How to Change Registered Agent in Minnesota – 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 Minnesota

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

What is Registered Agent in Minnesota

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

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

To change the Registered Agent in Minnesota, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $55 (online) and $35 (offline) to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Minnesota Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Minnesota 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
Minnesota Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Minnesota Registered Agent – Requirement
Minnesota Secretary of State — Business Services, Retirement Systems of Minnesota Building, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 100, St Paul, MN 55103

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Minnesota registered agent is $55 (online) and $35 (offline). This fee will be paid to the Minnesota 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

 LegalZoom Registered Agent – $299 Per Year

Registered Agent Consent Letter in Minnesota

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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Minnesota

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Minnesota. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota. 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 Minnesota Registered Agent only if they are the Minnesota resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota?
A registered agent in Minnesota is a person or entity designated to receive legal and other important documents on behalf of a business entity.
Why do I need a registered agent in Minnesota for my business?
In Minnesota, every business must designate a registered agent to receive important legal paperwork on behalf of the business.
Can I be my own registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, in Minnesota, a business owner or officer of the business can be the registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, you can change your Minnesota registered agent at any time by filing the appropriate paperwork with the State of Minnesota.
How do I change my registered agent in Minnesota?
You can change your Minnesota registered agent by filing the required paperwork with the Minnesota Secretary of State’s office.
What forms do I need to file to change my registered agent in Minnesota?
You will need to file Form AR-C125 or Form AR-C137 to change your registered agent in Minnesota.
Can I file the forms to change my registered agent in Minnesota online?
Yes, you can file the required forms online at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
Is there a fee to change my registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, there is a $35 fee to change your registered agent in Minnesota.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Minnesota?
It typically takes 3-5 days for the State of Minnesota to process the paperwork to change your registered agent.
Do I need to provide my old registered agent with notice if I am changing to a new registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, you will need to provide notice to your old registered agent when making a change to your registered agent designation in Minnesota.
What happens if I do not update my registered agent information in Minnesota?
If you do not update your registered agent information in Minnesota, you may not receive important legal documents, which could have serious consequences for your business.
Can I change my business’s registered office location at the same time as changing my registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, you can change your Minnesota registered office location at the same time as changing your registered agent by filing the appropriate paperwork.
What information do I need to provide to the State of Minnesota when changing my registered agent?
You need to provide the name and physical address of your new registered agent, as well as your business entity’s name.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota if my business is not currently active?
Yes, you can still change your registered agent in Minnesota even if your business is not currently active.
How will I know if the State of Minnesota has processed my request to change my registered agent?
The State of Minnesota will send confirmation of your registered agent change to your new registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota if I am in the process of filing for dissolution?
Yes, you can still change your registered agent in Minnesota even if you are in the process of filing for dissolution.
How often can I change my registered agent in Minnesota?
There are no restrictions on how often you can change your registered agent in Minnesota.
Can I hire a registered agent service to handle my Minnesota registered agent duties?
Yes, you can hire a registered agent service to handle your registered agent duties in Minnesota.
Will changing my registered agent in Minnesota affect my business’s tax ID number?
No, changing your registered agent in Minnesota will not affect your business’s tax ID number.
Can changing my registered agent in Minnesota affect my business’s standing with the state?
No, changing your registered agent in Minnesota will not automatically affect your business’s standing with the state.
Do I need to notify my business partners if I change my registered agent in Minnesota?
The decision to notify your business partners of a change in your registered agent in Minnesota is up to your discretion.
What happens to my old registered agent designation in Minnesota after I update it?
Your old registered agent designation in Minnesota will be replaced by your new registered agent designation once it is processed.
Is it possible to change my registered agent in Minnesota from out of state?
Yes, you can change your Minnesota registered agent from outside of the state by filing the appropriate paperwork.
Can my Minnesota registered agent refuse to accept service of process on my behalf?
No, your registered agent must accept service of process on your behalf in Minnesota.
How will I receive legal documents once I have changed my registered agent in Minnesota?
Your new registered agent will receive legal documents on your behalf once the change is processed.
Can I designate multiple registered agents for my business in Minnesota?
No, in Minnesota, you can only designate one registered agent per business.
Will changing my registered agent in Minnesota affect any of my existing contracts?
Changing your registered agent in Minnesota should not affect any of your existing contracts.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota if my business is foreign-qualified in the state?
Yes, you can still change your registered agent in Minnesota if your business is foreign-qualified in the state.
How do I know if I need to change my registered agent in Minnesota?
You may need to change your registered agent in Minnesota if your current registered agent is no longer available or if you want to switch to a different registered agent for any reason.
Can I act as my own registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Minnesota if you have a physical street address in the state and are available during regular business hours to receive legal documents.
What are the requirements for a registered agent in Minnesota?
The requirements for a registered agent in Minnesota are that they must be a resident of the state or a business authorized to do business in the state and must have a physical street address in Minnesota.
Is there a fee to change a registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, there is a fee of $35 to change a registered agent in Minnesota.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota online?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Minnesota online by filing the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Appointment of Registered Agent form electronically through the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota by mail?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Minnesota by mail by sending the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Appointment of Registered Agent form to the Minnesota Secretary of State’s address specified on the form.
Do I need to notify my old registered agent when changing to a new one in Minnesota?
No, you do not need to notify your old registered agent when changing to a new one in Minnesota. The Minnesota Secretary of State will notify them after the change of registered agent becomes effective.
What happens to legal documents that were sent to my old registered agent in Minnesota after I change to a new one?
Legal documents sent to your old registered agent in Minnesota after you change to a new one will be forwarded to your new registered agent by the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota while my company is in the starting-up phase?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Minnesota while your company is in the starting-up phase by filing the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Appointment of Registered Agent form with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent with the IRS and Minnesota Secretary of State at the same time?
No, you must change your registered agent separately with each agency to ensure that they both have updated records.
Does my new registered agent in Minnesota need to sign any documents?
No, your new registered agent in Minnesota does not need to sign any documents to become your registered agent. They just need to agree to accept legal documents on your behalf.
Can I change my registered agent in Minnesota without a Minnesota address?
No, you cannot change your registered agent in Minnesota without a physical street address in the state.
Can a Minnesota registered agent resign?
Yes, a Minnesota registered agent can resign by filing a Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent when filing my Minnesota annual report?
Yes, you can change your registered agent when filing your Minnesota annual report by filing the Statement of Change of Registered Office or Appointment of Registered Agent form along with your annual report.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in Minnesota?
If you do not have a registered agent in Minnesota, you will not be able to legally conduct business in the state.
How do I find a new registered agent in Minnesota?
You can find a new registered agent in Minnesota by searching the Minnesota Secretary of State’s business entity search database or by using a service that specializes in registered agent services.
Do all Minnesota businesses need a registered agent?
Yes, all Minnesota businesses are required to have a registered agent.
How long does it take to activate a new registered agent in Minnesota?
It typically takes about 5-7 business days to activate a new registered agent in Minnesota.
What happens if I need to change my registered agent before my new agent is legally authorized in Minnesota?
You will need to designate a temporary registered agent until your new registered agent is legally authorized in Minnesota.
What is the role of a registered agent?
The role of a registered agent is to receive and forward legal documents on behalf of a company or corporation in their state of registration.
Can I change my registered agent myself or do I need a lawyer?
You can change your registered agent yourself by filing the appropriate forms with the Minnesota Secretary of State. You do not need a lawyer to do this.
Can my spouse be my registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes, your spouse can be your registered agent in Minnesota if they meet the residency requirements and have a physical street address in the state.
Can I use a PO Box as my registered agent in Minnesota?
No, you cannot use a PO Box as your registered agent in Minnesota. You must have a physical street address in the state.
How will I know when my new registered agent in Minnesota is officially authorized?
You will receive a confirmation notice from the Minnesota Secretary of State after your new registered agent is officially authorized.

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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 Minnesota 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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