how-to-change-registered-agent
How to Change Your Registered Agent
To change your registered agent, you must file a change-of-agent form with your state — it's a required state filing, not just an internal update. Always have your new registered agent confirmed and ready before canceling your current one. Your business must have an active registered agent at all times.
The Golden Rule: Never Have a Gap
Your LLC or corporation is legally required to have a registered agent on file at all times. If you cancel your current agent before the new one is officially on file with the state, your business is without a registered agent — which violates state law and can expose you to penalties.
Sequence: New agent confirmed → State filing submitted → State processes change → Current agent relationship ends.
Step-by-Step: Switching to ZenBusiness
If you're switching from another registered agent or from yourself to ZenBusiness:
- Contact ZenBusiness at (844) 493-6249 or app.zenbusiness.com → My Services → Add Services → Registered Agent
- Subscribe to ZenBusiness Registered Agent service
- ZenBusiness files the change-of-agent form with your state
- The state updates its records (1–4 weeks depending on your state)
- Once confirmed, you can notify your previous agent their services are no longer needed
ZenBusiness handles the state filing. State fees for changing a registered agent vary by state ($10–$60 typically); these are separate from the service subscription fee.
Step-by-Step: Switching Away from ZenBusiness
If you're switching to a different registered agent:
- Confirm your new agent is ready — they must be willing, qualified, and have their physical address in your state
- File the change-of-agent form with your state (ZenBusiness can tell you which form to use)
- Wait for the state to process the change
- Only then cancel your ZenBusiness Registered Agent subscription
To cancel ZenBusiness Registered Agent: contact our support team at (844) 493-6249 — cancellation requires confirming a replacement is in place.
How Long Does the Change Take?
State processing times for registered agent changes typically run 1–4 weeks. Some states (Delaware, Wyoming) process changes faster; others (California, New York) may take longer. ZenBusiness will confirm when the change is officially on file if we're handling the filing.
Special Case: Foreign Qualifications
If your LLC is registered in multiple states and you need to change registered agents in all of them, each state requires its own change-of-agent filing. ZenBusiness can coordinate changes across multiple states. Contact support and provide the list of states where changes are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a state fee to change registered agents?
Yes — every state charges a filing fee to record a registered agent change. Typical fees range from $10 to $60 depending on the state. ZenBusiness discloses the specific fee for your state before proceeding.
I moved to a new address. Do I need to update my registered agent?
That depends. If you're your own registered agent and your address changed, file a change-of-agent form with the state immediately to update your address — there's no grace period. If you use ZenBusiness as your registered agent and you changed your business address, that's a separate process (an address amendment). Our registered agent address stays the same regardless of where you operate.
Can I change my registered agent myself without going through ZenBusiness?
Yes — every state's Secretary of State website lets you file a change of registered agent directly. You'll need the correct form for your state and entity type, your new agent's information, and the state filing fee. ZenBusiness can handle this on your behalf if you prefer.