How to Change Registered Agent in Rhode Island – 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 Rhode Island

Change Registered Agent in Rhode Island: A registered agent in Rhode Island is a point of contact between your LLC and the state. You must appoint a Registered Agent when you form an LLC in Rhode Island. At any point in time, you might need to replace/change your Resident Agent in Rhode Island. When it comes to changing the registered agent in Rhode Island, it is a straightforward method. To change your Resident Agent in Rhode Island, one has to submit the statement of change of the Resident Agent. It can be filed online or by mail.

In this article, you will learn how to change registered agent in Rhode Island. Also, you will get to learn when and why you have to change your Resident Agent, appointed for your Rhode Island LLC.

What is Resident Agent in Rhode Island

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

You can also be your own registered agent in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island

To change the Resident Agent in Rhode Island, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $20 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Rhode Island Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Rhode Island online, you must search for the appropriate online form. You can file your change of Resident Agent statement online if the online form is available through the Secretary of State. Follow the below-given instructions:

  • Visit the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Rhode Island 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
Rhode Island Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Rhode Island Registered Agent – Requirement		Division of Business Services, 148 W. River Street, Providence, RI 02904

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Rhode Island registered agent is $20. This fee will be paid to the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island

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 Resident 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 Rhode Island, 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 Resident Agent has given the nod to provide their services to the LLC. An additional filing fee (or expedited fee) might be charged. Check Rhode Island Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Rhode Island

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island Resident Agent only if they are the Rhode Island resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island?
In Rhode Island, a registered agent is an individual or a business entity that accepts legal correspondence and important state documents on behalf of a corporation or LLC.
Why would I need to change my registered agent in Rhode Island?
There are many reasons someone may want to change their registered agent in Rhode Island. Some reasons include the agent’s poor track record or failure to provide quality service, the agent going out of business or moving out of state, or the need to comply with state-specific requirements.
What forms do I need to file to change my registered agent in Rhode Island?
To change your registered agent in Rhode Island, you must file a Change of Agent form with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in Rhode Island?
The cost to change your registered agent in Rhode Island is $10.
Do I need to inform my previous registered agent when I change my service in Rhode Island?
It’s a good idea to inform your previous registered agent when you change service in Rhode Island. However, it is not required by law.
How do I change my registered agent in Rhode Island if I’m foreign to the state?
If you’re a corporation or LLC registered in another state, you must fill out the Change of Agent or Process form and file it with the Secretary of State in Rhode Island.
Can anyone act as my registered agent in Rhode Island?
No, only qualified individuals or businesses registered to do business in Rhode Island can act as a registered agent.
Who can be a registered agent in Rhode Island?
Any resident of Rhode Island, an individual or domestic business entity registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Can I serve as my own registered agent in Rhode Island?
Yes, if you’re a resident of Rhode Island, you can act as your own registered agent.
What are my responsibilities as a registered agent in Rhode Island?
As a registered agent in Rhode Island, you are responsible for receiving state and legal documents on behalf of a business entity and forwarding them on to appropriate parties of the business in a timely fashion.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in Rhode Island?
The process to change registered agent takes around 1-2 days in Rhode Island once all the legalities are done.
Where do I send the Change of Agent form in Rhode Island?
You can file your Change of Agent form online or mail it to the Secretary of State, Division of Business Services, Providence, RI.
Do I have to appear before a judge to change my registered agent in Rhode Island?
No, you do not need to appear before a judge to change your registered agent in Rhode Island.
What happens if I fail to change my registered agent in Rhode Island?
You must have a registered agent listed in order to keep your corporation or LLC status active; failure to do so may result in loss of your corporate and legal status.
How often should I update my registered agent information in Rhode Island?
Your registered agent information must be sent every year with the Annual report filing in Rhode Island.
Can I change my registered agent anytime in Rhode Island?
Yes, you may change your registered agent anytime.
When will my new registered agent be effective in Rhode Island?
The new registered agent will be effective as soon as the Change of Agent form is processed by the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
How will I be notified that my new registered agent is accepted in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Secretary of State will mail a copy of the statement of change of best office and registered agent to the business entity.
Can I change my registered agent during the process of other simultaneous filings in Rhode Island?
Yes, it is possible to change your registered agent during other filing processes in Rhode Island.
How can I be sure that my new agent is competent in Rhode Island?
You may look up the registered agent to be sure that they have a good reputation and are competent in their field when changing registered agents in Rhode Island.
Will changing my registered agent affect my LLC management structure in Rhode Island?
No, changing your registered agent will not affect your LLC management structure in Rhode Island.
Can a business entity be its registered agent in Rhode Island?
Yes, a business entity may serve as its Registered Agent in Rhode Island (If it is registered to do business in the state)
Can a Registered Agent lawyer direct a lawsuit against the company they represent in Rhode Island?
No, A registered agent is not permitted to direct a lawsuit against the corporation or LLC.
Does Rhode Island require a physical location for the registered agent to accept mail?
Yes, there must be a valid physical address for the registered agent to receive mail and important legal and state documents in Rhode Island.
Can I change my registered agent for a foreign corporation utilizing “do business in” RI?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for a foreign corporation doing business in Rhode Island.
What happens if my former registered agent cannot be contacted in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island doesn’t specify the course of action to be taken if a registered agent cannot be contacted.
Do I need to be notarize the Change of Agent form in Rhode Island?
No, notary public in Rhode Island is not compulsorily required to submit a revised statement of change of best office and registered agent.
Are there any restrictions on who can serve as a registered agent in Rhode Island?
The registered agent should be a resident on the location address mentioned, affiliations with the business, company structure, foreign corporations etc. in Rhode Island while Acting as a registered agent.
Why would a business need to change their registered agent in Rhode Island?
There are many reasons why a business might need to change their registered agent in Rhode Island, such as if the agent’s contact information has changed, or if the business prefers to use a different agent.
How do I change my registered agent in Rhode Island?
You can change your registered agent in Rhode Island by filing the appropriate forms with the state and paying any associated fees.
What happens if I don’t designate a registered agent in Rhode Island?
If you don’t designate a registered agent in Rhode Island, you may risk missing important legal documents and notices.
Can I change my registered agent in Rhode Island at any time?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Rhode Island at any time.
What is the fee to change a registered agent in Rhode Island?
The fee to change a registered agent in Rhode Island is currently $50.
Can a corporation be a registered agent in Rhode Island?
Yes, a corporation can serve as a registered agent in Rhode Island.
Can a non-resident be a registered agent in Rhode Island?
Yes, a non-resident can serve as a registered agent in Rhode Island as long as they have a physical address in the state.
Do I need to provide proof of my new registered agent’s consent in Rhode Island?
No, you do not need to provide proof of your new registered agent’s consent in Rhode Island.
How often do I need to update my registered agent information in Rhode Island?
You should update your registered agent information in Rhode Island whenever it changes.
Can I change both my registered agent and registered office address at the same time in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can change both your registered agent and registered office address at the same time in Rhode Island.
Can I email my change of registered agent information to the Rhode Island Secretary of State?
Yes, you can email your change of registered agent information to the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
What if I don’t know my current registered agent in Rhode Island?
You can search the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s database to find out who your current registered agent in Rhode Island is.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about changing my registered agent in Rhode Island?
No, you cannot get a refund if you change your mind about changing your registered agent in Rhode Island.
Does my registered agent need to sign the change of agent form in Rhode Island?
No, your registered agent does not need to sign the change of agent form in Rhode Island.
Can I fax my change of registered agent information to the Rhode Island Secretary of State?
Yes, you can fax your change of registered agent information to the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
What if my new registered agent isn’t located in Rhode Island?
If your new registered agent isn’t located in Rhode Island, they must designate a Rhode Island agent for service of process.
Can I change my registered agent online in Rhode Island?
No, you cannot change your registered agent online in Rhode Island.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple business entities at the same time in Rhode Island?
No, you will need to file a separate change of agent form for each business entity in Rhode Island.
How will I know if my change of registered agent has been accepted in Rhode Island?
You should receive confirmation from the Rhode Island Secretary of State that your change of registered agent has been accepted.
What if my change of registered agent is rejected in Rhode Island?
If your change of registered agent is rejected in Rhode Island, you should receive notification from the Rhode Island Secretary of State with an explanation for the rejection.
Can I change my registered agent for free in Rhode Island?
No, there is a fee to change your registered agent in Rhode Island.
How long does my new registered agent have to notify me if they receive any legal documents or notices in Rhode Island?
Your new registered agent must notify you within a reasonable amount of time after receiving any legal documents or notices in Rhode Island.
Can I change my registered agent for an LLC in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for an LLC in Rhode Island.
Can I change my registered agent for a corporation in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for a corporation in Rhode Island.

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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 Rhode Island 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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