How to Change Registered Agent in Michigan – 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 Michigan

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

What is Resident Agent in Michigan

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

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

To change the Resident Agent in Michigan, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $5 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Michigan Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Michigan 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
Michigan Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Michigan Registered Agent – Requirement		Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Corporations, Securities & Commercial Licensing Bureau — Corporations Division, P.O. Box 30054, Lansing, MI 48909

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Michigan registered agent is $5. This fee will be paid to the Michigan 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 Michigan

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 Michigan, there is no separate Consent Letter to be produced to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You must get the Certificate 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 Michigan Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Michigan

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Michigan. 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 Michigan 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 Michigan. 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 Michigan Resident Agent only if they are the Michigan resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Michigan, 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 Michigan?
To change your registered agent in Michigan, you need to complete and file the appropriate forms with the state of Michigan.
Can I change my registered agent online in Michigan?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online in Michigan by using the Michigan Business One Stop system.
What is the cost to change a registered agent in Michigan?
The cost to change a registered agent in Michigan varies depending on the processing options you choose.
What is the processing time for changing a registered agent in Michigan?
The processing time for changing a registered agent in Michigan varies depending on the processing options you choose.
What is the penalty for not having a registered agent in Michigan?
If you do not have a registered agent in Michigan, your business may be subject to administrative dissolution.
Can I be my own registered agent in Michigan?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Michigan as long as you have a physical address in the state.
What are the requirements for a registered agent in Michigan?
The requirements for a registered agent in Michigan include having a physical address in the state and being available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of your business.
Who can serve as a registered agent in Michigan?
Anyone who meets the requirements for a registered agent in Michigan can serve as your registered agent.
Do I have to notify the state of Michigan when I change my registered agent?
Yes, you have to notify the state of Michigan when you change your registered agent by filing the appropriate forms with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Can I change my registered agent mid-year in Michigan?
Yes, you can change your registered agent mid-year in Michigan, but you may have to pay an additional fee and file additional paperwork.
Will my registered agent be notified when I change them in Michigan?
Yes, your current registered agent will be notified when you change them in Michigan.
Can I change my registered agent for free in Michigan?
No, you cannot change your registered agent for free in Michigan.
Do I have to have a physical address in Michigan to be a registered agent?
Yes, you have to have a physical address in Michigan to be a registered agent.
When does my new registered agent officially take over in Michigan?
Your new registered agent officially takes over in Michigan once the state has processed and approved your change of registered agent form.
Can I change my registered agent if I’ve already filed my initial paperwork in Michigan?
Yes, you can change your registered agent if you’ve already filed your initial paperwork in Michigan by filing the appropriate forms with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Michigan?
If you don’t change your registered agent in Michigan, you may be subject to administrative dissolution of your business.
Do I have to update my registered agent annually in Michigan?
No, you do not have to update your registered agent annually in Michigan.
Can a lawyer be my registered agent in Michigan?
Yes, a lawyer can be your registered agent in Michigan as long as they have a physical address in the state.
Can I have multiple registered agents in Michigan?
No, you cannot have multiple registered agents in Michigan.
Can I change my registered agent to a different state in Michigan?
No, you cannot change your registered agent to a different state in Michigan.
Can I submit my change of registered agent form by mail in Michigan?
Yes, you can submit your change of registered agent form by mail in Michigan.
Will I receive confirmation from the state when my registered agent has been changed in Michigan?
Yes, you will receive confirmation from the state when your registered agent has been changed in Michigan.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple businesses at the same time in Michigan?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for multiple businesses at the same time in Michigan by filing the appropriate forms.
What is a registered agent’s role in Michigan?
A registered agent’s role in Michigan is to accept legal documents on behalf of your business and forward them to you.
Can I change my registered agent to an individual or does it have to be a company in Michigan?
You can choose to change your registered agent to an individual or a company in Michigan.
Can I choose any company to be my registered agent in Michigan?
No, the company you choose to be your registered agent in Michigan must be authorized to do business in that state.
Where do I find the form to change my registered agent in Michigan?
You can find the form to change your registered agent in Michigan on the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs website.
Are there any fees for changing my registered agent in Michigan?
Yes, there is a fee to change your registered agent in Michigan. The fee is currently $25.
Do I need to notify my old registered agent of the change in Michigan?
No, you are not required to notify your old registered agent of the change in Michigan. However, it’s always good business practice to do so.
Can I make the change online in Michigan?
No, you cannot change your registered agent online in Michigan. The form must be filed by mail or in person.
Can I appoint myself as my registered agent in Michigan?
Yes, you can appoint yourself as your registered agent in Michigan as long as you have a physical address in the state.
What kind of information do I need to provide about my new registered agent when changing in Michigan?
You’ll need to provide the name and physical address of your new registered agent when changing in Michigan.
How long does it take for the change to be processed in Michigan?
It typically takes 5-7 business days for the change to be processed in Michigan.
Can I change my registered agent as part of my annual report filing in Michigan?
No, you must file a separate form to change your registered agent in Michigan.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Michigan after moving my business to a new state?
If you don’t change your registered agent in Michigan after moving your business to a new state, you may be subject to penalties and fines.
Can I use a commercial registered agent in Michigan?
Yes, you can use a commercial registered agent in Michigan.
Can I change my registered agent to a PO box in Michigan?
No, you cannot use a PO box as your registered agent address in Michigan.
If I change my registered agent in Michigan, will my Employer Identification Number (EIN) change?
No, changing your registered agent in Michigan will not change your Employer Identification Number (EIN).
What if I need to change my registered agent again after already changing it once in Michigan?
You can change your registered agent as many times as needed in Michigan. Simply file another change form with the state.
What if my new registered agent is located outside of Michigan?
Your registered agent must have a physical address in Michigan.
What if my registered agent information becomes outdated in Michigan?
If your registered agent information becomes outdated in Michigan, you must file a new change form with updated information.
Do I need to obtain my new registered agent’s consent before changing in Michigan?
Yes, you must obtain your new registered agent’s consent before changing in Michigan.
What if I want to change both my registered agent and my business address in Michigan?
You must file separate forms for changing your registered agent and your business address in Michigan.
Can my attorney be my registered agent in Michigan?
Yes, your attorney can serve as your registered agent in Michigan, as long as they have a physical address in the state.
Does my registered agent need to be available during business hours in Michigan?
Yes, your registered agent must be available to accept documents during regular business hours in Michigan.
Can I use a friend’s address as my registered agent in Michigan?
No, you cannot use a friend’s address as your registered agent in Michigan.
What if I don’t have a physical address for my business in Michigan?
You cannot use a PO box or other non-physical address in Michigan. You may need to obtain a registered office address for your business.
Do I need to notify my customers or clients of the change in registered agent in Michigan?
No, you are not required to notify your customers or clients of the change in registered agent in Michigan.
What if I want to change my registered agent back to my previous one in Michigan?
You can change your registered agent back to your previous one in Michigan. Simply file another change form with the state.
What if I have multiple businesses registered to the same agent in Michigan?
You’ll need to file a separate change form for each business registered to the same agent in Michigan.
What if I do not have a registered agent for my business in Michigan?
If you do not have a registered agent for your business in Michigan, you will need to appoint one before registering with the Secretary of State’s office.
What if I have questions about changing my registered agent in Michigan?
If you have questions about changing your registered agent in Michigan, you can contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for assistance.
Will my business operations be interrupted when I change my registered agent in Michigan?
No, your business operations should not be interrupted when you change your registered agent in Michigan. However, it’s a good idea to communicate with your new agent to make sure they’re expecting any legal documents or correspondence.

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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 Michigan 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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