How to Change Registered Agents in West Virginia (WV) in 2025

Change registered agent in West Virginia

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

What is Registered Agent in West Virginia

The West Virginia 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 West Virginia, one must meet the following requirements,

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

You can also be your own registered agent in West Virginia. 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 West Virginia

To change the Registered Agent in West Virginia, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $15 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the West Virginia Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia Change of Registered Agent Notice (PDF) from the official website of the West Virginia 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 West Virginia Change of Registered Agent Notice – PDF West Virginia Registered Agent – Requirement	Eastern Panhandle Business Center, 229 E. Martin St., Martinsburg, WV 25401

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the West Virginia registered agent is $15. This fee will be paid to the West Virginia 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 West Virginia

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 West Virginia, 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia. 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 West Virginia

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

To change your registered agent in West Virginia, you must file a Statement of Change of Principal Office Address or Resident Agent with the Secretary of State.

Can I change my registered agent online in West Virginia?

Yes, you can file the necessary documents to change your registered agent online through the West Virginia Secretary of State’s website.

What is the fee to change registered agent in West Virginia?

The fee to change your registered agent in West Virginia is $25 when filing online.

How long does it take to process a change of registered agent in West Virginia?

The processing time for a change of registered agent in West Virginia can vary, but it typically takes around 1-2 weeks.

Do I need to notify my current registered agent that I am changing them in West Virginia?

Yes, you are required to notify your current registered agent when changing them in West Virginia.

Can I act as my own registered agent in West Virginia?

Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in West Virginia as long as you have a physical street address in the state where legal documents can be served.

Do I need a new registered agent before I can change it in West Virginia?

Yes, you must have a new registered agent lined up before you can officially change registered agents in West Virginia.

How often can I change my registered agent in West Virginia?

There are no limits on how often you can change your registered agent in West Virginia, but it is recommended to do so only when necessary.

Can I change my registered agent and office address at the same time in West Virginia?

Yes, you can change your registered agent and principal office address at the same time by filing a Statement of Change of Principal Office Address or Resident Agent with the West Virginia Secretary of State.

What happens if I fail to update my registered agent information in West Virginia?

Failure to update your registered agent information in West Virginia can result in your business being out of compliance with state laws and could lead to penalties or legal issues.

Can I change my registered agent for multiple entities at once in West Virginia?

No, you will need to file a separate Statement of Change of Principal Office Address or Resident Agent for each entity you wish to change the registered agent for in West Virginia.

Are there specific qualifications to be a registered agent in West Virginia?

Yes, the registered agent must be a resident of West Virginia or a business entity authorized to transact business in the state.

What information do I need to include when changing my registered agent in West Virginia?

You will need to provide the name and address of the new registered agent, as well as the names of the entities for which the change is being made.

Can I use a professional registered agent service to change my registered agent in West Virginia?

Yes, you can use a professional registered agent service to change your registered agent in West Virginia.

Can I change my registered agent by mail in West Virginia?

Yes, you can file the necessary documents to change your registered agent by mail with the West Virginia Secretary of State.

Can I change my registered agent without notifying the current agent in West Virginia?

No, you are required to notify your current registered agent when changing them in West Virginia.

What is the role of a registered agent in West Virginia?

A registered agent in West Virginia is responsible for receiving legal documents and official government correspondence on behalf of a business entity.

Can I change my registered agent after forming my business in West Virginia?

Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time after forming your business in West Virginia.

What is the deadline to change my registered agent in West Virginia?

There is no specific deadline for changing your registered agent in West Virginia, but it should be done promptly to ensure compliance with state law.

Do I need to provide a reason for changing my registered agent in West Virginia?

No, you do not need to provide a reason for changing your registered agent in West Virginia.

Can I change my registered agent if I am not in good standing with the state in West Virginia?

It is recommended to first resolve any issues that are causing your business to be not in good standing before changing your registered agent in West Virginia.

Can I change my registered agent for a foreign entity in West Virginia?

Yes, you can change the registered agent for a foreign entity operating in West Virginia by filing the necessary documents with the Secretary of State.

Are there any restrictions on who can be a registered agent in West Virginia?

Generally, anyone meeting the residency or business entity requirements can serve as a registered agent in West Virginia.

Do I need to provide an email address when changing my registered agent in West Virginia?

While not required, providing an email address for the new registered agent can help streamline communication and ensure timely receipt of important documents.

Can I change my registered agent for a nonprofit organization in West Virginia?

Yes, you can change the registered agent for a nonprofit organization in West Virginia following the same procedures as for a for-profit entity.

How do I find a reliable registered agent service in West Virginia?

You can search online for registered agent services that operate in West Virginia and offer the support and expertise you need for your business.

Do I need to submit a new registered agent consent form when changing my registered agent in West Virginia?

Yes, the new registered agent will need to provide a consent form when changing the registered agent in West Virginia.

Can I change my registered agent for multiple entities with a single filing in West Virginia?

No, you will need to file separate documents for each entity you wish to change the registered agent for in West Virginia.

Can I change my registered agent for free in West Virginia?

No, there is a $25 fee when filing to change your registered agent in West Virginia.

How do I change the registered agent in West Virginia?

To change the registered agent in West Virginia, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Change of Registered Agent form 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 West Virginia registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in West Virginia 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.