How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Ohio?
You’ll need to complete a Statutory Agent Update form with the Ohio Secretary of State to change your business’s registered agent (also known as a statutory agent in Ohio).
To make things easier, we’ve put together simplified steps and instructions to help you make the change.
Most registered agent services will file this information on your behalf.
Recommended: Northwest ($125/year) will help you file your change of Ohio registered agent paperwork and pay the state filing fee.
Changing Ohio Registered Agents
Whether you’re changing your Ohio registered agent service, your same registered agent resigns, 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 service, they will often file the necessary paperwork for you. However, not all registered agents offer the same services.
The benefits of using a professional service are:
- Less Risk: A professional service will accept legal documents or notifications (e.g., service of process, legal notices, etc.).
- More Flexibility: A statutory agent in Ohio will always be present at a physical address to receive service of process and other business filings during regular business hours so that you don’t have to be.
- Privacy: If you act as your own individual agent, your name and street address will become public record. Using a service will help keep your information private. You’ll also avoid receiving lawsuit-related documents and other legal mail in front of your clients.
- Peace of mind: Using a service allows you to focus on running and growing your business. This is why many limited liability companies choose to use registered agent services.
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 Statutory Agent Update form online via the Ohio Secretary of State website. The steps for this process include:
- Log in to the Ohio Secretary of State's website
- Select “Update an Existing Business Record”
- Enter your business identity number or search for your business entity name
- Complete and submit the form along with the payment
Changing Your Registered Agent by Mail
To submit an Ohio Statutory Agent Update form by mail, download Form 521: Statutory Agent Update from the Ohio Secretary of State website and then fill it out.
After your new statutory agent service signs their consent, submit the form to the address below:
Mail:
Ohio Secretary of State
P.O. Box 788
Columbus, OH 43216
Filing Fee
The filing fee is $25, payable by check, money order, or credit card (online filing only). For full instructions, read the change form.
If you need the Ohio Secretary of State to expedite the processing of your hard copy form, you must note the expediting service you want on the cover sheet of the change form.
FAQs
It costs $25 to change your Ohio registered agent when filing Form 521: Statutory Agent Update with the Secretary of State.
Supposing you’re 18 or older, have a physical Ohio business address, and are willing to stay there Monday through Friday during business hours, you can be your own agent in Ohio. We recommend that you use a professional service for privacy and to offload the burden.
Yes, you can change registered agents in Ohio by visiting the Secretary of State's website and updating the existing business record, and paying the $25 filing fee by credit card.