How to Change Registered Agent in Montana – 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 Montana

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

What is Registered Agent in Montana

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

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

To change the Registered Agent in Montana, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $0 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Montana Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Montana 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
Montana Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Montana Registered Agent – Requirement		State Capitol, Room 260 ~ PO Box 202801 Helena, Montana 59620-2801

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Montana registered agent is $0. This fee will be paid to the Montana 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 Montana

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 Montana, 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 Montana Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Montana

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Montana. 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 Montana 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 Montana. 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 Montana Registered Agent only if they are the Montana resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Montana, you might need to change your registered agent because not all registered agents are eligible to work in different states. 

FAQs

Does Montana require businesses to have a registered agent?
Yes, Montana requires businesses to appoint a registered agent to receive legal documents on their behalf.
Can a registered agent be an individual or a company?
A registered agent can be an individual who is a resident of Montana or a company authorized to do business in the state.
What is the process for changing a registered agent in Montana?
To change a registered agent in Montana, you need to file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Montana Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Montana?
There is a $15 fee to file a Change of Registered Agent form in Montana.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Montana?
Once the Change of Registered Agent form is submitted, it can take a few business days for the change to be processed.
As a business owner, do I need to provide my current registered agent with notice before changing them?
Yes, it is recommended to provide your current registered agent with notice before changing them to avoid any misunderstandings regarding legal documents.
Can I designate myself as the new registered agent for my business in Montana?
Yes, if you meet the residency requirements to serve as a registered agent and are willing to accept the responsibilities.
Is there a deadline for changing my registered agent in Montana?
There is no specific deadline for changing a registered agent, but it is recommended to switch as soon as possible to avoid missing any important legal documents.
Can I change my registered agent online in Montana?
Yes, you can file a Change of Registered Agent form online on the Montana Secretary of State website.
Is there any paperwork I need to submit along with the Change of Registered Agent form in Montana?
No additional paperwork is required, but be sure the form is signed and dated.
Can a registered agent be changed before all legal documents have been served to the current agent?
Yes, a registered agent can be changed at any time, even if legal documents are currently being served to the current agent.
If I change my registered agent to a company, will they have to maintain an office in Montana?
Yes, if your registered agent is a company, they will need to maintain a physical office in Montana.
Can a PO Box be used as a registered agent’s address in Montana?
No, a registered agent’s address must be a physical, street address.
Who can file a Change of Registered Agent form in Montana?
Any authorized person for the business may file a Change of Registered Agent form in Montana.
Can I change my registered agent to an out-of-state entity in Montana?
No, the registered agent must be a resident of Montana or a company authorized to do business in the state.
How will I know when my registered agent has officially been changed in Montana?
You will receive confirmation from the Montana Secretary of State, usually in the form of a certificate of change of registered agent.
Is it possible to change my registered agent on the same day in Montana?
Same-day processing is not available in Montana, but a registered agent change can be processed within a few business days.
Do I need to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in Montana?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in Montana.
Will changing my registered agent in Montana affect my business license or registration?
No, changing your registered agent in Montana will not affect your business license or registration.
Can I change my registered agent to a friend or family member in Montana?
Yes, you can appoint an individual who is a resident of Montana or a company authorized to do business in the state, including a friend or family member.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent for my Montana business?
Failure to have a registered agent in Montana can result in various legal consequences, including penalties and default judgments.
Can I change my registered agent while in the process of dissolving a business in Montana?
Yes, you may still change your registered agent while your business is in the process of dissolving in Montana.
How long does a registered agent serve in Montana?
A registered agent serves indefinitely in Montana, but can be changed or resign at any time.
Do I need to submit a fee with the Change of Registered Agent form in Montana?
Yes, there is a $15 fee to file a Change of Registered Agent form in Montana.
What is a registered agent’s role beyond receiving legal documents in Montana?
A registered agent in Montana also helps ensure that businesses stay compliant with state laws and regulations.
Can I change my registered agent myself without hiring a third-party service in Montana?
Yes, you can change your registered agent yourself in Montana, but may want to consider the convenience of hiring a third-party service to handle the process.
What happens to legal documents that have already been served to the old registered agent once the change is complete in Montana?
The old registered agent is responsible for forwarding any legal documents they received to the new registered agent once the change is official in Montana.
What if I miss a legal document because I changed my registered agent in Montana?
Missing a legal document due to a registered agent change is not acceptable, and can result in legal consequences for your business.
What is a registered agent in Montana?
A registered agent is a person or a business entity responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of a business in Montana.
How do I change my registered agent in Montana?
You can change your registered agent in Montana by filing the necessary documents with the Montana Secretary of State.
What is the filing fee to change my registered agent in Montana?
The filing fee to change your registered agent in Montana is $15.
What is the processing time to change my registered agent in Montana?
The processing time to change your registered agent in Montana can take 5-7 business days.
Where do I need to file to change my registered agent in Montana?
To change your registered agent in Montana, you will need to file with the Montana Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent address and the registered office address at the same time?
Yes, you can change your registered agent address and the registered office address at the same time when filing with the Montana Secretary of State.
Is there any requirement for who can be a registered agent in Montana?
In Montana, a registered agent must be a resident of Montana or a business entity that is registered to do business in Montana.
Do I need to provide the name and address of the new registered agent when changing registered agents in Montana?
Yes, you will need to provide the name and address of the new registered agent when changing registered agents in Montana.
Will my registered agent be notified when I change registered agents in Montana?
No, the registered agent will not be notified when you change registered agents in Montana.
What happens next after I file my paperwork to change my registered agent in Montana?
After filing, Montana Secretary of State’s office will process the paperwork and send the confirmation of change to the updated registered agent.
Do I need the original signed copy of the registered agent resignation document to make changes?
No, an original document of a resignation is not mandatory for changes to Montana registered agents.
Can I make changes to my registered agent and business entity address in one document in Montana?
Yes, a person may make changes to both their registered agent and business entity address in a single filing in Montana.
How do I make sure that my registered agent receives important legal documents?
By having an updated record of your registered agent on Montana’s business registry and regular communication with the registered agent.
How old can the change of my registered agent be before I notify Montana’s regulatory authority?
However, a person should notify Montana with the name and address of the new registered agent as soon as possible after the change.
Do I need the consent of the new registered agent to make changes?
Yes, usually a person needs the consent of the new registered agent for changing the poicy in Montana
Can I act as my own registered agent in Montana?
Yes, a business owner or an employee of the business can act as their own registered representative in Montana but they should have an active physical address in the state.
Is the registered agent required to keep books and records?
No, there are no set requirements that your Montana registered agent provider should keep books and records.
Can I use a PO box as a registered office address in Montana?
No, a PO box address is not acceptable as a registered office address in Montana.
How can I confirm who my existing registered agent is in Montana?
You can confirm who your current registered agent is in Montana by checking the Montana business registry.
When is the best time to notify Montana of changes to the registered agent address?
The best time to notify Montana of changes to the registered agent address is within 30 days of the changes taking place.
How can I check the status of my application after I have mailed it to Montana?
After you submitted the registered agent change form with a required $15 payment, You will receive notification regarding the status.
Can I mail in my registration form to change Montana registered agents?
Yes, You can submit paperwork by mail or use an electronic system that is offered.
What are the possible implications of having an inactive registered agent in Montana?
Some characteristics in which newer registered agent system in Montane will enable you to receive timely legal notices if disputes or lawsuits arise hence one should have an active registered agent.
Will I receive a refund if my registered agent resigns prior to the end of 12-month term?
No, normally No refunds are given to businesses undercurrent lawbase on these cases in Montana.
Do I need to notify anyone else when I change my registered agent in Montana?
You really shouldn’t need to. Obviously,you will notify only to the people or person who send you important court notice
What kind of documents should I receive from my new registered agent once I make changes to my registered agent in Montana?
Your new registered agent in Montana should give you a receipt of the new registered agent appointment and a notice of acceptance of appointment.
Can I change my agent for services to someone outside of Montana?
Yes, however an agent for an out-of-state corporation offers a physical address in Montana and is accessible throughout Montana business hours.
Is it mandatory to have an existing Montana physical address while I appoint a new registered agent?
Yes, if the agent is appointed for someone who receives process to the next person in relation to legal issues for business or compliance issues in Montana.
Can I use an electronic signature to change registered agents in Montana?
some reqistrars accept the electronic signatures but in query one should visit the bank or company to conform.

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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 Montana 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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