notifying anyone?
No, you are required to notify all parties involved of the change in registered agent.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Iowa?
If you fail to maintain a registered agent in Iowa, your business may face penalties or even dissolution.
Can I change my registered agent for a specific period of time?
No, you cannot change your registered agent for a specific period of time.
Can I change my registered agent to a different entity type?
You can change your registered agent to a different entity type in Iowa as long as they are authorized to conduct business in Iowa.
How many times can I change my registered agent in Iowa?
You can change your registered agent in Iowa as many times as necessary.
Does changing my registered agent affect my taxes in Iowa?
Changing your registered agent does not have an impact on your taxes in Iowa.
Do I need to obtain my old registered agent’s permission to change my registered agent in Iowa?
No, you do not need your old registered agent’s permission to change your registered agent in Iowa.
Can I change my registered agent at any time in Iowa?
Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time in Iowa.
Can I change my registered agent before my business is formed in Iowa?
No, you cannot change your registered agent before your business is formed in Iowa.
Can I change my registered agent if my business is suspended in Iowa?
No, you cannot change your registered agent if your business is suspended in Iowa.
Do I need to provide proof of the new registered agent’s acceptance?
No, Iowa law does not require proof of acceptance from the new registered agent.
Does Iowa maintain a public record of registered agents?
Yes, the Iowa Secretary of State maintains a public record of registered agents.
Are there any requirements for an Iowa registered agent?
An Iowa registered agent must have a physical street address in the state of Iowa, be available during normal business hours, and be authorized to conduct business in Iowa.
What happens to mail sent to my old registered agent after a change is made?
Your old registered agent will return any mail sent to them after the effective date of the change.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple businesses in Iowa?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for multiple businesses in Iowa.
Can I change my registered agent if I have pending lawsuits?
Yes, you can change your registered agent even if you have pending lawsuits.
Will changing my registered agent in Iowa affect my business name or structure?
No, changing your registered agent will not affect your business name or structure.
Can I appoint a family member as my registered agent in Iowa?
You can appoint a family member as your registered agent in Iowa as long as they meet the requirements and obligations of being a registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent myself, or do I need a lawyer?
You can change your registered agent in Iowa yourself without the assistance of a lawyer.
How often do I need to change my registered agent in Iowa?
There is no set frequency to change a registered agent in Iowa. However, if you change your agent’s contact information or if your agent goes out of business, you will need to appoint a new registered agent immediately.
Does an Iowa company need to have a registered agent?
Yes, all Iowa companies must have a registered agent to operate within the state.
Can a person be their own registered agent in Iowa?
Yes, a company owner or member can be the registered agent for their business in Iowa.
How do I submit documentation for changing my registered agent in Iowa?
To change your registered agent in Iowa, you need to complete and file Form 21-BC with the Iowa Secretary of State.
What info do I need to provide on Form 21-BC to change my registered agent in Iowa?
On Form 21-BC to change your registered agent in Iowa, you need to provide the name and address of your new agent, your company name, and your contact information.
Are there any fees to file Form 21-BC to change my Iowa registered agent?
Yes, there is a filing fee of $10 to file Form 21-BC to change your Iowa registered agent.
How long does it take to process Form 21-BC to change my registered agent in Iowa?
Processing times vary. The Iowa Secretary of State will usually process the form within ten business days.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent when changing to a new registered agent in Iowa?
Yes, Iowa law statthatws that you need to notify your current registered agent in writing before changing to a new registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent in Iowa anytime I want?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Iowa any time you want.
Do I need to provide a reason for changing my Iowa registered agent?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in Iowa.
How do I know if my Iowa registered agent is still valid?
You can check your Iowa registered agent’s status through the Secretary of State Business Entity Search.
Can I change my Iowa registered agent online?
No, Iowa does not allow registered agent changes to be made online.
What if I miss the deadline to implement a new registered agent in Iowa?
If you miss the deadline to implement a new registered agent in Iowa, you may risk losing the good standing of your business.
What is the impact of changing my registered agent in Iowa?
Changing your registered agent in Iowa does not affect your entity type or tax classification. However, it may impact your communication with the Iowa Secretary of State.
How does changing my registered agent affect the articles of incorporation in Iowa?
Changing your registered agent in Iowa does not require you to amend or revise the articles of incorporation.
How do I find a new registered agent in Iowa?
You can find a new registered agent in Iowa by looking up a professional service provider or looking up individual agents at Iowa Secretary of State’ website.
Can a non-Iowa resident serve as my Iowa registered agent?
No, your Iowa registered agent must maintain a physical address within the state.
Can I Get A PO Box to act as my Iowa registered agent?
No, you can’t use a PO box to act as a registered agent in Iowa.
Can a company be my registered agent in Iowa?
Yes, only businesses legally allowed to operate in Iowa can serve as actual registered agent in the state.
Can I appoint an attorney as my Iowa registered agent?
Yes, you can hire an attorney to act as your IA registered agent.
Can my Iowa registered agent resign from their position?
Yes, an IA registered agent can resign by submittingan written notice to you or court.
Do I have to change back to my old registered agent in Iowa?
No, you are allowed to change back to your former registered agent but is always recommended to change current one.
What if I am not satisfied with the services of my registered agent in Iowa?
If you’re not satisfied with your Iowa registered agent, you can appoint another registered agent to serve your legal purposes.
Can I use a virtual office service as my Iowa registered agent?
The legality of using a virtual office service as a Iowa registered agent varies from state to state.
Can I use the state of Iowa’s address as my registered agent?
No, The state of Iowa will not serve as a registered agent for businesses.
Can my Iowa registered agent accept service of process electronically?
Yes, Iowa law allows Iowa registered agents to accept service of process electronically through their visual email.
Who are some popular registered agent service providers in Iowa?
Well-Known registered agents in Iowa include Corporation Service Company, CSC, InCorp and much more.

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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 Iowa 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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