Are you unsatisfied with your Rhode Island registered agent? Or perhaps you’re currently serving as your own registered agent, but would rather hire a professional registered agent service instead?
The state of Rhode Island makes it rather easy to change your registered agent, but there are some details involved in the process that are worth reviewing.
In this guide, we’ll discuss all the relevant details of changing a registered agent in Rhode Island.
Guru Tip: If you would prefer to have a professional service deal with the paperwork and take over registered agent duties, hire a Rhode Island registered agent service. It’s just a small annual fee.
What Is a Rhode Island Registered Agent?
Why is a registered agent required for every limited liability company (LLC) or corporation? It all comes down to the fact that the state needs to be able to contact an official representative of your business if they need to deliver important documents to you, especially service of process.
Without a registered agent, you could remain unaware of a lawsuit against your business progressing through the court system.
Who Can Be a Rhode Island Registered Agent?
If you’re looking to change your company’s registered agent, it’s a good idea to know who is eligible to serve as one.
When it comes to selecting a registered agent in Rhode Island you have two major options: you may either appoint an individual who is a resident of the state or a company that is certified to transact business in Rhode Island. In either case, it is essential that a registered agent have a physical street address in the state of Rhode Island; a P.O. box does not suffice.
Often, those in need of a registered agent in the state of Rhode Island may choose to hire the services of a commercial registered agent. For an annual fee, these companies will consent to serving as your business entity’s registered agent. For more information on who can serve as a registered agent in the state, we suggest you check out our full guide to Rhode Island Registered Agents.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Rhode Island
If you would like to change your registered agent for any reason, the process is simple.
To change your registered agent in Rhode Island you simply need to submit the appropriate Registered Agent Change document. For LLCs, you must complete the Change of Registered Agent (form 642). For corporations, you’ll need to complete the Statement of Change of Registered Agent (form 640A). The documents will ask for the following information:
- The entity’s ID number
- The exact name of the LLC or corporation
- The name of the current registered agent
- The name and address of the new registered agent
- The name and signature of an authorized person affiliated with the LLC or corporation
Both documents can be submitted either by mail, in person, or using Rhode Island’s online filing system.
Change of Registered Agent Fee: $20
Should You Hire a Professional Rhode Island Registered Agent Service?
Hiring a registered agent service like Northwest Registered Agent has some distinct advantages. First and foremost, compared to serving as your own agent, professional registered agent services allow you to keep your personal address private. They’re also much less expensive than hiring a lawyer or accountant to provide registered agent service.
An often-overlooked benefit is how easy it is to expand your Rhode Island business into other states if you choose a professional registered agent. They typically have offices in all 50 states, so if you begin transacting business in an additional state, your same registered agent service can handle that for you.
If you’re interested in hiring a professional registered agent service, take a look at our guide to the top service providers.
Conclusion
The process for changing a registered agent in Rhode Island isn’t a complicated one, but it’s certainly advisable to know exactly what you want to do ahead of time. If you know what you want going in, you’ll find that the process is really quite painless.
We hope this article answered your questions about changing your Rhode Island registered agent!