Are you unsatisfied with your Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont.
Guru Tip: If you would prefer to have a professional service deal with the paperwork and take over registered agent duties, hire a Vermont registered agent service. It’s just a small annual fee.
What Is a Vermont 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 Vermont 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.
In Vermont, the Secretary of State dictates that a registered agent may be either an individual or a business entity that is registered and active. Often, those business entities in need of a registered agent will appoint an individual affiliated with the company, although it is not required.
Alternatively, some choose to appoint a company which specializes in performing the services of a registered agent. These entities, sometimes referred to as “commercial registered agents”, can be hired for an annual fee.
While the state of Vermont keeps no endorsed list of commercial registered agents in the state, we’ve compiled this list based on price and overall value which can be consulted at any time.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Vermont
If you would like to change your registered agent for any reason, the process is simple.
To change your Vermont registered agent, you should submit a Change of Registered Agent form. While the documents can be completed through mail by requesting the necessary forms, the Vermont Secretary of State asserts that it is quicker and more convenient to submit the form online. To fill out the document, you’ll need the following information:
- Name of your business
- The details of the former registered agent
- The details of the new registered agent
- A certification of authorization
- The signature of the new agent
- The signature of an authorized individual
It should be noted that the Change of Registered Agent document will require the signature of the new agent; without the new registered agent’s signature, the form will be rejected.
Change of Registered Agent Fee: $25
Should You Hire a Professional Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont 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 Vermont registered agent!