How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Alabama?
If you want to change your registered agent in Alabama, you’ll need to file a Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form with the Alabama Secretary of State.
We'll guide you through the necessary steps to make this change.
Most registered agent services will file this information on your behalf.
Recommended: Northwest ($125/year) will help you file your change of registered agent paperwork and pay the state filing fee.
Changing Alabama Registered Agents
Whether you’re changing registered agent services, your agent has resigned, or you want to be your own agent, you can follow the steps below to make the change.
Changing Your Registered Agent When Using a Professional Service
If you are hiring a new service, they will file the necessary paperwork for you.
The benefits of using a professional service are:
- Less Risk: A professional service will ensure that you don’t miss important legal documents or notifications (e.g., service of process, etc.).
- More Flexibility: A service will always be present to receive service of process during normal business hours so that you don’t have to be.
- Privacy: If you act as your own agent, your name and address will become public record. Using a service will help keep your information private. You’ll also avoid receiving lawsuit-related documents in front of your clients.
- Peace of mind: Using a service allows you to focus on running and growing your business.
Let’s Find the Right Registered Agent for Your Business
We’ve tested and reviewed the most popular registered agent services.
Changing Your Registered Agent by Email
You can complete and submit the Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form by email. The steps for this process include:
- Download the Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form from the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.
- Type your information in the form, including credit card payment information.
- Have your new agent sign the form.
- Email the form to miscellaneous.filings@sos.alabama.gov
Once you submit this information, you can elect to receive an Acknowledgement Copy by mail for an extra $4 fee. You can also elect to pick up a copy at the state office.
Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail
To submit the Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office by Entity form by mail, first, download the form from the Alabama Secretary of State website and then fill it out on your computer.
Once your new agent signs the form, print two copies of the form and mail both copies and the filing fee to:
Secretary of State, Business Services Division
P.O. Box 5616
Montgomery, AL 36103-5616
Fee: $25
You can pay this fee by check, money order, prepaid account, or credit card. For full instructions, read the payment page of the change form.
FAQs
The state filing fee to change your registered agent is $25. This fee must be paid to the Alabama Secretary of State along with the appropriate paperwork.
Yes, an individual can serve as their own agent in Alabama if they meet certain conditions. They must be at least 18 years old and have a physical address within the state where legal documents can be delivered during regular business hours.
No, you cannot change your registered agent online; although, you can apply through email. The only other option is applying by mail.