You’ve switched registered agents.
You need to verify it works.
You need an audit process.
You need verification.
Post-migration audit. Verification process. Test mail. Your audit.
This guide shows you how.
Audit process. Verification steps. Testing procedures. Your confirmation.
Read this. Conduct audit. Verify service.
Key Takeaways
- Verify state records—confirm new registered agent is listed on state records and change is effective
- Test mail delivery—send test mail to new registered agent address to verify receipt
- Test forwarding—verify new agent forwards documents to you promptly and accurately
- Check notification systems—test that new agent notifies you of document receipt
- Document verification—keep records of all verification steps and test results
Table of Contents
Why Audit Matters
Audit confirms service works.
What happens without audit:
- Problems go undetected
- Service failures occur
- Documents are missed
- Compliance fails
What happens with audit:
- Problems are detected early
- Service is verified
- Documents are received
- Compliance is maintained
The reality: Audit enables confidence.
State Verification
Verify state records:
Check State Records
What to check:
- New registered agent on file
- Change effective date
- Address updated correctly
- Status confirmed
Why it matters: State records determine routing.
Verify Online
What to verify:
- Secretary of State website
- Business entity search
- Registered agent listing
- Current status
Why it matters: Online verification confirms records.
Request Confirmation
What to request:
- Written confirmation from state
- Certificate of good standing
- Entity status report
- Registered agent confirmation
Why it matters: Confirmation provides proof.
Pro tip: Verify state records. Check state records, verify online, request confirmation. See our RA change guide for verification.
Mail Testing
Test mail delivery:
Send Test Mail
What to send:
- Test letter to new agent address
- Certified mail for tracking
- Regular mail for normal flow
- Multiple test items
Why it matters: Testing confirms delivery.
Track Delivery
What to track:
- Delivery confirmation
- Receipt date
- Processing time
- Any issues
Why it matters: Tracking confirms receipt.
Verify Receipt
What to verify:
- New agent received mail
- Mail was processed
- Notification was sent
- Forwarding occurred
Why it matters: Verification confirms service.
Pro tip: Test mail delivery. Send test mail, track delivery, verify receipt. See our no-gap transition guide for testing procedures.
Forwarding Verification
Verify forwarding works:
Test Forwarding
What to test:
- Document forwarding speed
- Forwarding accuracy
- Notification timing
- Delivery to you
Why it matters: Testing confirms forwarding.
Check Methods
What methods to check:
- Email forwarding
- Physical mail forwarding
- Digital scanning
- Priority handling
Why it matters: Methods affect delivery.
Verify Quality
What quality to verify:
- Documents are complete
- Information is accurate
- Timing is appropriate
- Service is reliable
Why it matters: Quality affects usability.
Pro tip: Verify forwarding. Test forwarding, check methods, verify quality. See our document routing guide for forwarding procedures.
Notification Testing
Test notification systems:
Test Notifications
What to test:
- Email notifications
- SMS notifications
- Portal notifications
- Alert systems
Why it matters: Notifications enable response.
Check Timing
What timing to check:
- Notification speed
- Delivery time
- Response time
- Urgency handling
Why it matters: Timing affects response.
Verify Content
What content to verify:
- Information is complete
- Details are accurate
- Actions are clear
- Links work properly
Why it matters: Content affects action.
Pro tip: Test notifications. Test notifications, check timing, verify content. See our RA change guide for notification testing.
Documentation
Document verification process:
Audit Records
What to document:
- Verification steps taken
- Test results
- Issues found
- Resolutions applied
Why it matters: Records provide proof.
Test Results
What to document:
- Mail delivery results
- Forwarding test results
- Notification test results
- Overall service assessment
Why it matters: Results confirm service.
Follow-Up Actions
What to document:
- Issues identified
- Actions taken
- Resolutions applied
- Ongoing monitoring
Why it matters: Follow-up ensures completion.
Pro tip: Document verification. Audit records, test results, follow-up actions. See our RA change guide for documentation.
Your Next Steps
Conduct audit. Verify service. Document results.
This Week:
- Review this guide
- Plan audit process
- Prepare test materials
- Schedule verification
This Month:
- Verify state records
- Test mail delivery
- Verify forwarding
- Test notifications
Going Forward:
- Document results
- Monitor service quality
- Review periodically
- Address issues promptly
Need help? Check out our RA change guide for switch procedures, our no-gap transition guide for transition planning, and our registered agent guide for registered agent services.
Stay informed about business strategies and tools by following us on X (Twitter) and signing up for The Initiative Newsletter.
Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about auditing registered agent service after a switch. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For RA change procedures, see our RA Change Guide.
For no-gap transitions, see our No-Gap Transition Guide.
For registered agent services, see our Registered Agent Guide.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
