How to Change Registered Agents in New Jersey (NJ) in 2024


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.

All Posts by Steve →
Business Formation Expert  |   Fact Checked by Editorial Staff
Last updated: 
LLCBuddy™ offers informative content for educational purposes only, not as a substitute for professional legal or tax advice. We may earn commissions if you use the services we recommend on this site.
At LLCBuddy, we don't just offer information; we provide a curated experience backed by extensive research and expertise. Led by Steve, a seasoned expert in the LLC formation sector, our platform is built on years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and running an LLC. We've navigated the intricacies of the industry, sifted through the complexities, and packaged our knowledge into a comprehensive, user-friendly guide. Our commitment is to empower you with reliable, up-to-date, and actionable insights, ensuring you make informed decisions. With LLCBuddy, you're not just getting a tutorial; you're gaining a trustworthy partner for your entrepreneurial journey.
Change registered agent in New Jersey

Changing an appointed Registered Agent is not a frequent activity in any business. While forming an LLC in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, also known as The Garden State, there is a process to change the Registered Agent. In this article, the LLCBuddy editors come up with the methods available to change the registered agent in New Jersey. The statement of change can be filed online or offline (whichever method is convenient).

What is Registered Agent in New Jersey

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

You can also be your own registered agent in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey

To change the Registered Agent in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the New Jersey 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
New Jersey Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
New Jersey Registered Agent – Requirement
New Jersey Division of Revenue, P.O. Box 308, Trenton, NJ 08646

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

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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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 New Jersey

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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 New Jersey Registered Agent only if they are the New Jersey resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey?
To change your registered agent in New Jersey, you must file a Change of Registered Office/Agent form with the New Jersey Division of Revenue.
What is a registered agent in New Jersey?
A registered agent in New Jersey is a designated individual or entity that is responsible for receiving legal documents and important notices on behalf of a business entity.
Can I be my own registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in New Jersey as long as you meet the requirements and responsibilities set by the state.
Is there a fee to change the registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, there is a fee to change the registered agent in New Jersey. The fee is typically around $25.
How long does it take to change the registered agent in New Jersey?
The processing time for changing the registered agent in New Jersey varies, but it typically takes around 7-10 business days.
Can I change my registered agent online in New Jersey?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online in New Jersey using the Division of Revenue’s online services.
Do I have to notify my current registered agent when changing to a new one in New Jersey?
Yes, you are required to notify your current registered agent when changing to a new one in New Jersey. They will need to sign off on the Change of Registered Office/Agent form.
What information do I need to provide when changing my registered agent in New Jersey?
You will need to provide the new registered agent’s name, address, and contact information when changing your registered agent in New Jersey.
Can I use a PO Box for my registered agent’s address in New Jersey?
No, a PO Box is not allowed to be used as a registered agent’s address in New Jersey. It must be a physical street address.
Can I change my registered agent at any time in New Jersey?
Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time in New Jersey by filing the necessary forms with the Division of Revenue.
Do I need to have a registered agent in New Jersey if I am a foreign business entity?
Yes, foreign business entities operating in New Jersey are required to have a registered agent in the state to accept legal documents and notices on their behalf.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in New Jersey?
If you do not have a registered agent in New Jersey, your business entity may fall out of compliance with state regulations and face penalties or legal consequences.
Can I appoint a new registered agent before filing the Change of Registered Office/Agent form in New Jersey?
No, you must file the Change of Registered Office/Agent form before appointing a new registered agent in New Jersey.
Can an entity be its own registered agent in New Jersey?
No, an entity cannot be its own registered agent in New Jersey. It must designate an individual or another entity to act as its registered agent.
Can I hire a professional registered agent service in New Jersey?
Yes, you can hire a professional registered agent service to handle your legal documents and notices in New Jersey as long as they meet the requirements set by the state.
What are the qualifications to be a registered agent in New Jersey?
To be a registered agent in New Jersey, an individual or entity must have a physical street address in the state and be available during normal business hours to receive legal documents.
Can I change my registered agent address in New Jersey without changing the registered agent?
No, you must file a Change of Registered Office/Agent form with the Division of Revenue to change your registered agent address in New Jersey.
Do I need to update my business registration with the state after changing my registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, you will need to update your business registration with the state after changing your registered agent in New Jersey to ensure that your information is current and accurate.
Can I appoint multiple registered agents for my business in New Jersey?
No, you can only appoint one registered agent for your business in New Jersey. If you need to change your registered agent, you must follow the proper procedures.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple business entities at the same time in New Jersey?
No, you must file a separate Change of Registered Office/Agent form for each business entity when changing registered agents in New Jersey.
What happens if my registered agent resigns in New Jersey?
If your registered agent resigns in New Jersey, you will need to appoint a new registered agent and file the necessary forms with the Division of Revenue to avoid any lapses in service.
Can I appoint an employee of my business as the registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, you can appoint an employee of your business as the registered agent in New Jersey as long as they meet the requirements and responsibilities set by the state.
Can I change my registered agent when filing for a business formation in New Jersey?
Yes, you can designate a new registered agent when filing for a business formation in New Jersey by including their information on the initial formation documents.
How do I find out who the current registered agent is for a business entity in New Jersey?
You can search for the current registered agent of a business entity in New Jersey by using the Division of Revenue’s online business entity search tool.
Can I change my registered agent for an LLC in New Jersey?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for an LLC in New Jersey by following the same procedures required for other business entities.
What types of businesses are required to have a registered agent in New Jersey?
All business entities, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, are required to have a registered agent in New Jersey to accept legal documents and notices.
Can I designate a family member as my registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, you can designate a family member as your registered agent in New Jersey as long as they meet the requirements and responsibilities set by the state.
Can I act as the registered agent for multiple business entities in New Jersey?
Yes, you can act as the registered agent for multiple business entities in New Jersey as long as you meet the requirements and can fulfill the responsibilities for each entity.
Do I need to provide a signature when changing my registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, you will need to provide a signature on the Change of Registered Office/Agent form when changing your registered agent in New Jersey to verify the accuracy of the information provided.
Can I change my registered agent during the business formation process in New Jersey?
Yes, you can designate a new registered agent during the business formation process in New Jersey by including their information on the initial formation documents.

Also Read

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 New Jersey registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in New Jersey 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.

Leave a Comment