How to Change Registered Agent in Wisconsin – 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 Wisconsin

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

What is Registered Agent in Wisconsin

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

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

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

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Wisconsin 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
Wisconsin Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Wisconsin Registered Agent – Requirement		State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293

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

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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Wisconsin

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin Registered Agent only if they are the Wisconsin resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin?
A registered agent is a person or entity responsible for receiving legal documents and other official communications on behalf of a business entity in Wisconsin.
How do you change a registered agent in Wisconsin?
To change a registered agent in Wisconsin, you need to file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Can I act as my own registered agent in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Wisconsin, as long as you have a physical address in the state of Wisconsin where legal documents can be served.
What are the requirements for a registered agent in Wisconsin?
A registered agent in Wisconsin must be a resident of the state or a corporation authorized to do business in Wisconsin with a physical address in the state.
Is there a fee to change registered agent in Wisconsin?
Yes, there is a $10 fee to change registered agent in Wisconsin.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Wisconsin?
It can take up to 5 business days for the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to process and approve a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form.
What happens if a business doesn’t have a registered agent in Wisconsin?
If a business doesn’t have a registered agent in Wisconsin, it can be fined or have its business status revoked.
Does a Wisconsin registered agent need a physical address?
Yes, a Wisconsin registered agent needs a physical address where legal documents can be served.
Can I change my registered agent without notifying anyone in Wisconsin?
No, you need to file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to change your registered agent in Wisconsin.
How do I find out who the current registered agent is in Wisconsin?
You can search the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions Business Entity Search database to find out who the current registered agent is for a business in Wisconsin.
How many registered agents can a business have in Wisconsin?
A business can have multiple registered agents in Wisconsin, as long as they all have a physical address in the state.
Can I change my registered agent online in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form online through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions eForm System.
What happens to legal documents if the registered agent changes in Wisconsin?
If the registered agent changes in Wisconsin, the new registered agent will be responsible for receiving all legal documents and other official communications for the business entity.
How do I notify clients and customers if I change my registered agent in Wisconsin?
It is not necessary to notify clients and customers of a change in registered agent in Wisconsin, but you may want to update your business records and contact information to reflect the change.
Can a business entity act as its own registered agent in Wisconsin?
Yes, a business entity can act as its own registered agent in Wisconsin if it has a physical address in the state.
Can a registered agent refuse to accept legal documents in Wisconsin?
No, a registered agent cannot refuse to accept legal documents in Wisconsin, or they could face legal consequences.
How often can you change your registered agent in Wisconsin?
There is no limit to how often you can change your registered agent in Wisconsin, as long as you file the appropriate paperwork with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
What is the process for changing a registered agent in Wisconsin?
To change a registered agent in Wisconsin, you need to file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Can I list a PO Box as my registered agent address in Wisconsin?
No, you cannot list a PO Box as your registered agent address in Wisconsin. The registered agent must have a physical address in the state.
Can I change my registered agent in Wisconsin if I am in a foreign country?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Wisconsin from a foreign country as long as you have access to the necessary paperwork and a reliable internet connection.
What happens if my registered agent in Wisconsin becomes unavailable?
If your registered agent in Wisconsin becomes unavailable, you need to appoint a new registered agent or act as your own registered agent before legal documents pile up and lead to legal consequences.
Do I need to hire a lawyer to change my registered agent in Wisconsin?
No, you don’t need to hire a lawyer to change your registered agent in Wisconsin since it’s easy to file for change online.
Can I change my registered agent in Wisconsin without going through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions?
No, you must file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions to change your registered agent in Wisconsin.
What is the liability of a registered agent in Wisconsin?
A registered agent in Wisconsin has limited liability and only covered what is mentioned under Act 31, Chapter 180, and other applicable law.
Do I need to cancel my current registered agent before changing Wisconsin?
No, submitting the necessary paperwork to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institution with all the necessary signatures is enough to relinquish the role of current registered agent and appoint a new one.
Can my registered agent in Wisconsin also be my corporation’s director?
Yes, your registered agent can also be your corporation’s director in Wisconsin.
Can a Wisconsin corporation act as its own registered agent?
A Wisconsin corporation can act as its own registered agent if it meets the requirements mentioned in the law.
Are there any legal consequences for removing a registered agent from a business in Wisconsin?
No, there are no legal consequences for removing a registered agent from a business in Wisconsin, as long as a new registered agent is promptly appointed and the respective paperwork is filed with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
What documents do I need to change my registered agent in Wisconsin?
To change your registered agent in Wisconsin, you need to file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form available on Wisconsin Department of Financial Institution website in the portal’s ‘Form’ section.
Do all businesses need a registered agent in Wisconsin?
Yes, according to Wisconsin state law, all businesses, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, are required to have a registered agent in the state.
Can a Wisconsin business serve as its own registered agent?
Yes, a company can serve as its own registered agent in Wisconsin, as long as it has a physical address in the state and meets other qualifications.
What are the qualifications to be a registered agent in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, a registered agent must be an individual or business entity that has a physical street address in the state and is available during all normal business hours to accept legal documents and official notices.
Can I change my Wisconsin registered agent at any time?
Yes, as long as your business has a new registered agent ready to take on the responsibilities, you can change your registered agent in Wisconsin at any time.
How do I change my registered agent in Wisconsin?
To change your registered agent in Wisconsin, you need to file a change of agent form with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and notify your old registered agent as well as your new one.
What is the Wisconsin change of agent form?
The Wisconsin change of agent form is a legal document that officially notifies the state of a change in your company’s registered agent.
Can I file the Wisconsin change of agent form online?
Yes, Wisconsin allows you to file the change of agent form online through the state’s e-file system.
Can I file the Wisconsin change of agent form by mail?
Yes, you can file the change of agent form by mail to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, PO Box 7846, Madison, WI, 53707-7846.
How do I notify my old Wisconsin registered agent and my new one that I’m changing agents?
You are required to notify your old registered agent in writing that you are changing agents, and you need to provide your new agent with a copy of the change of agent form.
How long does it take to change registered agent in Wisconsin?
The change of agent form is usually processed by the state quickly, but it may take a few business days to go into effect. You should inform your old agent and your new agent as soon as possible to ensure proper execution.
When should I change my registered agent in Wisconsin?
You should change your registered agent in Wisconsin when your old agent resigns or wants to be replaced, or when your business changes its physical location or its agent’s contact information changes.
Will my company experience any downtime during the agent change process in Wisconsin?
No, your business should not experience any downtime or disruptions when changing registered agents in Wisconsin.
Can I change my registered agent to another state in Wisconsin?
No, in Wisconsin you are not allowed to change your registered agent to a business entity that is not qualified to do business in the state.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in Wisconsin?
If you don’t have a registered agent in Wisconsin, you risk forfeiting your company’s good standing, encountering legal consequences and difficulty in receiving important legal documents and notifications in a timely manner.
Can I act as my Wisconsin company’s own registered agent if I’m an out-of-state resident?
No, in Wisconsin, the registered agent must reside in the state.
Can a registered agent be a member of the company in Wisconsin?
Yes, a member of the company can serve as a registered agent in Wisconsin.
Can a Wisconsin attorney be a registered agent for a company?
Yes, Wisconsin attorneys can serve as registered agents, although they will likely charge for the service.
Do I need to have a Wisconsin registered agent if my company is formed out of state but operates in Wisconsin?
Yes, if you’re doing business in Wisconsin, you need to have a registered agent in Wisconsin.
How will I know if the change of agent has been processed by the state in Wisconsin?
You can check the status of your change of agent form on the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website by searching your business’ name.
How will the state of Wisconsin notify me that my new agent has been recognized?
The state of Wisconsin does not provide any notification when a new agent is accepted, so it’s important to track the status of your change of agent through the department’s website.
After changing registered agents in Wisconsin, when will my new agent begin to receive mail?
Once the change of agent has been processed by the state, your new agent should start receiving mail immediately.
If I change my agent in Wisconsin, are there any other forms or filings I need to submit?
No, updating your registered agent through the change of agent form is the only document you’ll need to file in Wisconsin.
How often should I review my registered agent in Wisconsin?
It’s a good idea to review your registered agent annually, or anytime that your company makes any ownership or location changes to ensure your connection is currently effective and all information is up to date.
Is it legal to have multiple registered agents for a Wisconsin company?
No, a company is not allowed to have multiple registered agents in Wisconsin.
How do I obtain a copy of the Wisconsin change of agent form?
You can download the Wisconsin change of agent form directly from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions 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 Wisconsin 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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