How to Change Registered Agent in Washington – 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 Washington

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

What is Registered Agent in Washington

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

You can also be your own registered agent in Washington. 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 Washington

To change the Registered Agent in Washington, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $0 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Washington Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington State Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Washington 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
Washington State Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Washington Registered Agent – Requirement		Secretary of State, Corporations Division. P.O. Box 40234

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Washington registered agent is $0. This fee will be paid to the Washington 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 Washington

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 Washington, 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 Washington Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Washington

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Washington. 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 Washington 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 Washington. 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 Washington Registered Agent only if they are the Washington resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Washington, 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 Washington?
A registered agent is a person or entity responsible for receiving legal documents on behalf of a business in the state of Washington.
Can a business change its registered agent in Washington?
Yes, a business can change its registered agent in the state of Washington.
How do I change my registered agent in Washington?
You can change your registered agent in Washington by filing an amendment with the Washington Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent myself or do I need a lawyer?
You can change your registered agent yourself in Washington.
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Washington?
The fee to change a registered agent in Washington is $10.
What are the consequences of not changing my registered agent in Washington?
Failure to maintain a registered agent in Washington can lead to the dissolution of your business in the state.
Is there a deadline for changing a registered agent in Washington?
No, there is no deadline for changing a registered agent in Washington.
What information is needed to change my registered agent in Washington?
You need the name and address of your new registered agent and the name and address of your business.
Can I use a registered agent who is not located in Washington?
No, your registered agent must have a physical address in Washington.
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Washington?
Generally, it takes about 5 business days for the Washington Secretary of State to process your amendment.
Do I need to notify my old registered agent when I change in Washington?
Yes, you should notify your old registered agent when you change in Washington.
Can I change my registered agent and my business address at the same time in Washington?
Yes, you can change your registered agent and your business address at the same time in Washington.
How will I know if my registered agent change has been processed in Washington?
You can verify your registered agent change through the Washington Secretary of State’s website.
Is there a penalty for changing my registered agent in Washington?
No, there is no penalty for changing your registered agent in Washington.
Can I change my registered agent if my business is not located in Washington?
Yes, as long as your business is registered to do business in Washington.
Can I change my registered agent when my business is inactive in Washington?
No, your business must be in good standing with the Washington Secretary of State to change your registered agent.
How often can I change my registered agent in Washington?
There is no limit to the number of times you can change your registered agent in Washington.
Is there a form I need to fill out to change my registered agent in Washington?
Yes, you will need to file an amendment with the Washington Secretary of State.
Can I change my registered agent online in Washington?
Yes, you can change your registered agent online through the Washington Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need to get my new registered agent’s consent to change them in Washington?
Yes, your new registered agent must give their consent in writing to be named as your new registered agent in Washington.
How do I find a registered agent in Washington?
You can find a registered agent in Washington through a registered agent service or by searching through the Washington Secretary of State’s website.
Do I need to provide an explanation for changing my registered agent in Washington?
No, you do not need to provide an explanation for changing your registered agent in Washington.
Are there any restrictions on who can be a registered agent in Washington?
Yes, your registered agent must have a physical address in Washington and be available during normal business hours.
Can I change my registered agent and use a PO Box as my business address in Washington?
No, your business address must have a physical address in Washington when you change your registered agent in the state.
If I change my registered agent in Washington, do I also need to update any other state agencies?
It is important to review your records and update any other state agencies as necessary when changing your registered agent in Washington.
Can I change my registered agent before my initial formation in Washington?
Yes, you can change your registered agent before your initial formation in Washington.
Can changing my registered agent affect my business license or other permits in Washington?
No, changing your registered agent does not affect your business license or other permits in Washington.
What happens to my old registered agent’s fees after I change in Washington?
You will need to make arrangements with your old registered agent to cancel any services or fees in Washington.
How does one know if they need to change their registered agent in Washington?
If you have moved, changed your registered office address or phone, or changed your registered agent, you will need to file a Statement by Foreign Corporation (Form FCO) in Washington.
What does changing registered agent in Washington involve?
To change your registered agent in Washington, you will need to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office (Form RA-CO) with the Washington Secretary of State.
Who can be a registered agent in Washington?
Anyone, including individuals and businesses, can be a registered agent in Washington, as long as they have a physical address in the state and are available during business hours to receive legal and official documents.
Does the Washington Secretary of State charge a fee for changing registered agents?
Yes, the Washington Secretary of State charges a $10 fee for changing your registered agent.
Can an individual who is part of the business be the registered agent in Washington?
Yes, an individual who is part of the business can serve as the registered agent in Washington if they have a physical address in the state and are present during business hours to receive official documents.
Can you change your registered agent after filing your Washington LLC formation documents?
Yes, you can change your registered agent after filing your Washington LLC formation documents.
How quickly can you change your registered agent in Washington?
By submitting Form RA-CO to the Washington Secretary of State online, your registered agent information will be updated promptly on the Washington Secretary of State’s website.
Can I serve as my own registered agent for my Washington business?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Washington provided you have a physical street address in the state and are available during business hours to receive official documents.
What are the responsibilities of the registered agent in Washington?
The registered agent in Washington acts as the point of contact between the state and the business, and therefore is responsible for receiving legal notices and official documents on behalf of the company.
Can a business have more than one registered agent in Washington?
No, a business may only have one registered agent in Washington.
Can the registered agent address change in Washington under any circumstances?
Yes, the registered agent address can change in Washington if the registered agent moves or changes their business location within Washington.
What happens if I fail to update my Washington registered agent information?
Failure to update your Washington registered agent information is a serious legal and regulatory offense that can jeopardize your business’ status in the state or result in costly legal fees if legal notices are missed.
What if I don’t know who my current registered agent is in Washington?
You can look up your current registered agent in Washington using the information registered with the Washington Secretary of State.
How do you change a nonprofit organization’s registered agent in Washington?
To change the registered agent of a nonprofit organization in Washington, you must complete and file Form RA-CO with the Washington Secretary of State.
Do I need to update my registered agent information when filing my Washington Annual Report?
No, you can update your registered agent information anytime during the year by filing Form RA-CO with the Washington Secretary of State.
Can a Washington registered agent resign?
Yes, a Washington registered agent can resign their position by filing a Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent (Form RA-R) with the Washington Secretary of State.
How long will it take for the Washington Secretary of State to process a change of registered agent filing?
The Washington Secretary of State generally processes change of registered agent filings within 2 business days.
Can I change the name of my registered agent in Washington?
Yes, you can change the name of your registered agent in Washington as part of Form RA-CO.
What happens if my Washington registered agent is unavailable to accept a notice or paper?
If your Washington registered agent is unavailable to accept an official notice or paper, it will generally be returned to the Washington Secretary of State’s office.
When is the best time to change my Washington registered agent?
It’s a good idea to change your Washington registered agent as soon as you know that a change needs to be made to avoid any business interruption.
Will changing my registered agent in Washington affect my business’ legal standing?
Changing your registered agent in Washington will not affect your business’ legal standing as long as the updates are accurately filed with the Washington Secretary of State.
How do I add a new registered agent while keeping my old registered agent for a period of time in Washington?
You can simply designate your new registered agent on the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and specify an effective date for the change to take place (which can be deferred to a future date).
Can I change my registered agent address in Washington without changing my registered agent?
Yes, you can change your registered agent address in Washington without changing your registered agent by completing and filing Form SRA4 with all the required information and paying the associated fee.
How do corporate entities change their registered agent information in Washington?
Corporate entities in Washington should file the same Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office (Form RA-CO) as any other business entity.
What is the Washington fee for changing the registered agent?
The Washington fee for changing a registered agent is $10.
Can a business change its registered agent online in Washington?
Yes, a business can change its registered agent online by submitting Form RA-CO through the Washington Secretary of State’s website.
Is a signature required for filing Form RA-CO in Washington?
Yes, an electronic signature is required to file Form RA-CO in Washington.

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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 Washington 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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