How to Change Registered Agent in North Dakota – 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 North Dakota

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

What is Registered Agent in North Dakota

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

You can also be your own registered agent in North Dakota. 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 North Dakota

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

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota Statement of Change (PDF) from the official website of the North Dakota 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
North Dakota Statement of Change – PDF
North Dakota Registered Agent – Requirement		North Dakota, 600 E Boulevard Avenue Dept 108, Bismarck ND 58505-0500

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

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 North Dakota, 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 North Dakota Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in North Dakota

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in North Dakota. 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota. 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 North Dakota Registered Agent only if they are the North Dakota resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in North Dakota, 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 North Dakota?
In North Dakota, a registered agent is a person or a business authorized to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of a corporation, LLC, or partnership.
Can I change my North Dakota registered agent address?
Yes, you can change your North Dakota registered agent address by filing a Change of Registered Office or Agent form with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
What is the fee to change registered agent in North Dakota?
The fee to change registered agent in North Dakota is $10.
Can I be my own registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in North Dakota as long as you are a resident of North Dakota or have a physical address in the state.
Why would I need to change my North Dakota registered agent?
You may need to change your North Dakota registered agent if you have moved or the agent you currently have is not providing the level of service you need.
How do I change my North Dakota registered agent?
To change your North Dakota registered agent, you need to file a Change of Registered Office or Agent form with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in North Dakota?
It takes about 7-10 business days to process a Change of Registered Office or Agent form in North Dakota.
Is there a form to change a registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, you need to complete and file a Change of Registered Office or Agent form with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
What is the penalty for not having a registered agent in North Dakota?
If a North Dakota corporation or LLC doesn’t have a registered agent, the state may administratively dissolve or revoke its authority to do business in the state.
Can I hire a registered agent service in North Dakota?
Yes, you can hire a registered agent service in North Dakota.
What is the role of a registered agent in North Dakota?
The role of a registered agent in North Dakota is to receive official documents and notices from the state and other parties on behalf of a corporation or LLC.
Can I change my registered agent in North Dakota without a new filing?
No, you cannot change your registered agent in North Dakota without filing a Change of Registered Office or Agent form with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Do I need to inform the old agent of the change in North Dakota?
No, you don’t need to inform the old agent of the change in North Dakota.
How do I find a registered agent in North Dakota?
You can search for registered agents in North Dakota using the online database on the Secretary of State’s website.
Can a lawyer or law firm be a registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, a lawyer or law firm can be a registered agent in North Dakota.
Can I change my North Dakota registered agent online?
No, you cannot change your North Dakota registered agent online. You need to file a Change of Registered Office or Agent form with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Is there a residency requirement for a North Dakota registered agent?
Yes, a North Dakota registered agent must be a resident or have a physical address in North Dakota.
What happens if I don’t change my North Dakota registered agent?
If you don’t change your North Dakota registered agent, you may not receive important legal documents or notices.
Can I change my North Dakota registered agent multiple times?
Yes, you can change your North Dakota registered agent multiple times by filing a new Change of Registered Office or Agent form with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Can an out-of-state resident be a North Dakota registered agent?
No, an out-of-state resident cannot be a North Dakota registered agent.
What if I don’t have a physical address in North Dakota?
If you don’t have a physical address in North Dakota, you can use a registered agent service or rent an address from a virtual office provider.
How do I contact the North Dakota Secretary of State?
You can contact the North Dakota Secretary of State by phone, fax, email, or mail.
Can I change my registered agent in North Dakota myself or do I need a lawyer?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in North Dakota yourself. You don’t need a lawyer to do it.
Is there a deadline for changing my North Dakota registered agent?
No, there is no deadline for changing your North Dakota registered agent. However, it’s best to do it as soon as possible if your current agent is not providing adequate service.
Can I have more than one registered agent in North Dakota?
No, you can’t have more than one registered agent in North Dakota.
Do I need to notify my North Dakota registered agent of legal proceedings?
No, legal proceedings will be served to your registered agent automatically by the court or the plaintiff.
How can I monitor my North Dakota registered agent’s services?
You can monitor your North Dakota registered agent’s services by reviewing the documents they forward to you and by contacting them directly if you have any questions.
What is the deadline for my new North Dakota registered agent to be effective?
The effective date of your new North Dakota registered agent is the date the Change of Registered Office or Agent form is filed with the Secretary of State.
What is the definition of a registered agent in North Dakota?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal documents and notifications on behalf of a business entity in North Dakota.
Can I change my North Dakota registered agent at any time?
Yes, you may change your North Dakota registered agent at any time, provided that you follow the proper procedures as outlined by the state.
What is the cost to change my North Dakota registered agent?
The cost to change your North Dakota registered agent is $15.
Are there any additional fees associated with changing my North Dakota registered agent?
No, there are no additional fees associated with changing your North Dakota registered agent.
What is the North Dakota registered agent’s role during a lawsuit?
The North Dakota registered agent receives service of process on behalf of the entity and forwards this to the entity’s designated representative or to the entity itself.
What happens if I fail to change my North Dakota registered agent?
If you fail to change your North Dakota registered agent, you may not receive important legal documents and may not be in compliance with state law.
Who can be my North Dakota registered agent?
Your North Dakota registered agent can be any individual or commercial organization with a code of ethics and designated to receive your business papers and notifications.
Can I act as my own North Dakota registered agent?
Yes, you may act as your own North Dakota registered agent. However, your registered agent must have a physical address in North Dakota.
Can a North Dakota registered agent be a corporation?
Yes, a North Dakota registered agent may be a corporation.
What information is required to include when I file change of North Dakota registered agent form?
When you file your change of North Dakota registered agent form, you will need to include the name and address of your new registered agent or agent .
Can I change my North Dakota registered agent’s service of process address?
Yes, you can change your North Dakota registered agent’s service of process address by filing the appropriate form with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Do I have to notify my old North Dakota registered agent when I change agents?
No, you are not required to notify your old North Dakota registered agent when you change agents.
How long does it take to complete a change of North Dakota registered agent?
The time it takes to complete a change of North Dakota registered agent will vary depending on processing times with the Secretary of State’s office.
Do I need to provide any additional information to the state when changing my North Dakota registered agent?
No, you do not need to provide any additional information to the state when changing your North Dakota registered agent, other than the appropriate forms and fees.
Does my North Dakota registered agent need to agree to the change?
No, your North Dakota registered agent does not need to agree to the change.
Is my North Dakota registered agent’s name made public?
Yes, your North Dakota registered agent’s name is made public under state law.
Will I receive a confirmation notice once my North Dakota registered agent has been changed?
Yes, the North Dakota Secretary of State will send a confirmation notice once your North Dakota registered agent has been changed.
Can a North Dakota registered agent be changed for failure to perform duties?
Yes, a North Dakota registered agent can be changed if they do not perform their duties as designated.
Can I change my North Dakota registered agent by mail?
Yes, you may change your North Dakota registered agent by mail by submitting the appropriate forms and fees to the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Is there a penalty for unauthorized practice as a registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, there are penalties for unauthorized practice as a registered agent in North Dakota, including civil and criminal sanctions.
Is the North Dakota registered agent required to have a physical address?
Yes, your North Dakota registered agent must have a physical address within the state.
Can I use a PO Box for my North Dakota registered agent’s address?
No, you cannot use a PO Box for your North Dakota registered agent’s address.
Do I need to file a new North Dakota annual report when I change my registered agent?
No, you do not need to file a new North Dakota annual report when you change your registered agent.
Can an employee of my company be the North Dakota registered agent?
Yes, an employee of your company can be the North Dakota registered agent, provided that they have a physical address in North Dakota.
Can I have multiple North Dakota registered agents?
No, you can only have one North Dakota registered agent at a time.
Is there a deadline to complete the North Dakota registered agent change process?
No, there is no specific deadline to complete the North Dakota registered agent change process. However, it is recommended that you complete the process as soon as possible.

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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 North Dakota 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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