How to Change Registered Agent in Maine – 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.

All Posts by Steve Goldstein →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve Goldstein, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Change registered agent in Maine

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

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

What is Resident Agent in Maine

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

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

To change the Resident Agent in Maine, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $35 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Maine Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

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

  • Visit the Maine 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 Maine Change of Registered Agent Form (PDF) from the official website of the Maine 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
Maine Change of Registered Agent Form – PDF
Maine Registered Agent – Requirement		Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, UCC and Commissions, 101 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0101

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Maine registered agent is $35. This fee will be paid to the Maine 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 Maine

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 Resident 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 Maine, 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 Resident Agent has given the nod to provide their services to the LLC. An additional filing fee (or expedited fee) might be charged. Check Maine Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Maine

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Maine. 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 Maine 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 Maine. 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 Maine Resident Agent only if they are the Maine resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Maine, 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 Maine?
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal and official documents on behalf of a company or corporation in Maine.
Who can serve as a registered agent in Maine?
In Maine, a registered agent can be an individual who is a resident of the state or a business entity authorized to do business in Maine and has a physical Maine address.
How do I change my registered agent in Maine?
To change your registered agent in Maine, you must file an Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation/Formation with the Maine Secretary of State and pay the required fee.
What is the fee for changing a registered agent in Maine?
The fee for changing a registered agent in Maine is $35.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Maine?
It typically takes the Maine Secretary of State 2-3 business days to process a request to change a registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent myself in Maine?
Yes, you can change your registered agent yourself by filing an Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation/Formation with the Maine Secretary of State.
Do I have to notify my old registered agent when I change my agent in Maine?
No, Maine law does not require notification of the old registered agent when changing to a new one.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in Maine?
If you don’t have a registered agent in Maine, you won’t be able to receive legally required notices, such as lawsuits or tax notices. This could result in serious legal consequences.
Can I be my own registered agent in Maine?
Yes, as long as you have a Maine physical address and are available during business hours to accept legal and official documents.
What are the requirements for a Maine registered agent?
The Maine registered agent must have a physical address in Maine, be available during business hours to accept legal documents and have the authority to accept service of process on behalf of your company.
Do I need to obtain a registered agent in Maine if I am a foreign business?
Yes, if you are a foreign business entity that is authorized to do business in Maine, you must obtain a registered agent in Maine.
When do I submit my paperwork to change my registered agent in Maine?
You can file your Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation/Formation to change your registered agent in Maine at any time.
What is the difference between a registered agent and a resident agent in Maine?
In Maine, there is no distinction between registered agents and resident agents.
Do I have to physically reside in Maine to be a registered agent in Maine?
No, you do not have to physically reside in Maine to be a registered agent in Maine, but you must have a physical Maine address.
Can a company be its own registered agent in Maine?
Yes, but the company must have a physical Maine address and be available during business hours to accept legal documents.
How do I verify my current registered agent in Maine?
You can verify your current registered agent in Maine by checking with the Maine Secretary of State or reviewing your Articles of Incorporation/Formation documents.
What happens to my current registered agent in Maine when I change my agent?
Your current registered agent in Maine will no longer serve in that capacity once you have successfully changed agents.
What if I want to change my registered agent again in Maine?
You can change your registered agent in Maine as many times as you wish by filing an Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation/Formation and paying the required fee.
How long does a Maine registered agent serve?
The registered agent serves indefinitely until the corporation or LLC declares a dissolution or until the agent resigns or is terminated.
Can I hire a registered agent service in Maine?
Yes, there are many registered agent service providers in Maine that offer this service for a fee.
Are there any penalties for failure to maintain a registered agent in Maine?
Yes, the state of Maine can administratively dissolve your corporation or LLC if there is no registered agent or if the registered agent has resigned without a replacement.
Can an individual be a registered agent for multiple companies in Maine?
Yes, one person or entity can serve as the registered agent for multiple companies in Maine.
Can I change my registered agent online in Maine?
No, Maine requires you to file an Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation/Formation on paper or in-person with the Maine Secretary of State’s office.
What happens to the old registered agent’s contact information in Maine?
The old registered agent’s contact information will remain on file with the Maine Secretary of State but will no longer receive notices on your behalf.
What information is included in the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation/Formation to change the registered agent in Maine?
The Amendment should include the name and address of the new registered agent, the date of the change, and the original effective date of the Articles or Certificate of Incorporation/Formation.
Can I serve as my own registered agent for my Maine corporation or LLC if I have been convicted of a felony?
Maine law permits any resident of Maine to serve as a registered agent even if they have been convicted of a felony.
Can I serve as a registered agent in Maine if I have moved out of state?
Unless the individual and corporation or LLC agreed earlier, registered agents in Maine cannot serve after regularly going out of residence in removing transactions, connections, or affections with the state or has stopped keeping such registration in Maine required by law.
Can I change the registered agent for my Maine LLC?
Yes, you can change the registered agent for your Maine LLC by submitting the appropriate forms and fees to the Maine Secretary of State’s office.
How do I change the registered agent for my Maine corporation?
To change the registered agent for your Maine corporation, you must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Maine Secretary of State’s office and pay the required fee.
What is the fee for changing the registered agent for a Maine business?
The fee for changing the registered agent for a Maine business is $35.
Can I use a PO Box as my registered agent address in Maine?
No, PO boxes cannot be used as the registered agent address for a business in Maine. You must have a physical street address.
How do I change the registered agent address for my Maine business?
To change the registered agent address for your Maine business, you must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Maine Secretary of State’s office and pay the required fee.
How long does it take to change the registered agent for a Maine business?
The processing time for changing the registered agent for a Maine business varies, but it generally takes a few days to a week.
Do I have to notify the existing registered agent of the change?
Yes, you are required to notify the existing registered agent of the change in writing.
Will the Maine Secretary of State provide me with a list of registered agents?
No, the Maine Secretary of State does not provide a list of registered agents.
Can I appoint a registered agent who does not live in Maine?
Yes, you can appoint a registered agent who does not live in Maine as long as they have a physical address in the state and are available during normal business hours to receive legal notices and service of process.
Can I appoint a lawyer as my registered agent in Maine?
Yes, you can appoint a lawyer as your registered agent in Maine.
How often can I change the registered agent for my Maine business?
There is no limit to how often you can change the registered agent for your Maine business.
Can I change the registered agent for a foreign corporation doing business in Maine?
Yes, you can change the registered agent for a foreign corporation doing business in Maine by filing an application for registration with the Maine Secretary of State’s office and paying the required fee.
Will changing the registered agent affect my business’s tax status in Maine?
No, changing the registered agent will not affect your business’s tax status in Maine.
How do I find a registered agent in Maine?
You can find a registered agent in Maine by searching online, or by contacting a registered agent service provider.
What is the penalty for not maintaining a registered agent in Maine?
The penalty for not maintaining a registered agent in Maine can include fines and the potential for default judgment in legal proceedings.
Can I appoint multiple registered agents for my Maine business?
No, you cannot appoint multiple registered agents for a business in Maine.
What is the difference between a registered agent and a statutory agent in Maine?
There is no difference between a registered agent and a statutory agent in Maine. The terms are used interchangeably.
Can I change the registered agent for my Maine non-profit organization?
Yes, you can change the registered agent for your Maine non-profit organization by filing a Change of Registered Agent form with the Maine Secretary of State’s office and paying the required fee.
How do I submit my Change of Registered Agent form to the Maine Secretary of State’s office?
You can submit your Change of Registered Agent form online, by mail, or in person to the Maine Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change my Maine business’s registered agent without changing its registered address?
Yes, you can change your Maine business’s registered agent without changing its registered address.
How do I know if my Maine business needs a registered agent?
If your Maine business is organized as an LLC, corporation, or non-profit organization, then it needs a registered agent.
Do I need a physical office in Maine to have a registered agent in the state?
No, you do not need a physical office in Maine to have a registered agent in the state.
What happens if I don’t change my Maine business’s registered agent when it moves to a different state?
You may need to qualify your Maine business as a foreign entity to do business in the new state, and you will need to designate a registered agent in that state.
Can I serve as the registered agent for a Maine business if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the nature of your criminal record. Some types of convictions may disqualify you from serving as a registered agent in Maine.
How do I resign as the registered agent for a Maine business?
You can resign as the registered agent for a Maine business by submitting a written notice of resignation to the business and the Maine Secretary of State’s office.

Also Read

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 Maine 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.

Leave a Comment