Change Maine registered agent
You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State via a 'Statement of Appointment or Change of Registered Agent' form. Learn how to do this step by step.
Who are they?
Agent for service of process
Also known as a registered agent, resident agent, statutory agent, etc in various states. These agents are physically located in the state where business entities operate. They receive important legal documents on behalf of the business entity.
Receive service of process
Their primary task is to receive tax forms, judicial notices, and other legal documents during business hours, 5 days a week.
For all business entities
Most business entities including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships require these agents in every state they operate in.
Not PO boxes
Agents must have a physical street address in the state. Not just PO boxes.
Details are public
The address and contact details of these agents are made public by the Secretary of State.
Actions
Step-by-step instructions
How to change a registered agent in Maine?
Check the steps below:
1. Find a new registered agent
Before you plan to change your existing registered agent, make sure to find an alternative registered agent in the state.
If you are physically located in the state, you can be a registered agent for your own LLC. But paying a service provider to become a registered agent will give you much-needed peace of mind.
You can also find a new registered agent through the state's business entity search tool.
2. Inform existing registered agent
You may inform your existing registered agent about your decision to replace them.
3. Inform the State
Check if your new registered agent is a commercial registered agent or a non-commercial registered agent. The form you need to file depends on that. If commercial, then file the form 'Statement of Appointment or Change of Commercial Registered Agent' via mail with the Secretary of State. If non-commecial, file the form 'Statement of Appointment or Change of Noncommercial Registered Agent'
Filing fee (commercial)
$35
Filing fee (non-commercial)
$35
Address
Secretary of State,
Division of Corporations,
UCC and Commissions,
101 State House Station,
Augusta, ME 04333-0101
Alternatively, you can also change the registered agent by filing a Certificate of Amendment. However, this is not a recommended method.
Filing fee
$50
Registered agent
A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Maine needs to have a registered agent located in the state.
Requirements
According to Maine Statutes title 31 § 1661:
- 1
Registered agent can be an individual or an authorised organisation.
- 2
Registered agent must have a street address where they can personally receive service of process.
- 3
Office of Registered agent cannot be just a mailbox service of a telephone answering service.
Failure to maintain registered agent
If you fail to maintain a registered agent, it will lead to administrative dissolution of your entity.
Frequently asked questions
Business guides in Maine
Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Maine including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Maine.
Maine LLC
Maine business search