How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Montana?
You can change your Montana registered agent by signing up for an online account and then filing the necessary documents online with the Montana Secretary of State.
We will guide you through the steps to change your Montana registered agent.
If you’re using a new registered agent service, most will file this information for you.
Recommended: Northwest ($125/year) will help you file your change of registered agent paperwork and pay the state filing fee.
Changing Montana Registered Agents
Whether you’re changing to a new Montana registered agent service, 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
When you change your registered agent, they will usually file the necessary paperwork for you.
The benefits of using a professional service for your Montana business 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. This is a major reason cited by many limited liability companies.
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
Filing a change form with the Montana Secretary of State is the best way to change your registered agent year-round.
This can be done online via the Secretary of State’s Online Business Services website. The steps for this process include:
- Log in to your Montana SOS online account
- Select "Renew/Amend/Cancel A Business" from the "Business Services" menu
- Search for and select your business
- Select "Filing Actions," then scroll down and select "Registered Agent/Office Change by Entity"
- Fill out the required fields and submit the form
There is no filing fee.
Changing Your Agent With Your Annual Report
If you’re close to the filing deadline for your Montana annual report, you can change your registered agent information without needing to file additional paperwork. This is the simplest way to change your agent, but it must be done within your filing period.
Make sure to put your new agent’s information on the report. Once you file that report, you’ll effectively change your agent.
FAQs
A professional agent service typically costs between $50 and $300 per year. If you choose to serve as your own registered agent, there is no cost to change your registered agent in Montana.
Yes. If you’re at least 18, have a Montana physical address, and are willing to accept service of process at that address during business hours, you can be your own registered agent. Note the drawbacks are less privacy, being confined to your business, and legal responsibility.
Yes, you can change your Montana registered agent online. To make the change, visit the Secretary of State’s Online Business Services website, log in to your account, and follow the instructions.