Change Registered Agent in Iowa for Free

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Businesses in Indiana have two options when it comes time to change their registered agent. The first is doing so on your own and the second one is hiring the formation services to change an Indiana registered agent.

In the DIY method, if you’re not sure what steps need to be taken or how exactly this whole process works, this guide will help you.

What is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent is a person or entity designated by your business to receive service of process, state correspondence, and receiving or sending important business mails. Depending on the state, a registered agent may also be known as:

  • Statutory agent, 
  • Resident agent, or
  • Service of process agent.

How to Change Registered Agent in Iowa

For an LLC in Iowa, regardless of whether you choose the DIY method or hire a company, you need to file the certificate of change of registered agent. To change your registered agent mentioned in your Article of Organization, you file a change of registered agent or registered office form with the secretary of state. 

However, before you file your application to change your registered agent in Iowa, you must be sure that your registered agent is:

  • At least 18 years of age or older.
  • Your registered agent should be a resident of the state of Iowa
  • A registered agent must be present in the office during regular business hours.
  • Your designated registered agent is happily willing to be nominated as your registered agent.
  • Since P.O. mailbox can’t be used in most states, a registered agent must have a physical address to deliver documents. 
  • Your registered agent must be comfortable with their address going to be public in the state record.
Method #1

Hire a Company to Change Registered Agent in Iowa

Among hundreds of companies providing registered agent services for your LLC in Iowa across all states, we bring the top 2 registered agent services for you here i.e. ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent, which are far better alternatives of LegalZoom.

Registered Agent Services Key Features Value Learn More
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  • Free registered agent service for a Year with LLC service.
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The Top-Notch Customer Care
  • Security and data privacy assurance.
  • Locally scan your documents.
  • Free registered agent with LLC service annually.
$125
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Method #2

Change Registered Agent DIY in Iowa

You can change your registered agent or the address of the registered office by filing the Statement of Change with the Iowa Secretary of State. You can file the Statement of Change form online or send it to the Secretary of State through the mail.

Changing a Registered Agent or Registered Office Online

You can change the registered agent or registered office online by following the steps given below.

  1. Login to  Fast Track Filing website to change the registered agent or registered office at the Iowa Secretary of State’s website.
  2. On the menu, select “File a Document” under the “Business Filings” heading.
  3. select “Change of Registered Agent” under the “Existing Entities” section.
  4. Search for and select your business.
  5. Complete the form with correct information, including payment information.
  6. Ask your new registered agent to sign the form electronically.
  7. Review and submit the document.

 Important Note: You can also change your registered agent using Iowa Biennial Report if you’re close to the filing deadline. Read our complete guide on how to file the Iowa Biennial Report.

Changing a Registered Agent or Registered Office via Mail 

If filing a change of registered agent entity form by mail is more convenient, you first need to download the form from the Iowa Secretary of State website. Fill it out with your correct information on your computer and ask your new registered agent to sign the document and send it along with the filing fee to the address given below:

Mail or In Person:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
Lucas Building, 1st Floor
Des Moines, IA 50319

Fax:
(515) 242-5953

Change of Registered Agent Fee in Iowa: $5

The state of Iowa charges you $5 for partnerships and no fee for all other entities to process your change of registered agent document. You can pay this fee by credit card or check.

Information Needed to Complete Change of Registered Agent Form

To change your Iowa registered agent, you will need to type in the following information on the change of registered agent or registered office by entity type form:

  • Your Iowa entity I.D. number,
  • The name of your business entity,
  • The name of your current registered agent,
  • The name of your new registered agent,
  • The address of your new registered agent,
  • Signature of the authorized person by your business,
  • Signature of your new registered agent consenting to their appointment,
  • Credit card information to pay the $5 filing fee if filing online,
  • If filing through the mail, tick the box if paying the fee through check.

Why Change Registered Agent in Iowa?

In business, nothing is permanent, nor does everything hold for forever. With changing situations and circumstances, you update and revise your decisions. The same goes with the registered agent. 

For instance, you may have appointed your attorney or CPA as your registered agent. Now you wish to change your attorney or CPA, so you would also want to change the registered agent. Some of the common reasons to change your registered agent could be:

  • Your designated registered agent wants to retire.
  • Your current registered agent moves to another state.
  • Your present registered agent is too busy to take responsibility for your business correspondence anymore.
  • You are not satisfied with the existing registered agent. 
  • You have nominated yourself as your registered agent but cannot handle this responsibility due to your busy schedule
  • Your designated registered is charging a lot, and you want to hire cheaper registered agent services

FAQs on Changing Registered Agent in Iowa

Can I be My Own Registered Agent in Iowa?

All business owners in Iowa can be their own registered agents. So, whether you are running an LLC or operating your business as a corporation, you can designate yourself to accept service of process and official notices for your business. 

Can I switch Registered Agents?

You can switch registered agents at any time. When you are ready to make a change, cancel the previous registered agent service and hire a new one. Then file the appropriate paperwork (change of registered agent form) with your state. However, most states require a fee to process your change of registered agent document.

Can I Get Free Registered Agent Services?

Yes, many reputable LLC services such as ZenBusiness, IncFile, etc provide 1-year free registered agent services after incorporating your business with them. For example, ZenBusiness in its basic package of $39 files your article of organization and provides a free registered agent for one year. Whereas as a standalone service, registered agent service cost you $99.

How do I change my registered agent in Iowa?

File a Change of Registered Agent form with the Iowa Secretary of State, and you’ll be able to change your registered agent for $5 or free. You just need to fill in the correct information, including the name of the previous registered agent, the name and address of the new registered agent, your business name and I.D. number, etc.

Do you have to have a registered agent for an LLC in Iowa?

Registered agents are a must for any formal business in Iowa. So whether you have an LLC, LLP, or corporation, you need to designate a registered agent for state correspondence. If you’re not sure what a registered agent’s role is and do you need one, read our article on What is a Registered Agent? Be Your Own or Hire a Service to help your company operate smoothly.

What is the responsibility of a registered agent?

Registered agents ensure that critical legal and other documents, such as subpoenas or regulatory notices, are delivered to you without any delay. They help your business remain compliant and up-to-date by delivering all necessary paperwork. They are responsible for accepting official correspondence on behalf of the company, such as tax forms, legal notices, and business mails.

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