You’re filing registered agent changes.
You want to avoid rejections.
You need to know common mistakes.
You need prevention guidance.
Rejection prevention. Common mistakes. State-specific pitfalls. Your prevention.
This guide shows you how.
Mistake prevention. Error avoidance. Rejection prevention. Your success.
Read this. Avoid mistakes. Prevent rejections.
Key Takeaways
- Incorrect forms cause rejections—using wrong forms or outdated forms leads to immediate rejection
- Missing signatures cause rejections—unsigned forms or unauthorized signatures result in filing rejections
- Incorrect fees cause rejections—wrong fee amounts or payment methods lead to filing rejections
- Incomplete information causes rejections—missing required information or incomplete forms result in rejections
- State-specific errors cause rejections—not following state-specific requirements leads to rejections
Table of Contents
Why Prevention Matters
Prevention saves time and money.
What happens without prevention:
- Filings are rejected
- Time is wasted
- Fees are lost
- Deadlines are missed
What happens with prevention:
- Filings are accepted
- Time is saved
- Fees are used effectively
- Deadlines are met
The reality: Prevention enables success.
Form Mistakes
Avoid form mistakes:
Wrong Forms
What wrong forms cause:
- Using LLC forms for corporations
- Using outdated forms
- Using wrong state forms
- Using incorrect form versions
Why it matters: Wrong forms cause immediate rejection.
Incomplete Forms
What incomplete forms cause:
- Missing required sections
- Incomplete information
- Missing attachments
- Incomplete signatures
Why it matters: Incomplete forms cause rejection.
Form Errors
What form errors cause:
- Typographical errors
- Incorrect entity information
- Wrong agent information
- Date errors
Why it matters: Form errors cause rejection.
Pro tip: Avoid form mistakes. Wrong forms, incomplete forms, form errors. See our state-by-state guide for correct forms.
Signature Mistakes
Avoid signature mistakes:
Missing Signatures
What missing signatures cause:
- Unsigned forms
- Missing authorized signer
- Incomplete signature sections
- Missing notarization
Why it matters: Missing signatures cause rejection.
Unauthorized Signatures
What unauthorized signatures cause:
- Wrong person signing
- Insufficient authority
- Missing authorization
- Invalid signatures
Why it matters: Unauthorized signatures cause rejection.
Signature Format Errors
What format errors cause:
- Illegible signatures
- Digital signature issues
- Notarization problems
- Format inconsistencies
Why it matters: Format errors cause rejection.
Pro tip: Avoid signature mistakes. Missing signatures, unauthorized signatures, format errors. See our RA change guide for signature requirements.
Fee Mistakes
Avoid fee mistakes:
Incorrect Fee Amounts
What incorrect amounts cause:
- Underpayment
- Overpayment
- Wrong fee schedules
- Calculation errors
Why it matters: Incorrect amounts cause rejection.
Wrong Payment Methods
What wrong methods cause:
- Unaccepted payment types
- Payment processing errors
- Method restrictions
- Processing failures
Why it matters: Wrong methods cause rejection.
Fee Timing Errors
What timing errors cause:
- Payment too early
- Payment too late
- Processing delays
- Timing mismatches
Why it matters: Timing errors cause rejection.
Pro tip: Avoid fee mistakes. Incorrect amounts, wrong methods, timing errors. See our state-by-state guide for fee information.
Information Mistakes
Avoid information mistakes:
Missing Information
What missing information causes:
- Incomplete entity information
- Missing agent information
- Incomplete addresses
- Missing contact information
Why it matters: Missing information causes rejection.
Incorrect Information
What incorrect information causes:
- Wrong entity name
- Wrong agent name
- Incorrect addresses
- Wrong contact information
Why it matters: Incorrect information causes rejection.
Outdated Information
What outdated information causes:
- Old entity information
- Previous agent information
- Outdated addresses
- Old contact information
Why it matters: Outdated information causes rejection.
Pro tip: Avoid information mistakes. Missing information, incorrect information, outdated information. See our RA switch checklist for information requirements.
State-Specific Mistakes
Avoid state-specific mistakes:
California Mistakes
What California mistakes include:
- Missing Statement of Information updates
- Incorrect form versions
- Missing compliance documents
- Incorrect fee calculations
Why it matters: California has unique requirements.
New York Mistakes
What New York mistakes include:
- Missing Biennial Statement updates
- Incorrect form procedures
- Missing documentation
- Processing timing errors
Why it matters: New York has unique requirements.
Delaware Mistakes
What Delaware mistakes include:
- Missing Annual Report considerations
- Incorrect franchise tax handling
- Missing entity-specific requirements
- Processing procedure errors
Why it matters: Delaware has unique requirements.
Pro tip: Avoid state-specific mistakes. California, New York, Delaware. See our complex states guide for state-specific requirements.
Your Next Steps
Avoid mistakes. Prevent rejections. Ensure success.
This Week:
- Review this guide
- Identify potential mistakes
- Review state requirements
- Prepare forms carefully
This Month:
- Double-check all forms
- Verify all information
- Confirm fee amounts
- Submit filings
Going Forward:
- Learn from rejections
- Update procedures
- Maintain checklists
- Prevent future mistakes
Need help? Check out our state-by-state guide for state requirements, our complex states guide for state-specific requirements, and our registered agent guide for registered agent services.
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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About Registered Agent Change Rejections
Why do registered agent change filings get rejected?
Common reasons include wrong or incomplete forms for that state, incorrect fees, missing signatures or notarization, using an agent that does not meet state rules, or missing deadlines. Each state has different requirements.
Learn More...
Some states require specific forms or wording; others need notarization or consent from the new agent.
Using the wrong form or an outdated version is a frequent cause of rejection.
Check the state's Secretary of State site or a state-by-state RA change guide before filing.
How do I avoid registered agent change mistakes?
Use the correct form for your state, confirm the new agent is eligible (address, availability), include all required signatures and fees, and follow state-specific rules (e.g., consent, notarization). Double-check against a state-by-state or complex-states guide.
Learn More...
Get the latest form from the state website or a reliable formation resource.
In tough states (e.g., CA, NY, DE), follow any special rules so you do not get rejected.
Allow time for processing and fix any deficiencies quickly if the state returns the filing.
What if my state has special rules for RA changes?
Some states require consent from the new agent, notarization, or different forms and fees. Use a complex-states or state-by-state guide to see your state's rules, then follow them exactly to avoid rejections.
Learn More...
California, New York, Delaware, and others often have extra steps or forms.
When in doubt, use the state's official instructions or a professional service that files in that state.
One mistake can delay your change and leave you with an invalid or outdated agent on record.
Can I fix a rejected RA change filing?
Yes. The state usually tells you what is wrong. Correct the errors (form, fee, signature, etc.) and resubmit by the deadline if one applies. Addressing the deficiency quickly avoids gaps in agent coverage.
Learn More...
Keep the rejection notice; it often lists exactly what to fix.
If the state gives a deadline to cure, meet it so your entity stays in good standing.
For repeated rejections, consider using a registered agent service that handles filings in that state.
Where do I find the right form for my state?
Start with your state's Secretary of State or business division website; they publish the current forms and instructions. A state-by-state registered agent change guide can also point you to the right form and highlight state-specific pitfalls.
Learn More...
Do not rely on generic or old forms; state requirements change.
Our state-by-state and complex-states guides can help you avoid common mistakes.
For multiple states, track each state's requirements separately.
Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about avoiding registered agent change rejections. Your specific situation may require different considerations.
For state-by-state requirements, see our State-by-State Guide.
For complex states, see our Complex States Guide.
For registered agent services, see our Registered Agent Guide.
Consult with professionals for advice specific to your situation.
