How to Change Registered Agents in North Dakota (ND) 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.

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Change registered agent in North Dakota

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

What is Registered Agent in North Dakota

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

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

To change the Registered Agent in North Dakota, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $10 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the North Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota 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 Dakota Statement of Change (PDF) from the official website of the North Dakota 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
North Dakota Statement of Change – PDF
North Dakota Registered Agent – Requirement
North Dakota, 600 E Boulevard Avenue Dept 108, Bismarck ND 58505-0500

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the North Dakota registered agent is $10. This fee will be paid to the North Dakota 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 Dakota

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 Dakota, 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 Dakota 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 Dakota. 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 Dakota

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in North Dakota. 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 Dakota 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 Dakota. 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 Dakota Registered Agent only if they are the North Dakota resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in North Dakota, 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 Dakota?
To change your registered agent in North Dakota, you need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State.
Where can I find the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form in North Dakota?
The form to change your registered agent in North Dakota can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.
Can I change my registered agent online in North Dakota?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online in North Dakota by completing the necessary form on the Secretary of State’s website.
Is there a fee to change my registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, there is a fee to change your registered agent in North Dakota. The current fee is listed on the Secretary of State’s website.
How long does it take to process a change of registered agent in North Dakota?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in North Dakota varies, but it typically takes a few business days.
Do I need my new registered agent’s consent to change agents in North Dakota?
Yes, you will need your new registered agent’s consent to change agents in North Dakota.
Can I be my own registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in North Dakota as long as you have a physical address in the state.
What information do I need to provide when changing my registered agent in North Dakota?
When changing your registered agent in North Dakota, you will need to provide the name and address of your new registered agent.
Can I change my registered agent’s address in North Dakota without changing the agent?
Yes, you can change your registered agent’s address in North Dakota without changing the agent by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Office Address form.
What happens if I fail to update my registered agent information in North Dakota?
If you fail to update your registered agent information in North Dakota, you may face penalties and your business may fall out of good standing with the state.
How can I confirm if my registered agent has been changed in North Dakota?
You can confirm if your registered agent has been changed in North Dakota by checking the business entity database on the Secretary of State’s website.
Can I change my registered agent more than once in North Dakota?
Yes, you can change your registered agent more than once in North Dakota if needed.
What is the deadline for changing my registered agent in North Dakota?
There is no specific deadline for changing your registered agent in North Dakota, but it is important to do so promptly to avoid any issues with your business entity.
Can I hire a professional service to help me change my registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, you can hire a professional service to help you change your registered agent in North Dakota.
Do I need to notify the previous registered agent when changing agents in North Dakota?
Yes, you will need to notify the previous registered agent when changing agents in North Dakota.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple business entities at once in North Dakota?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for multiple business entities at once in North Dakota by including all the entities on the same form.
Is there a specific form for changing my registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, there is a specific form called the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form for changing your registered agent in North Dakota.
Will changing my registered agent affect my business entity’s standing in North Dakota?
No, changing your registered agent will not affect your business entity’s standing in North Dakota as long as you follow the proper procedures.
Can I change my registered agent over the phone in North Dakota?
No, you cannot change your registered agent over the phone in North Dakota. The change must be done through the proper filing process.
Can I change my registered agent if my business is no longer active in North Dakota?
Yes, you can still change your registered agent in North Dakota even if your business is no longer active.
What happens if I do not update my registered agent information when it changes in North Dakota?
If you do not update your registered agent information when it changes in North Dakota, you may miss important legal notifications and your business may fall out of compliance.
Can I appoint an individual as my registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes, you can appoint an individual as your registered agent in North Dakota as long as they have a physical address in the state.
Can I change my registered agent and the registered office address at the same time in North Dakota?
Yes, you can change your registered agent and the registered office address at the same time in North Dakota by completing the necessary forms.
Do I need to file any additional forms when changing my registered agent in North Dakota?
You may need to file additional forms related to your specific business entity type when changing your registered agent in North Dakota.
Can I appoint a commercial registered agent to act on behalf of my business in North Dakota?
Yes, you can appoint a commercial registered agent to act on behalf of your business in North Dakota.
Can I change my registered agent in North Dakota if I am a foreign entity registered to do business in the state?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in North Dakota if you are a foreign entity registered to do business in the state.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in North Dakota?
Registered agents in North Dakota must have a physical address in the state and be available during normal business hours to accept legal documents on behalf of the business entity.
Can I change my registered agent by mail in North Dakota?
Yes, you can change your registered agent by mail in North Dakota by sending the completed forms to the Secretary of State’s office.
What should I do if I cannot locate my previous registered agent in North Dakota?
If you cannot locate your previous registered agent in North Dakota, you can file a Statement of Resignation by Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State.
How do I change the registered agent for my North Dakota company?
To change the registered agent for your North Dakota company, you must submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent form to the Secretary of State.

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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 Dakota registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in North Dakota 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.

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