How to Change Registered Agent in Missouri – 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 Missouri

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

What is Registered Agent in Missouri

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

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

To change the Registered Agent in Missouri, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $10 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Missouri Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Missouri 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 Missouri 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 Missouri Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Missouri 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
Missouri Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Missouri Registered Agent – Requirement		Corporations Unit, James C. Kirkpatrick State Information Center, P.O. Box 778, Jefferson City, MO 65102

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Missouri registered agent is $10. This fee will be paid to the Missouri 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 Missouri

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 Missouri, 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 Missouri Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Missouri

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Missouri. 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 Missouri 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 Missouri. 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 Missouri Registered Agent only if they are the Missouri resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Missouri, 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 Missouri?
In Missouri, a registered agent is an individual or business entity that is designated by a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation to receive official legal and tax documents on behalf of the company.
Question:Why would I want to change my registered agent in Missouri?
You may want to change your registered agent in Missouri if your current agent is no longer willing or able to perform their duties effectively, or if you wish to switch to a different agent who can offer additional services.
How do I obtain the necessary paperwork to change my registered agent in Missouri?
In Missouri, you can obtain the necessary paperwork to change your registered agent by requesting it from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office or by downloading it from their website.
Question:What is the maximum fee that a registered agent in Missouri can charge?
There is no maximum fee that a registered agent in Missouri can charge, but the fee should be reasonable and must be disclosed in writing to the LLC’s members or corporation’s shareholders.
Question:Can I be my own registered agent in Missouri?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Missouri if you meet the state’s requirements, which include having a street address in the state, being available during regular business hours, and consenting to the appointment in writing.
Question:Can a corporation or LLC serve as its own registered agent in Missouri?
No, a corporation or LLC cannot serve as its own registered agent in Missouri. The registered agent must be an individual or a business entity that is registered to do business in the state and has a physical address in Missouri.
Question:How long does it take to change a registered agent in Missouri?
It takes approximately 10-14 days to complete the process of changing a registered agent in Missouri.
Question:What are some common reasons Missouri states entities may need to change registered agents?
Some common reasons that Missouri entities may need to change their registered agents include increased fees or less than professional service from the current registered agent.
Question:Can I change my Missouri registered agent by mail?
Yes, you can change your Missouri registered agent by mail. You must complete and sign Form REG/REC-156 and mail it to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office along with the required fee.
Question:Can I change my Missouri registered agent online?
Yes, you can change your Missouri registered agent online by filing Form CORP/LLC-60.10 and paying the required fee through the Missouri Secretary of State’s online portal.
Question:What happens if I don’t appoint a registered agent in Missouri?
If you do not appoint a registered agent in Missouri, your LLC or corporation may face legal and financial consequences, such as being unable to receive important legal documents, being subject to monetary penalties and fines, and even risking the forfeiture of the company’s right to do business in the state.
Question:Can I use a PO Box address for my registered agent in Missouri?
No, you cannot use a PO Box address for your registered agent in Missouri. The registered agent must have a physical street address in Missouri.
Question:How long is my Missouri registered agent appointment valid?
Your Missouri registered agent appointment is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Question:Can I change my Missouri registered agent back to the original agent?
Yes, you can change your Missouri registered agent back to the original agent as long as they are still able and willing to serve in that capacity.
Question:Does my Missouri registered agent agreement need to be in writing?
There is no requirement in Missouri law that the registered agent agreement needs to be in writing, but it is recommended to have it in writing to avoid confusion or disputes.
Question:Can I change the registered agent for multiple entities on one form in Missouri?
Yes, you can change the registered agent for multiple entities on one form in Missouri. You must use Form REG/REC-156 and provide a list of all the entities on the same form with the appropriate filing fees.
Question:What is the fee for changing the registered agent in Missouri?
The fee for changing the registered agent in Missouri is $25 for each entity that needs to be changed.
Question:Who can change the Missouri registered agent for an entity?
Only the members (if an LLC) or shareholders (if a corporation) can change the Missouri registered agent for their entity.
Question:When should I submit the Form REG/REC-156 to change my Missouri registered agent?
You should submit Form REG/REC-156 to change your Missouri registered agent as soon as possible to avoid any delays or issues with receiving important legal and tax documents.
Question:Is there a deadline for changing my registered agent in Missouri?
There is no specific deadline for changing your registered agent in Missouri, but it should be done whenever the need arises.
Question:Will I need to notify the old registered agent when I change my agent in Missouri?
Yes, you will need to notify the old registered agent when you change your agent in Missouri to ensure a smooth transition of service.
Question:How will I know when Missouri accepts my registered agent change document?
You will receive an acknowledgment letter from the Missouri Secretary of State’s office once your registered agent change document has been received and accepted.
Question:What is the process for changing a registered agent due to death or incapacity in Missouri?
If a registered agent in Missouri dies or becomes incapacitated, the entity must submit a Form AP-E024 to appoint a new registered agent. The form must include the old and new registered agent’s names and addresses, as well as the reason for the change.
Question:How can I verify that my Missouri registered agent change has been processed?
You can verify that your Missouri registered agent change has been processed by reviewing the publicly available records on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.
Question:Are there any Missouri laws that prohibit certain individuals from acting as registered agents?
There are no Missouri laws that prohibit any specific individuals from acting as registered agents, but the agent must be a resident of or business entity registered in the state.
How do I change my registered agent in Missouri?
To change your registered agent in Missouri, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office with the Missouri Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Missouri?
The fee for changing a registered agent in Missouri is $10 if filed online, or $50 if filed by mail.
Can I be my own registered agent in Missouri?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Missouri as long as you have a physical address in the state where legal documents can be personally delivered.
Can a registered agent in Missouri be a corporation?
Yes, a corporation can be designated as a registered agent in Missouri as long as it is authorized to do business in the state.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Missouri?
The processing time for changing a registered agent in Missouri can vary, but it usually takes around 1-2 business days if filed online.
Do I need to notify my old registered agent of the change in Missouri?
No, you do not need to notify your old registered agent of the change in Missouri, but you must provide them with written notice of termination.
Do I need to have a physical address in Missouri to be a registered agent?
Yes, a registered agent in Missouri must have a physical street address in the state.
Can I temporarily change my registered agent in Missouri?
Yes, you can make a temporary change to your registered agent in Missouri by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office with the Secretary of State.
What happens if my registered agent resigns in Missouri?
If your registered agent resigns in Missouri, you must appoint a new registered agent and file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office.
Can I change my registered agent online in Missouri?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online in Missouri by submitting a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office through the Secretary of State’s website.
What happens if I fail to maintain a registered agent for my Missouri business?
If you fail to maintain a registered agent for your Missouri business, the Secretary of State may revoke your business’s certificate of authority to transact business in the state.
Can I change my registered agent without the consent of my Missouri LLC or corporation?
No, you cannot change your registered agent without the consent of your Missouri LLC or corporation.
How many registered agents can a Missouri LLC have?
A Missouri LLC can have as many registered agents as it wants, but it must have at least one.
Can a non-resident of Missouri be a registered agent for a Missouri business?
Yes, a non-resident of Missouri can be a registered agent for a Missouri business as long as they have a registered office in the state.
What is the purpose of a registered agent in Missouri?
The purpose of a registered agent in Missouri is to receive official mail and legal documents on behalf of a business entity.
Can a Missouri registered agent act as the business’s attorney?
No, a Missouri registered agent cannot serve as the business’s attorney unless they are also a licensed attorney in Missouri.
Can a Missouri registered agent refuse service of process?
No, a Missouri registered agent cannot refuse service of process.
What is a statutory agent in Missouri?
A statutory agent in Missouri is the same as a registered agent, which is a person or entity designated to receive service of process and other official correspondence on behalf of a business entity.
What if I move my Missouri business to another state?
If you move your Missouri business to another state, you must file a Certificate of Termination with the Missouri Secretary of State, and appoint a new registered agent in your new state.
Can I change my registered office at the same time as my registered agent in Missouri?
Yes, you can change your registered office at the same time as your registered agent in Missouri by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office.
Do I need to give notice to my Missouri creditors of a change in registered agent?
No, you do not need to give notice to creditors of a change in registered agent in Missouri.
What is the penalty for failure to maintain a registered agent in Missouri?
The penalty for failure to maintain a registered agent in Missouri is the revocation of your business’s certificate of authority to transact business in the state.
Can I change my Missouri registered agent in the middle of a lawsuit?
Yes, you can change your Missouri registered agent in the middle of a lawsuit, but you must notify all parties involved in the lawsuit of the change.
Can a Missouri registered agent approve or sign contracts on behalf of the business?
No, a Missouri registered agent cannot approve or sign contracts on behalf of the business unless they have been authorized to do so by the business entity.
What is the benefit of using a professional registered agent service in Missouri?
A professional registered agent service in Missouri can provide a physical street address, reliable service, and help keep your business in good legal standing.
Can I change the name of my registered agent when I file for a change in Missouri?
Yes, you can change the name of your registered agent when you file for a change in Missouri, but you must provide their new name and contact information.

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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 Missouri 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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