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How to Change a Registered Agent in North Carolina

By Alison K Plaut

Published on 28 Jan 2024 4 min read

Registered agents perform an essential role for businesses as the first point of contact, ensuring that the government and the public can reach the company during regular business hours. If you decide to work with a registered agent service or shift to a new service, you must change your company’s registered agent. Changing a registered agent in North Carolina is simple, but you’ll need to follow all the required steps. Read on for how to change registered agents in North Carolina.

The Process of Changing a Registered Agent in North Carolina

Whether you have a corporation, partnership, or LLC in North Carolina, you must maintain a registered agent and registered office. To change your registered agent in North Carolina, you must file the Statement of Change with the Secretary of State of North Carolina, Corporations Division. You can submit the registered agent statement of change online, by mail, or in person. The cost of filing is just $5. 

The steps to file are simple:

• Inform the current registered agent that you plan to change your registered agent services. 
• Complete the North Carolina Statement of Change of Registered Agent.
• File the form with the Secretary of State of North Carolina, Corporations Division.
• You can find the forms, plus all additional forms, with the North Carolina Secretary of State here. 
• Update the Articles of Organization to reflect the new registered agent and the registered address. 

The form will need to include the date the document was executed. You will also need to enter the name of the entity. An officer, manager, or general partner of the entity must sign. You may request a delayed effective date, but if you don’t specify a time, the document will be effective at 11:59:59 p.m. on the specified day. 

What Are the Fees Associated With Changing a Registered Agent in North Carolina?

The fees associated with changing a registered agent in North Carolina are just $5. Same-day expedited filing costs $200 but is only available if you file by noon. 24-hour expedited processing is available for an additional $100.

How Long Does It Take to Change a Registered Agent in North Carolina?

It takes three to five business days to process a change of registered agent if you file online. If you file by mail, it takes seven to ten days. You can also request expedited filing. You can get same-day filings when the Statement of Change with the Secretary of State of North Carolina is filed by noon for an additional $200 or 24-hour expedited processing for $100. 

Who Should You Notify About Changing Your Registered Agent in North Carolina?

When changing registered agents in North Carolina, you must notify the existing registered agent and get permission from the new registered agent. Depending on your company’s operating agreement, you will generally need a resolution by the members or board of the organization. Once you file with the Secretary of State, you may also need to inform stakeholders and relevant government agencies.

What Happens if You Fail to Change Your Registered Agent In North Carolina?

If you fail to update filings after changing your registered agent in North Carolina, you risk failing to receive critical information or miss a service of process. You could face fines, penalties, or forced dissolution of the company. 

The state will administratively dissolve any North Carolina business entity that remains without a registered agent for more than 60 days. In case you want to dissolve your LLC, it’s better to follow the steps here.

How Often Can You Change Your Registered Agent in North Carolina?

You can change registered agents in North Carolina as often as needed. Each time you do so, you must file a new Statement of Change form with the Secretary of State of North Carolina. You will also need to pay the $5 filing fee or the expedited filing fees, if necessary. 

The registered agent must have a physical street address. You will need to update the Articles of Organization to reflect the new registered agent and the registered address. 

Changing Your Registered Agent in North Carolina

Changing registered agent services in North Carolina ensures that your company remains in good standing while ensuring clear communication. If you move the company from another state or expand operations to North Carolina, you’ll need a North Carolina registered agent. 

If you need help with a new LLC formation in North Carolina, doola can help with formation and compliance, making it simple to keep your business in good standing. And simple bookkeeping services can support busy founders like you. Get doola Books here to get help with bookkeeping without hiring an accountant. 

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