How to Change Registered Agents in Hawaii (HI) in 2025


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
Business Formation Expert
Steve 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 Hawaii

Changing an appointed Resident Agent is not a frequent activity in any business. While forming an LLC in Hawaii, it is mandatory to appoint a Registered Agent as a point of contact between the state and your LLC. However, there might be some times when changing of a registered agent is necessary. It might be the resignation or termination of the individual.

In Hawaii, also known as The Aloha State, there is a process to change the Resident Agent. In this article, the LLCBuddy editors come up with the methods available to change the registered agent in Hawaii. The statement of change can be filed online or offline (whichever method is convenient).

What is Resident Agent in Hawaii

The Hawaii 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 Hawaii, one must meet the following requirements,

registered agent
  1. The person must be or above 18 years old
  2. The person has to be a permanent resident of Hawaii
  3. The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in Hawaii
  4. The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in Hawaii

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

To change the Resident Agent in Hawaii, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $25 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Hawaii Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Hawaii 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 Hawaii Secretary of State’s official website
  • Log in to the portal using your credentials.
  • On your dashboard, you will find the option to update your documents.
  • 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 change of registered agent update 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 immediately.

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 Hawaii Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Hawaii 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
Hawaii Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Hawaii Registered Agent – Requirement
Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Registration Division, 335 Merchant St., P.O. Box 40, Honolulu, HI 96810

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Hawaii registered agent is $25. This fee will be paid to the Hawaii 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

 ZenBusiness Registered Agent – $199 Per Year

Registered Agent Consent Letter in Hawaii

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 Hawaii, 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 Hawaii Secretary of State for fee details.

BOI Reporting

As per the Corporation Transparency Act, from the 1st of January, 2024, every LLC and any other business entity must file the BOI report with FinCEN. In the BOI Report, the owner(s)’ details must be mentioned. It is to maintain the transparency of the organization. It is not required to mention the change of a registered agent while filing the BOI Report in Hawaii. However, it is recommended to maintain a proper process and document for any changes made inside the LLC to maintain transparency under any act.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Hawaii

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Hawaii. Some of the main and most important reasons are listed below,

Be Your Own Registered Agent

A prevalent 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 Hawaii 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. 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 Hawaii. 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 Hawaii Resident Agent only if they are the Hawaii resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Hawaii, you might need to change your registered agent because not all registered agents are eligible to work in different states. 

FAQs

How do I change my registered agent in Hawaii?
In order to change your registered agent in Hawaii, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the business registration division.
Can I serve as my own registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Hawaii as long as you have a physical address in the state where service of process can be made during normal business hours.
What information do I need to provide when changing my registered agent in Hawaii?
When changing your registered agent in Hawaii, you will need to provide the name and address of the new registered agent as well as the name and address of the entity for which the agent is being changed.
Is there a fee to change your registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes, there is a fee associated with changing your registered agent in Hawaii. Currently, the fee is $5 for online submissions and $10 for paper submissions.
How long does it take to process a change of registered agent in Hawaii?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in Hawaii can vary, but typically it takes around 2-3 business days for online submissions and 4-6 weeks for paper submissions.
What happens if I don’t update my registered agent information in Hawaii?
Failure to update your registered agent information in Hawaii can result in the loss of good standing status for your business entity and potentially fines or penalties.
Can I change my registered agent online in Hawaii?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online in Hawaii by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent through the business registration division’s online portal.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent about the change in Hawaii?
Yes, you are required to notify your current registered agent about the change in Hawaii. You should also obtain their signature on the Statement of Change of Registered Agent.
Can I change my registered agent to a different entity in Hawaii?
Yes, you can change your registered agent to a different entity in Hawaii as long as that entity is registered to act as a commercial registered agent.
Are there any restrictions on who can be a registered agent in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the registered agent must be either an individual who is a resident of the state or a business entity authorized to act as a commercial registered agent.
What is a registered agent in Hawaii?
A registered agent in Hawaii is a person or company designated to receive legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of a business.
Can I be my own registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Hawaii as long as you have a physical address in the state where legal documents can be delivered.
How do I find a registered agent in Hawaii?
You can choose a registered agent in Hawaii by looking up registered agent services online or using a registered agent directory.
Can I change my registered agent to a different company in Hawaii?
Yes, you can change your registered agent to a different company in Hawaii as long as the new agent meets the requirements.
How much does it cost to change registered agent in Hawaii?
The cost to change registered agent in Hawaii varies, but there is a filing fee required with the business registration division.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Hawaii?
If you do not change your registered agent in Hawaii, you may miss important legal notices and correspondence sent to your business.
How long does it take to change registered agent in Hawaii?
The process to change registered agent in Hawaii typically takes a few weeks once the necessary paperwork is submitted.
Do I need to notify anyone else when changing my registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes, you need to notify your current registered agent and update your information with the Hawaii business registration division.
Will changing my registered agent affect my business’s standing in Hawaii?
Changing your registered agent in Hawaii should not affect your business’s standing as long as you comply with all legal requirements.
What information do I need to provide to change my registered agent in Hawaii?
To change your registered agent in Hawaii, you will need to provide the name and address of the new agent, as well as the name of your business.
Can I change my registered agent to an out-of-state company in Hawaii?
Yes, you can change your registered agent to an out-of-state company in Hawaii as long as they are authorized to do business in the state.
Do I have to notify my customers or clients when changing my registered agent in Hawaii?
No, you do not have to notify your customers or clients when changing your registered agent in Hawaii, as this is an internal business matter.
Can I change my registered agent multiple times in Hawaii?
Yes, you can change your registered agent multiple times in Hawaii, but it is recommended to keep changes to a minimum to avoid confusion.
What happens to my old registered agent when I change in Hawaii?
Your old registered agent in Hawaii will be notified of the change and will no longer be responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of your business.
How do I verify the new registered agent I selected in Hawaii?
You can verify the new registered agent you selected in Hawaii by checking their credentials and reputation online or with the business registration division.
Can I change my registered agent without incurring any fees in Hawaii?
No, there is typically a fee associated with changing your registered agent in Hawaii, which must be paid to the business registration division.
What happens if I forget to update my registered agent in Hawaii?
If you forget to update your registered agent in Hawaii, you may miss important legal notices and face penalties for noncompliance.
Can I change my registered agent independent of any other business changes in Hawaii?
Yes, you can change your registered agent independently of any other business changes in Hawaii, as long as you follow the proper procedures.
Will changing my registered agent affect my business address in Hawaii?
Changing your registered agent in Hawaii should not affect your business address, as this solely pertains to who receives legal documents on your behalf.
Can I appoint a family member as my registered agent in Hawaii?
Yes, you can appoint a family member as your registered agent in Hawaii, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and have a physical address in the state.

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In Conclusion

Registered Agents are the most important individuals in an LLC. They must be trustworthy, capable, and efficient to handle all the paperwork and documentation. 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 Hawaii registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Resident Agent in Hawaii is not a complicated process, however, it is better to get a service provider, such as ZenBusiness. It not only offers the registered agent service at a reasonable price but also offers LLC formation at $0. 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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