How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts requires that you file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth to change your registered agent, also known as a resident agent in the state.
We’ve outlined the steps to update your 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 paperwork and pay the state filing fee.
Changing Massachusetts Registered Agents
Whether you’re changing Massachusetts registered agent services, your same registered 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 resident agent 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 Online
You can complete and submit a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office online via the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Corporations Online Filing System. The steps for this process include:
- Log in to the site with your customer ID number and PIN
- Choose the “Change Registered Agent” option from the list of filings
- Complete the form
- Submit the form along with payment
There is no fee if filing online.
Changing Your Registered Agent By Mail, Fax, or In Person
To submit a Statement of Change by mail or in person, first, download the form from the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth website and then fill it out. There are different forms for different types of business structures:
The filing fee is $25, payable by check.
Changing Your Agent by Mail or In Person
After your new agent signs their consent, submit the completed forms and payment to the address below:
Secretary of the Commonwealth
One Ashburton Place - Room 1717
Boston, MA 02108-1512
Changing Your Agent By Fax
After your new agent signs their consent, fax the completed forms to (617) 624-3891 and send in your payment to the address above:
Note that fax filings must include fax voucher cover sheet.
FAQs
There is no fee to change your Massachusetts registered agent when filing a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office online with the Secretary of the Commonwealth. There is a $25 fee when filing by mail, in person, or by fax.
If you’re 18 or older, have a physical address in Massachusetts, and are willing to be physically available at that address Monday through Friday during regular business hours, you can be your own registered agent in Massachusetts. Most businesses opt to hire a third-party service to handle service of process.
Yes, you can change your Massachusetts registered agent online by filling out a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office online. There’s also no cost for filing online, whereas there is a $25 fee if paying via mail, in person, or by fax.