Change Michigan resident agent
You can change a resident agent by informing the Secretary of State online via a 'Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Change of Resident Agent'. 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 resident agent in Michigan?
Check the steps below:
1. Find a new resident agent
Before you plan to change your existing resident agent, make sure to find an alternative resident agent in the state.
If you are physically located in the state, you can be a resident agent for your own LLC. But paying a service provider to become a resident agent will give you much-needed peace of mind.
You can also find a new resident agent through the state's business entity search tool.
2. Inform existing resident agent
You may inform your existing resident agent about your decision to replace them.
3. Inform the State
To change the resident agent for an LLC in Michigan, file the form 'Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Change of Resident Agent' online with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Filing fee
$5
Alternatively, you can also change the resident agent by filing your annual report if you are within the filing period of the report. This is simpler than filing the 'Certificate of Change of Registered Office and/or Change of Resident Agent' form, but it can only be done within the filing period.
Filing fee
$25
Resident agent
A resident agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Michigan needs to have a resident agent located in the state.
Requirements
According to Michigan Compiled Laws § 450.1241:
- 1
Resident agent can be an individual or an authorised organisation.
- 2
Resident agent must have a street address where they can personally receive service of process.
- 3
Office of Resident agent cannot be just a mailbox service of a telephone answering service.
Failure to maintain resident agent
If you fail to maintain a resident agent, service of process may be made by delivering or mailing by registered mail to the administrator a summons and copy of the complaint.
LLC Annual Report
Every LLC has to file this report in Michigan to stay compliant with the state laws.
Filing Annual Report
Michigan LLC is expected to file this report annually by February 15
File it online on Michigan Dept. of LARA website
Visit
Online fee
$25
Online processing time
3-5 days
Expedited processing fee
+$100
Expedited processing time
24 hours
Failure to pay
There is late fee of $50 for missing the February 15th filing deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Business guides in Michigan
Resident agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Michigan including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Michigan.
Michigan LLC
Michigan business search