You’re changing registered agents.
You need to know where mail goes.
You need a routing map.
You need clear guidance.
Document routing map. Mail routing. Stage-by-stage guidance. Your map.
This guide shows you how.
Routing map. Mail flow. Document handling. Your transition.
Read this. Understand routing. Protect documents.
Key Takeaways
- Before change—all legal mail goes to old registered agent address until state filing is processed
- During transition—both agents may receive mail; establish forwarding from old to new agent
- After change—all new legal mail goes to new registered agent address once state confirms change
- Forwarding period—old agent should forward documents to new agent for 30-60 days after change
- Verify routing—test mail delivery and forwarding to ensure documents reach you properly
Table of Contents
Why Routing Matters
Routing prevents lost documents.
What happens without clear routing:
- Documents are misrouted
- Mail is lost
- Compliance fails
- Legal problems develop
What happens with clear routing:
- Documents are routed correctly
- Mail is received
- Compliance is maintained
- Legal issues are prevented
The reality: Routing enables protection.
Before Change
Routing before change:
Old Agent Address
Where mail goes:
- All legal documents
- Government notices
- Compliance mail
- Service of process
Why it matters: Old agent handles all mail.
State Records
What state shows:
- Old registered agent address
- Old agent on file
- No change pending
- Current status
Why it matters: State records determine routing.
Mail Flow
How mail flows:
- Sender → Old agent address
- Old agent → You
- Direct forwarding
- No gaps
Why it matters: Flow ensures receipt.
Pro tip: Understand before change. Old agent address, state records, mail flow. See our RA change guide for procedures.
During Transition
Routing during transition:
Dual Coverage
What dual coverage means:
- Both agents may receive mail
- Old agent still on state record
- New agent becoming active
- Overlapping service
Why it matters: Dual coverage prevents gaps.
Forwarding Setup
What forwarding does:
- Old agent forwards to new agent
- New agent processes immediately
- You receive from both
- No documents lost
Why it matters: Forwarding ensures coverage.
State Processing
What state processing means:
- Change form filed
- Processing in progress
- Records updating
- Transition period
Why it matters: Processing creates transition period.
Pro tip: Understand during transition. Dual coverage, forwarding setup, state processing. See our transition guide for coordination.
After Change
Routing after change:
New Agent Address
Where mail goes:
- All new legal documents
- Government notices
- Compliance mail
- Service of process
Why it matters: New agent handles all mail.
State Records
What state shows:
- New registered agent address
- New agent on file
- Change confirmed
- Updated status
Why it matters: State records determine routing.
Mail Flow
How mail flows:
- Sender → New agent address
- New agent → You
- Direct forwarding
- No old agent
Why it matters: Flow ensures receipt.
Pro tip: Understand after change. New agent address, state records, mail flow. See our RA change guide for verification.
Forwarding Procedures
Set up forwarding procedures:
Old Agent Forwarding
What old agent forwards:
- All legal documents
- Government notices
- Compliance documents
- Important mail
Why it matters: Forwarding ensures receipt.
Forwarding Methods
What methods to use:
- Email forwarding
- Physical mail forwarding
- Digital scanning
- Priority handling
Why it matters: Methods ensure timely delivery.
Forwarding Timeline
What timeline to use:
- 30-60 day forwarding period
- Same-day forwarding for urgent items
- Weekly batch forwarding for routine mail
- Based on urgency
Why it matters: Timeline affects response time.
Pro tip: Set up forwarding. Old agent forwarding, methods, timeline. See our no-gap transition guide for forwarding procedures.
Verification Steps
Verify routing works:
State Verification
What to verify:
- New agent on state record
- Change effective date
- Address updated
- Status confirmed
Why it matters: Verification confirms routing.
Mail Testing
What to test:
- Mail delivery to new agent
- Document forwarding
- Notification systems
- Response procedures
Why it matters: Testing confirms functionality.
Document Tracking
What to track:
- Documents received by new agent
- Documents forwarded to you
- Response times
- Any issues
Why it matters: Tracking ensures coverage.
Pro tip: Verify routing. State verification, mail testing, document tracking. See our RA change guide for verification.
Your Next Steps
Understand routing. Set up forwarding. Verify everything.
This Week:
- Review this guide
- Understand routing stages
- Plan forwarding procedures
- Coordinate with both agents
This Month:
- Set up forwarding
- Monitor mail flow
- Verify new agent routing
- Test document delivery
Going Forward:
- Maintain routing clarity
- Monitor for issues
- Update as needed
- Document procedures
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.
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Sources & Additional Information
This guide provides general information about registered agent document routing during changes. 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.
