You’re switching registered agents.
You want nothing to fall through.
You need a checklist.
You need to cover everything.
RA switch checklist. Forms. Fees. Notifications. Your coverage.
This guide shows you how.
Switch checklist. Complete coverage. Nothing missed. Your transition.
Read this. Follow the checklist. Complete the switch.
Key Takeaways
- File change forms with state—submit registered agent change forms to the Secretary of State in each state where you're registered
- Pay required fees—each state charges fees for registered agent changes, typically ranging from $25 to $150 per state
- Notify old registered agent—formally notify your current registered agent of the change and termination date
- Update new registered agent—provide your new registered agent with all necessary entity information and authorization
- Update business records—notify banks, vendors, partners, and other stakeholders of your new registered agent address
Table of Contents
Why Checklist Matters
Checklist prevents missed steps.
What happens without checklist:
- Steps are forgotten
- Forms are missed
- Fees aren’t paid
- Notifications aren’t sent
What happens with checklist:
- Steps are completed
- Forms are filed
- Fees are paid
- Notifications are sent
The reality: Checklist enables complete transition.
State Filing Forms
File required state forms:
Change of Registered Agent Form
What to file:
- State-specific change form
- New registered agent information
- Effective date of change
- Authorized signature
Why it matters: State filing is required.
Multi-State Filings
What to file:
- Forms for each state of registration
- Foreign qualification states
- Home state filing
- All active registrations
Why it matters: Multi-state requires multiple filings.
Filing Deadlines
What to meet:
- State-specific deadlines
- Processing time requirements
- Effective date planning
- Coordination timing
Why it matters: Deadlines ensure timely change.
Pro tip: File state forms. Change form, multi-state filings, deadlines. See our RA change guide for filing procedures.
Fees and Payment
Pay required fees:
State Filing Fees
What to pay:
- Change of agent fees
- Processing fees
- Expedited fees if needed
- Per-state fees
Why it matters: Fees are required for filing.
Fee Amounts
What amounts vary:
- State-specific fee schedules
- Standard vs. expedited processing
- Multi-state fee totals
- Payment methods accepted
Why it matters: Amounts vary by state.
Payment Methods
What methods to use:
- Online payment
- Check payment
- Credit card payment
- State-specific methods
Why it matters: Methods vary by state.
Pro tip: Pay fees. State filing fees, amounts, payment methods. See our RA change guide for fee information.
Agent Notifications
Notify both agents:
Old Agent Notification
What to notify:
- Termination date
- Change effective date
- Final document forwarding
- Account closure procedures
Why it matters: Notification ensures smooth transition.
New Agent Setup
What to provide:
- Entity information
- Authorization documents
- Service agreements
- Contact information
Why it matters: Setup enables new agent service.
Transition Coordination
What to coordinate:
- Overlapping coverage period
- Document forwarding procedures
- Change effective date
- Communication protocols
Why it matters: Coordination prevents gaps.
Pro tip: Notify agents. Old agent notification, new agent setup, transition coordination. See our no-gap transition guide for coordination.
Stakeholder Updates
Update all stakeholders:
Bank Updates
What to update:
- Registered agent address
- Business address records
- Account information
- Contact details
Why it matters: Banks need current information.
Vendor Updates
What to update:
- Vendor account records
- Billing addresses
- Service addresses
- Contact information
Why it matters: Vendors need current information.
Partner Updates
What to update:
- Partnership agreements
- Contact information
- Service addresses
- Communication channels
Why it matters: Partners need current information.
Platform Updates
What to update:
- Business directories
- Online listings
- Service platforms
- Compliance systems
Why it matters: Platforms need current information.
Pro tip: Update stakeholders. Banks, vendors, partners, platforms. See our no-gap transition guide for stakeholder communication.
Verification Steps
Verify completion:
State Confirmation
What to verify:
- State filing acceptance
- Change effective date
- New agent on record
- Status confirmation
Why it matters: Verification confirms completion.
Agent Confirmation
What to verify:
- New agent acceptance
- Service agreement active
- Document forwarding working
- Communication established
Why it matters: Agent confirmation ensures service.
Document Testing
What to test:
- Mail forwarding
- Document receipt
- Notification systems
- Response procedures
Why it matters: Testing confirms functionality.
Pro tip: Verify completion. State confirmation, agent confirmation, document testing. See our RA change guide for verification.
Your Next Steps
Follow the checklist. Complete the switch. Verify everything.
This Week:
- Review this checklist
- Gather required forms
- Calculate fees
- Prepare notifications
This Month:
- File state forms
- Pay required fees
- Notify both agents
- Update stakeholders
Going Forward:
- Verify completion
- Test document flow
- Monitor for issues
- Maintain records
Need help? Check out our RA change guide for step-by-step 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 switch checklists and requirements. 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.
