How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Maryland?
Changing your Maryland registered agent, also known as a Maryland resident agent, requires submitting a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent form to the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation.
We’ve outlined the steps to update your Maryland registered agent below.
If you’re using a new registered agent service, most will file this information on your behalf.
Recommended: Northwest ($125/year) will help you file your change of registered agent service paperwork and pay the state filing fee.
Changing Maryland Registered Agents
Whether you’re changing registered agent services, your agent has resigned, or you want to be your own registered 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 Maryland resident agent service, they will often file the necessary paperwork for you.
The benefits of using a professional registered agent 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. Many limited liability companies enjoy this perk.
- 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 Online
You can complete and submit a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent online via the Maryland Business Express website. The steps for this process include:
- Log in to the website
- Complete the form and have the new agent consent electronically
- Submit the form along with the $25 payment
Online filings are considered expedited and will be processed within seven to ten business days.
Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail or In Person
To submit a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent by mail or in person, first, download the form from the Maryland State Department of Assessments & Taxation website and then fill it out.
After your new agent signs their consent, submit the form and $25 payment to:
State Department of Assessments and Taxation, Charter Division
301 W. Preston St., 8th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201‐2395
Expedite Your Order
If you need the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation to expedite the processing of your form, you must pay a $50 expediting fee.
FAQs
It costs $25 to change your Maryland registered agent when filing a Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. If you need to expedite your filing, you’ll pay $50.
You can be your own registered agent in Maryland if you meet the state requirements. You must be 18 years of age or older, have a physical Maryland address that you can commit to being at every day during business hours to accept service of process.
Maryland offers online filing of the Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation. To change your Maryland registered agent, you’ll need to visit the Secretary of State’s website to complete the filing process and pay the $25 filing fee.