How to Change Registered Agent in South Carolina – 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 South Carolina

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

What is Registered Agent in South Carolina

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

You can also be your own registered agent in South 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 South Carolina

To change the Registered Agent in South Carolina, 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 South 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 South 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 South Carolina 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 South Carolina LLC Notice of Change (PDF) from the official website of the South 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 LinksSubmit Offline Form
Change of Registered Agent – Online
South Carolina LLC Notice of Change – PDF
South Carolina Registered Agent – Requirement
South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, Attn: Corporate Fillings, 1205 Pendleton Street, Suite 525, Columbia, SC 29201

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

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 LegalZoom Registered Agent – $299 Per Year

Registered Agent Consent Letter in South 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 South 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 South Carolina Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in South Carolina

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in South Carolina. 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 South 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. 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 South 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 South Carolina Registered Agent only if they are the South Carolina resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in South Carolina, 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?
A registered agent is a person or company who is designated to receive legal and other official documents on behalf of a business entity.
How do I change my registered agent in South Carolina?
To change your registered agent in South Carolina, you must file an appropriate document with the Secretary of State’s office.
What is the process for changing a registered agent in South Carolina?
The process for changing a registered agent in South Carolina involves filing a completed Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Secretary of State’s office.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in South Carolina?
There is a $10 fee for filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form in South Carolina.
Can I change my registered agent to any person or company in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your registered agent to any person or company that meets the eligibility requirements in South Carolina.
Who can be a registered agent in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, a registered agent can be an individual resident of the state, a business entity registered to do business in the state, or a commercial registered agent.
Can I act as my own registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, you may act as your own registered agent in South Carolina if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Can I change my registered agent online in South Carolina?
No, the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office does not accept online filings for changes of registered agent.
What is the mailing address for filing a change of registered agent in South Carolina?
The address for filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form in South Carolina is
How long does it take to process a change of registered agent in South Carolina?
The processing time for a change of registered agent in South Carolina is typically 5-10 business days.
Does my old registered agent need to sign the change of registered agent form in South Carolina?
No, the old registered agent does not need to sign the change of registered agent form in South Carolina.
Is there a specific format for filing a change of registered agent form in South Carolina?
Yes, the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office provides a specific format for filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form.
Can I fax the change of registered agent form in South Carolina?
No, the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office does not accept faxed filings for changes of registered agent.
What happens to my old registered agent after I file a change of registered agent form in South Carolina?
Your old registered agent will receive notice of the change from the Secretary of State’s office and will no longer be responsible for receiving your legal documents.
Can my new registered agent forward my legal documents to me in South Carolina?
Yes, your new registered agent should be able to forward your legal documents to you in South Carolina.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in South Carolina?
If you don’t change your registered agent in South Carolina, you may not receive important legal documents in a timely manner.
Can I change my registered agent on behalf of my business in South Carolina?
Yes, you may change your registered agent on behalf of your business in South Carolina.
What is the difference between a registered agent and a process server in South Carolina?
A registered agent is a person or company designated to receive legal and other official documents on behalf of a business entity, while a process server is a person who serves legal documents.
What do I do if my South Carolina registered agent resigns?
If your South Carolina registered agent resigns, you must designate a new registered agent and file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form with the Secretary of State’s office.
How do I find a new registered agent in South Carolina?
You can find a new registered agent in South Carolina by searching online or asking for recommendations from other business owners.
Do I need to notify anyone else when I change my registered agent in South Carolina?
No, you do not need to notify anyone else when you change your registered agent in South Carolina.
Can I change my registered agent and registered office simultaneously in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your registered agent and registered office simultaneously in South Carolina by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form.
Can I change my registered agent multiple times in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your registered agent multiple times in South Carolina.
Can I change my registered agent during a legal dispute in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your registered agent during a legal dispute in South Carolina.
How do I know if my change of registered agent has been processed in South Carolina?
You can check the status of your change of registered agent online or by contacting the South Carolina Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change my registered agent without notifying my current registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your registered agent without notifying your current registered agent in South Carolina.
Do I need to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in South Carolina?
No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in South Carolina.
What is a registered agent in South Carolina?
A registered agent is a responsible third-party who is registered to receive legal documents on behalf of a business entity in South Carolina.
When do I need to change my registered agent in South Carolina?
You may need to change your registered agent in South Carolina if your current agent is no longer available or does not offer the level of service you require.
Can I change my registered agent in South Carolina online?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in South Carolina online using the state’s business entity search tool.
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in South Carolina?
The fee to change your registered agent in South Carolina is $10.
How long does it take to change my registered agent in South Carolina?
It typically takes 1-2 business days to process your change of agent filing in South Carolina.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent when changing in South Carolina?
Yes, you are required to notify your current registered agent when changing your agent of record in South Carolina.
What happens to my current registered agent after I change in South Carolina?
Your current registered agent in South Carolina will no longer be responsible for receiving legal documents after you make the change.
What should I look for in a new registered agent in South Carolina?
When selecting a new registered agent in South Carolina, consider factors such as reliability, professionalism, and availability.
Can I be my own registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in South Carolina if you meet the state’s eligibility requirements.
What are the eligibility requirements to be a registered agent in South Carolina?
To be a registered agent in South Carolina, you must be a legal resident or have a physical street address in the state, be available during standard business hours, and not have any felony convictions.
Can I use a PO Box for my registered agent address in South Carolina?
No, you cannot use a PO Box for your registered agent address in South Carolina.
Can I change my registered agent address without changing my agent of record in South Carolina?
No, you cannot change your registered agent address without changing your agent of record in South Carolina.
What if my new registered agent is not available to accept a legal document in South Carolina?
You will need to provide a backup contact person for your registered agent in South Carolina to ensure that legal documents are properly received.
Can I change my registered agent for free in South Carolina if I am dissatisfied with their service?
No, you cannot change your registered agent for free in South Carolina simply because you are displeased with their service.
How often can I change my registered agent in South Carolina?
There is no set limit on how often you can change your registered agent in South Carolina.
What happens if I fail to change my registered agent in South Carolina?
If you fail to change your registered agent in South Carolina, your legal documents may not be properly received and your business could face legal consequences.
How will I know if my new registered agent has accepted their appointment in South Carolina?
You will receive a notification from the South Carolina Secretary of State confirming that your new registered agent has accepted their appointment.
Can I change my registered agent in South Carolina if my business entity is dissolved or inactive?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in South Carolina even if your business entity is dissolved or inactive.
Do I need to include any documents when changing my registered agent in South Carolina?
You will need to include a completed change of agent form when changing your registered agent in South Carolina.
How long will my previous registered agent have to relinquish their role in South Carolina?
Your previous registered agent will have until the effective date of your new registered agent appointment to relinquish their role in South Carolina.
Is there a specific form I need to use to change my registered agent in South Carolina?
Yes, you need to use the South Carolina Secretary of State’s change of agent form to change your registered agent.
Can my South Carolina registered agent also be my attorney or accountant?
Yes, your South Carolina registered agent can also be your attorney or accountant, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
What happens to my registered agent responsibilities if I move my business out of South Carolina?
If you move your business out of South Carolina, you will need to ensure that you have a registered agent in the new state where your business is located.
Do out-of-state businesses need a registered agent in South Carolina to do business there?
Yes, if your out-of-state business wants to do business in South Carolina, you need a registered agent with a physical address in the state.
Who is eligible to serve as my South Carolina registered agent if I am an out-of-state business entity?
You can hire a commercial registered agent or appoint an individual in South Carolina to serve as your registered agent if you are an out-of-state business entity.
Can I change my registered agent for a foreign business entity in South Carolina?
Yes, you can change your registered agent for a foreign business entity in South Carolina.
Do I need to submit a new certificate of authority when changing my registered agent for a foreign business entity in South Carolina?
No, you do not need to submit a new certificate of authority when changing your registered agent for a foreign business entity in South Carolina.

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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 South Carolina 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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