How to Change Registered Agents in North Carolina (NC) in 2024

Change registered agent in North Carolina

Changing an appointed Registered Agent is not a frequent activity in any business. While forming an LLC in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina, also known as The Tar Heel 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 North Carolina. The statement of change can be filed online or offline (whichever method is convenient).

What is Registered Agent in North Carolina

The North Carolina 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 North Carolina, one must meet the following requirements,

The person must be or above 18 years old
The person has to be a permanent resident of North Carolina
The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in North Carolina
The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in North Carolina

You can also be your own registered agent in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina

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

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the North Carolina 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 Links	Submit Offline Form
Change of Registered Agent – Online North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF North Carolina Registered Agent – Requirement	The Secretary of State, Business Registration Division, P.O. Box 29622, Raleigh, NC 27626

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

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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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 North Carolina

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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 North Carolina Registered Agent only if they are the North Carolina resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?

To change the registered agent in North Carolina, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Office with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Can I change my registered agent online in North Carolina?

No, currently the North Carolina Secretary of State does not allow for online filing of the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Office.

Are there any fees associated with changing the registered agent in North Carolina?

Yes, there is a filing fee required to change the registered agent in North Carolina. The fee amount may vary, so it’s best to check with the North Carolina Secretary of State for the most up-to-date information.

How long does it take to process a change of registered agent in North Carolina?

The processing time for a change of registered agent in North Carolina can vary. It is recommended to check with the North Carolina Secretary of State for current processing times.

Can I be my own registered agent in North Carolina?

Yes, you can be your own registered agent in North Carolina as long as you have a physical address in North Carolina where legal documents can be served during business hours.

Do I need to notify my old registered agent in North Carolina when changing to a new one?

Yes, you are required to notify your old registered agent in North Carolina when changing to a new one. This can often be done as part of the filing process with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in North Carolina?

Failure to maintain a registered agent in North Carolina can result in administrative penalties and potentially have negative impacts on your business’s ability to operate legally in the state.

Can a business entity serve as its own registered agent in North Carolina?

No, a business entity cannot serve as its own registered agent in North Carolina. A registered agent must be an individual or a registered agent service that has a physical address in North Carolina.

Can I change my registered agent address and name at the same time in North Carolina?

Yes, you can update both the registered agent’s address and name at the same time by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Office with the North Carolina Secretary of State.

Do I need to provide a signature when changing the registered agent in North Carolina?

Yes, a signature is required when filing the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Office in North Carolina. This can be either an electronic or physical signature, depending on the filing method chosen.

What are the requirements for a registered agent in North Carolina?

A registered agent in North Carolina must have a physical street address in the state and be available during regular business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the business.

How much does it cost to change the registered agent in North Carolina?

The cost to change the registered agent in North Carolina is $5 if filed by mail or $2 if filed online.

How long does it take to change the registered agent in North Carolina?

The processing time to change the registered agent in North Carolina varies but typically takes around 3-5 business days.

Do I need to notify my current registered agent of the change in North Carolina?

Yes, you are required to notify your current registered agent of the change in North Carolina so they can properly update their records.

Can I change my registered agent and registered office at the same time in North Carolina?

Yes, you can change your registered agent and registered office at the same time in North Carolina by submitting the appropriate forms to the Secretary of State.

Can I hire a professional service to change my registered agent in North Carolina?

Yes, you can hire a professional service to assist with changing your registered agent in North Carolina, but it is not required.

What information do I need to provide to change my registered agent in North Carolina?

To change your registered agent in North Carolina, you will need to provide the name and address of the new agent, as well as the name of your business entity.

Is there a deadline for changing the registered agent in North Carolina?

There is no specific deadline for changing the registered agent in North Carolina, but it is recommended to do so promptly to ensure compliance with state requirements.

Can I change my registered agent if I am a foreign entity doing business in North Carolina?

Yes, foreign entities doing business in North Carolina can also change their registered agent by filing the necessary forms with the Secretary of State.

What if my registered agent resigns in North Carolina?

If your registered agent resigns in North Carolina, you must promptly appoint a new agent and file the necessary forms with the Secretary of State to update your records.

Can I change my registered agent for multiple business entities at once in North Carolina?

Yes, you can change your registered agent for multiple business entities at once in North Carolina by filing separate forms for each entity with the Secretary of State.

Do I need to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in North Carolina?

No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in North Carolina. Simply complete the required forms and submit them to the Secretary of State.

Will changing my registered agent affect my business’s standing with the state in North Carolina?

Changing your registered agent in North Carolina should not affect your business’s standing with the state as long as the proper procedures are followed and all required forms are submitted.

Can I change my registered agent by phone in North Carolina?

No, you cannot change your registered agent by phone in North Carolina. The change must be processed through the appropriate paperwork filed with the Secretary of State.

What if I have a PO Box for my registered agent address in North Carolina?

Using a PO Box for your registered agent address in North Carolina is not permitted. The registered agent must have a physical street address in the state.

Can I change my registered agent during the renewal process in North Carolina?

Yes, you can change your registered agent during the renewal process in North Carolina by updating the information on your annual report or other required filings.

What happens if I forget to update my registered agent information in North Carolina?

If you forget to update your registered agent information in North Carolina, you may miss important legal documents or notifications, which could negatively impact your business.

Can I change my registered agent before filing my initial documents in North Carolina?

Yes, you can change your registered agent before filing your initial documents in North Carolina by including the updated agent information with your initial registration forms.

Can I change my registered agent if I have pending legal actions in North Carolina?

Yes, you can change your registered agent even if you have pending legal actions in North Carolina. Be sure to notify any involved parties of the change.

What if my new registered agent is unable to fulfill their duties in North Carolina?

If your new registered agent is unable to fulfill their duties in North Carolina, you must promptly appoint a replacement agent and update the information with the Secretary of State.

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 North Carolina registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in North Carolina 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.