How to Change Registered Agent in New Jersey – 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 New Jersey

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

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,

  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.
  • 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 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 –

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 LegalZoom Registered Agent – $299 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.

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 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 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. 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 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

What is a registered agent in New Jersey?
A registered agent is a person or entity that is designated to receive important legal and tax documents on behalf of a business entity doing business in New Jersey.
Why would a company want to change their registered agent in New Jersey?
Companies may want to change their registered agent in New Jersey if they are having communication difficulties, they want to reduce costs, they want to change the level of service, or they are moving locations.
Is there a fee to change registered agents in New Jersey?
There is no filing fee to change registered agents in New Jersey, but there may be a fee charged by the new registered agent.
How long does it take to change registered agents in New Jersey?
It can take up to 7 days for the Secretary of State’s office to process the change of agent request in New Jersey.
How do I change my registered agent in New Jersey?
You will need to file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Can an individual be a registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, an individual can be a registered agent in New Jersey if they are a New Jersey resident or authorized to do business in New Jersey.
Can a business entity be a registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, a business entity can be a registered agent in New Jersey if they are authorized to do business in the state.
Can I act as my own registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, a business owner may serve as their own registered agent in New Jersey if they have a physical address in the state of New Jersey.
Do I have to be a resident of New Jersey to serve as a registered agent?
No, you do not have to be a resident of New Jersey to serve as a registered agent in the state as long as you are authorized to do business in New Jersey.
Can I change my registered agent myself or do I need an attorney?
You do not need an attorney to change your registered agent in New Jersey. You can handle it yourself.
How often can registered agents be changed in New Jersey?
There are no restrictions on how often registered agents can be changed, but it is not recommended to change a registered agent too frequently.
What happens if the registered agent address is incorrect?
If the registered agent address is incorrect, the business entity may not receive important legal and tax documents, which could lead to fines or penalties.
What happens if a business doesn’t have a registered agent in New Jersey?
If a business entity does not have a registered agent in New Jersey, it could lead to a default judgment against the business and other legal issues.
Can I change my registered agent and registered office at the same time in New Jersey?
Yes, you can change your registered agent and registered office at the same time in New Jersey.
Is a written consent from the new registered agent required in New Jersey?
No, a written consent from the new registered agent is not required in New Jersey, but the company must notify the agent of the appointment.
Does the change of registered agent need to be notarized in New Jersey?
No, the change of registered agent does not need to be notarized in New Jersey.
Can the registered agent refuse to accept the appointment in New Jersey?
Yes, a registered agent may refuse appointment if they have a conflict of interest or cannot fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
Can an out-of-state registered agent be selected in New Jersey?
Yes, an out-of-state registered agent can be selected in New Jersey if they are authorized to do business in New Jersey.
What should I do if I have already filed my annual reports and want to change my registered agent in New Jersey?
You will need to file a Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form after you have filed your annual report to change your registered agent in New Jersey.
Can I change my company’s name at the same time as I change my registered agent in New Jersey?
No, if you want to change your company’s name, you will need to file a separate request with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Can I change my registered agent online in New Jersey?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online using the New Jersey Business Portal.
What is the penalty for not changing my registered agent in New Jersey?
Failure to maintain a registered agent in good standing may result in administrative or legal sanctions against the company in New Jersey.
Do I need to file my Change of Registered Agent form by a certain date in New Jersey?
The Change of Registered Agent form in New Jersey can be filed any time throughout the year.
How long will it take for my confirmation of registered agent change to process in New Jersey?
The processing time of the Change of Registered Agent form in New Jersey takes up to 7 days.
Can the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services be my registered agent?
No, the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services cannot serve as a registered agent for a business entity in New Jersey.
Who can assist me with changing my registered agent in New Jersey?
You can either seek out information on the New Jersey Business Portal, contact a registered agent service provider, or retain legal counsel to help with your Change of Registered Agent request in New Jersey.
Are there any additional forms or information required to file for a registered agent change in New Jersey?
No, the “Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office” (Form SS-152C) will provide sufficient information for your change of registered agent request in New Jersey.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent before filing for a change of agent in New Jersey?
No, there is no need to notify the current registered agent in New Jersey before filing for a change of agent.
Why would I want to change my registered agent in New Jersey?
There are several reasons why a person might want to change their registered agent in New Jersey, including dissatisfaction with their current registered agent or the need to maintain confidentiality.
What form do I need to complete to change my registered agent in New Jersey?
The form you will need to complete to change your registered agent in New Jersey is the Registered Agent and Office Change form.
Can I change my own registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, you can generally change your own registered agent in New Jersey, but you should ensure that you meet the requirements for being a New Jersey registered agent.
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in New Jersey?
The fee for changing your registered agent in New Jersey is $25.
Is there a specific time frame for completing the registered agent change process in New Jersey?
No, there is no specific time frame for completing the registered agent change process in New Jersey.
What are the requirements for being a registered agent in New Jersey?
The requirements for being a registered agent in New Jersey include being of legal age and having a physical address in New Jersey.
Is a registered agent required for a business in New Jersey?
Yes, a registered agent is required for a business in New Jersey.
What is the function of a registered agent in New Jersey?
The function of a registered agent in New Jersey is to receive legal documentation on behalf of a business.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in New Jersey?
The time it takes to change your registered agent in New Jersey can vary depending on the current backlog of the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
How will I know if my registered agent change has been approved in New Jersey?
You will generally receive a confirmation notice from the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services once your registered agent change has been approved.
Can I change my registered agent for free in New Jersey?
No, there is a $25 fee for changing your registered agent in New Jersey.
Can I serve as my own registered agent in New Jersey?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in New Jersey.
What is a registered agent forwarding address in New Jersey?
A registered agent forwarding address in New Jersey is an address where your registered agent can be reached for service of process if they are not available at their primary address.
How can I find a registered agent in New Jersey?
You can find a registered agent in New Jersey by conducting an online search or contacting a registered agent service.
Can I change my registered agent at any time in New Jersey?
Yes, you can generally change your registered agent at any time in New Jersey.
Will I need to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in New Jersey?
No, you generally will not be required to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in New Jersey.
When should I consider changing my registered agent in New Jersey?
You might consider changing your registered agent in New Jersey if you are dissatisfied with their service or if you need to maintain confidentiality.
How can I verify my registered agent’s address in New Jersey?
You can verify your registered agent’s address in New Jersey by contacting their office directly or completing a search on the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website.
Can I serve as the registered agent for someone else’s business in New Jersey?
Yes, you can serve as the registered agent for someone else’s business in New Jersey provided that you meet the New Jersey requirements for being a registered agent.
What is the role of a registered office in New Jersey?
The role of a registered office in New Jersey is to serve as the official address for a business’s registered agent and receive legal documentation on the business’s behalf.
What happens if I don’t provide a registered agent in New Jersey?
Failure to provide a registered agent in New Jersey can result in legal issues for your business, including potential fines and other penalties.
How will my current registered agent be notified of the change in New Jersey?
Your current registered agent will generally receive notice of the change in registered agent in New Jersey once it has been approved by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.
Do I need a physical presence in New Jersey to be a registered agent?
Yes, you generally need a physical presence in New Jersey to be a registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple businesses at once in New Jersey?
Yes, you can generally change your registered agent for multiple businesses at once in New Jersey.
How do I locate my current registered agent in New Jersey?
You can locate your current registered agent in New Jersey by completing a search on the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services website or reviewing prior legal documentation.

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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 New Jersey 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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