How to Change Registered Agent in Louisiana – A Complete Guide

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Change registered agent in Louisiana

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

What is Resident Agent in Louisiana

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

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

To change the Resident Agent in Louisiana, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $30 (for credits card payment) & $25 (for other mode of payment) to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Louisiana Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana Transmittal Information (PDF) from the official website of the Louisiana 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
Louisiana Transmittal Information – PDF
Louisiana Registered Agent – Requirement		State of Louisiana Secretary of State, P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Louisiana registered agent is $30 (for credits card payment) & $25 (for other mode of payment). This fee will be paid to the Louisiana 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.

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Registered Agent Consent Letter in Louisiana

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 Louisiana, 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 Louisiana Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Louisiana

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Louisiana. 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 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 Louisiana Resident Agent only if they are the Louisiana resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Louisiana, 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 Louisiana?
A registered agent is a person or entity designated to receive legal documents and government notices on behalf of a business entity in Louisiana.
How do I change my registered agent in Louisiana?
To change your registered agent in Louisiana, you will need to file the appropriate form with the Secretary of State.
Which form do I need to file to change my registered agent in Louisiana?
You will need to file Form 3441 with the Louisiana Secretary of State to change your registered agent.
Is there a fee to change my registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, there is a $25 fee to change your registered agent in Louisiana.
Can I change my registered agent online in Louisiana?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online through Louisiana’s business portal.
Can I file my registered agent change form by mail in Louisiana?
Yes, you can file your registered agent change form by mail in Louisiana.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in Louisiana?
It generally takes 2-3 business days to process a registered agent change request filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent myself in Louisiana or do I need an attorney?
You can change your registered agent yourself in Louisiana or you may hire an attorney to do it for you.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Louisiana?
If you do not have a registered agent listed on file with the Louisiana Secretary of State, your business may fall out of legal compliance and face penalties.
What if my registered agent resigns in Louisiana?
If your registered agent resigns in Louisiana, you will need to find a new registered agent and file a new form with the Secretary of State to make the change.
What if I move out of state but my business is still in Louisiana?
If you move out of state but your business is still registered in Louisiana, you will need to appoint a new registered agent based in Louisiana.
What if my registered agent moves out of Louisiana?
If your registered agent moves out of Louisiana, you will need to find a new registered agent based in Louisiana and file a new form with the Secretary of State to make the change.
How often do I need to change my registered agent in Louisiana?
You only need to change your registered agent in Louisiana if your current agent resigns or if you choose to appoint a new agent for another reason.
Do I need to notify anyone else about the change of registered agent in Louisiana?
No, you only need to notify the Louisiana Secretary of State about the change of registered agent.
Can I appoint myself as my business’s registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, you can serve as your business’s registered agent in Louisiana if you meet the residency requirement.
Can a corporation or LLC serve as my registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, a corporation or LLC can serve as a registered agent in Louisiana as long as it is authorized to do business in the state.
Can a nonresident serve as my registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, a nonresident can serve as a registered agent in Louisiana as long as they have a physical address within the state.
Do I need to notify my old registered agent of the change in Louisiana?
No, you do not need to notify your old registered agent of the change in Louisiana.
Can a family member serve as my registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, a family member can serve as your registered agent in Louisiana as long as they meet the residency requirement and have a physical address in the state.
Can I change my registered agent at any time in Louisiana?
Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time in Louisiana.
Can I name multiple registered agents for my Louisiana business?
No, you can only name one registered agent for your Louisiana business at a time.
What is the deadline to change my registered agent in Louisiana?
There is no deadline to change your registered agent in Louisiana, but it’s recommended to do so as soon as possible.
What happens to my legal notices if I change my registered agent in Louisiana?
All legal notices and government documents addressed to your previous registered agent will be forwarded to your new agent in Louisiana.
Can a registered agent decline their appointment in Louisiana?
Yes, a registered agent can decline their appointment in Louisiana by notifying the appointing entity in writing.
Do I need to provide an original signature on the registered agent change form in Louisiana?
No, a stamped or printed electronic signature is acceptable on the registered agent change form in Louisiana.
How do I know if my registered agent change has been accepted in Louisiana?
You will receive a confirmation letter from the Louisiana Secretary of State once your registered agent change has been processed.
Should I consult an attorney before changing my registered agent in Louisiana?
It is recommended to consult an attorney before changing your registered agent in Louisiana if you are unsure about the process or legal implications.
What is the fee to change my registered agent in Louisiana?
The fee is $25 to change your registered agent in Louisiana.
How long does it take for Louisiana to process my change of registered agent filing?
It typically takes 5-7 business days for the Louisiana Secretary of State to process a change of registered agent filing.
Do I need to notify clients if I change my registered agent in Louisiana?
No, you do not need to notify clients if you change your registered agent in Louisiana.
When should I change my registered agent in Louisiana?
You should change your registered agent in Louisiana if you switch a registered agent service or if you move your business premises to another state.
What is the penalty if I do not update my registered agent information in Louisiana?
Failure to update your registered agent information in Louisiana may result in the loss of good standing for your business with the state of Louisiana.
What is the registered agent’s main role in Louisiana?
The registered agent’s main role in Louisiana is to receive legal documents on behalf of the business.
Can I act as my own registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Louisiana if you have a physical location in the state.
How long should the registered agent agreement be signed in Louisiana?
The registered agent agreement should be signed in Louisiana for the same term as the business’s annual report.
Does the registered agent need to be a Louisiana resident in order to qualify?
No, the registered agent does not need to be a Louisiana resident but they need to have an in-state physical address.
What constitutes a valid location for the registered agent address in Louisiana?
Louisiana requires a physical address, which can be a street address, a PO box, or a mailbox, to be the registered agent’s address of record.
Can an LLC be its own registered agent in Louisiana?
Yes, an LLC can be its own registered agent in Louisiana, provided it has a physical location in the state.
Can I change my commercial or residential office to my registered agent address in Louisiana?
Yes, you can change your commercial or residential office to your registered agent address in Louisiana if it has a physical presence in the state.
What are the requirements for the registered agent in Louisiana?
The registered agent in Louisiana must have an in-state physical address and be available during regular business hours.
When should I renew my registered agent service in Louisiana?
You should renew your registered agent service in Louisiana each year before your company’s annual report is due.
Can I use a mail forwarding service as my registered agent in Louisiana?
No, you cannot use a mail forwarding service as your registered agent in Louisiana. The registered agent must have an in-state physical address.
Can I change my registered agent before or after my annual report is due in Louisiana?
You should change your registered agent before your annual report is due in Louisiana to ensure you receive any important legal notices.
Is hiring a professional to be my registered agent worth the cost in Louisiana?
Yes, hiring a professional to be your registered agent in Louisiana is worth the cost. It ensures someone will always be available to receive important legal notices and the official information relevant to your business.
What entities are required to have a registered agent in Louisiana?
All entities such as domestic and foreign LLCs and corporations, as well as non-profits and partnerships, must have a registered agent in Louisiana.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in Louisiana?
If you don’t have a registered agent in Louisiana, your company may default, rendering it unable to conduct business legally in the state.
Can I change my registered agent if my business is currently involved in legal action in Louisiana?
No, you cannot change your registered agent if your business is currently involved in legal action in Louisiana until the matter is resolved.
Who can act as a registered agent for a business in Louisiana?
The registered agent for a business in Louisiana can be an individual, another business entity, or a professional registered agent service that is authorized to conduct business in Louisiana.
Can a registered agent resign in Louisiana?
Yes, a registered agent can resign in Louisiana by filing a statement with the Louisiana Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent through a power of attorney in Louisiana?
No, you cannot change your registered agent through a power of attorney in Louisiana; a filing with the secretary of state is necessary.
Do I need to notify the current registered agent before changing them in Louisiana?
No, you do not need to notify the current registered agent before changing them in Louisiana.
Is there a deadline to change my registered agent in Louisiana?
No, there is not a particular deadline to change your registered agent in Louisiana, but it is recommended that you make the change as soon as possible.
Is there any obligation to notify governmental entities when changing the registered agent in Louisiana?
No, it isn’t a requirement to notify governmental entities when changing the registered agent in Louisiana.

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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 Louisiana 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.


About Author & Editorial Staff

Steve Goldstein, founder of LLCBuddy, is a specialist in corporate formations, dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through the LLC process. LLCBuddy provides a wealth of streamlined resources such as guides, articles, and FAQs, making LLC establishment seamless. The diligent editorial staff makes sure content is accurate, up-to-date information on topics like state-specific requirements, registered agents, and compliance. Steve's enthusiasm for entrepreneurship makes LLCBuddy an essential and trustworthy resource for launching and running an LLC.

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