How to Change Registered Agents in Wisconsin (WI) in 2024

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

What is Registered Agent in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin, one must meet the following requirements,

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

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

To change the Registered Agent in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF Wisconsin Registered Agent – Requirement	State of WI – Dept. of Financial Institutions, P.O. Box 93348, Milwaukee, WI 53293

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

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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin

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

To change your registered agent in Wisconsin, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

What is the cost to change my registered agent in Wisconsin?

The fee to file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office in Wisconsin is $10.

Can I be my own registered agent in Wisconsin?

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

Do I need to notify my current registered agent when changing agents in Wisconsin?

Yes, you are required to notify your current registered agent of the change in writing.

How long do I have to complete the change of registered agent process in Wisconsin?

You must complete the change of registered agent process in Wisconsin within 30 days of the effective date of the change.

Can I use a professional registered agent service in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can use a professional registered agent service in Wisconsin to help you manage your legal documents and compliance requirements.

What information do I need to include on the Statement of Change of Registered Agent in Wisconsin?

You will need to include the name of your business entity, the name and address of the new registered agent, and the effective date of the change.

Can I change my registered agent online in Wisconsin?

No, the change of registered agent must be filed by mail or in person with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Wisconsin?

If you fail to maintain a registered agent in Wisconsin, your business entity may face penalties, fines, or even dissolution.

Can a foreign business entity change its registered agent in Wisconsin?

Yes, foreign business entities can also change their registered agents in Wisconsin by filing the necessary paperwork with the Department of Financial Institutions.

How can I find a registered agent for my business in Wisconsin?

You can search for registered agent services online or ask for recommendations from other business owners in Wisconsin.

Can I appoint a family member or friend as my registered agent in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can appoint a family member or friend as your registered agent in Wisconsin as long as they meet the requirements.

Do I need to provide a physical address for my registered agent in Wisconsin?

Yes, the registered agent in Wisconsin must have a physical street address where legal documents can be served during business hours.

Can the registered agent be the same as the business owner in Wisconsin?

Yes, the business owner can also serve as the registered agent for the business in Wisconsin.

What are the responsibilities of a registered agent in Wisconsin?

The registered agent is responsible for accepting legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the business entity in Wisconsin.

What is the difference between a registered agent and a service of process agent in Wisconsin?

A registered agent is responsible for receiving legal documents and official correspondence, while a service of process agent is responsible for receiving court documents and lawsuits.

Do I need to update other agencies if I change my registered agent in Wisconsin?

Yes, you should update any other agencies, such as the IRS or Secretary of State, if you change your registered agent in Wisconsin.

What should I do if my registered agent resigns in Wisconsin?

If your registered agent resigns in Wisconsin, you must appoint a new registered agent within 30 days to avoid penalties.

Can I change my registered agent multiple times in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can change your registered agent multiple times in Wisconsin by filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent each time.

Is there a specific form to use when changing a registered agent in Wisconsin?

Yes, you must use the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form provided by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

How long does it take to change a registered agent in Wisconsin?

The processing time to change a registered agent in Wisconsin can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks.

Can I email the change of registered agent documents to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions?

No, the change of registered agent documents must be filed by mail or in person with the Department of Financial Institutions in Wisconsin.

Can I change my registered agent before or after forming my business in Wisconsin?

You can change your registered agent before or after forming your business in Wisconsin by following the required steps and filing the necessary paperwork.

What happens if I don’t receive a response after filing the change of registered agent in Wisconsin?

If you don’t receive a response after filing the change of registered agent in Wisconsin, you should follow up with the Department of Financial Institutions to ensure the change is processed.

Can I change my registered agent for multiple business entities in Wisconsin at once?

Yes, you can change the registered agent for multiple business entities in Wisconsin at once by filing a separate form for each entity.

Do I need to publish a notice in a newspaper when changing my registered agent in Wisconsin?

No, there is no requirement to publish a notice in a newspaper when changing your registered agent in Wisconsin.

Can I download the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form online in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can download the Statement of Change of Registered Agent form online from the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions website.

What types of businesses need a registered agent in Wisconsin?

All business entities, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, are required to have a registered agent in Wisconsin to receive legal documents and official correspondence.

Can I hire an attorney as my registered agent in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can hire an attorney or a professional registered agent service to act as your registered agent in Wisconsin to ensure compliance with state requirements.

What is a registered agent in Wisconsin?

A registered agent in Wisconsin is a person or entity appointed to receive legal documents on behalf of a business.

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 Wisconsin registered agent can be necessary in various situations.

Changing Registered Agent in Wisconsin 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.