How Do I Change My Registered Agent in Tennessee?
You can change your registered agent in Tennessee by filling out a Change of Registered Agent/Office form with the Tennessee Secretary of State.
A business owner may decide to change their registered agent when switching registered agent services, if an agent resigns or goes out of business, or if they want to serve as their own registered agent.
Recommended: Northwest Registered Agent ($125/year) offers a reliable registered agent service and excellent customer support.
File a Change of Registered Agent Form
Filing a Change of Registered Agent Form with the Tennessee Secretary of State is the best way to change your registered agent.
This can be done online, by mail, or in person.
Recommended: Submit a Change of Registered Agent Form Online
You can complete and submit a Change of Registered Agent form online via the Tennessee Secretary of State website. The steps for this process include:
- Enter your company’s Secretary of State control number and click “Begin”
- Select “Change by Business Entity” and click “Continue”
- Complete and submit the form along with payment
Submit a Change of Registered Agent Form by Mail or in Person
To submit a Change of Registered Agent Form by mail or in person, first, download the form from the Tennessee Secretary of State website and then fill it out. You may also print out a form that’s pre-populated with some of your company’s information using their online tool.
Submit the form to:
Tennessee Secretary of State
ATTN: Corporate Filing
312 Rosa L. Parks Ave, 6th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243-1102
Fee: $20
You can pay this fee by check, money order, or credit card (online filings only). For full instructions, read the change form.
Submit an Annual Report
If you’re close to the filing deadline for your business’ Tennessee annual report, you can use this filing to your advantage and also change your registered agent without needing to file additional paperwork. This is the simplest way to change your registered agent, but it must be done within the filing period.
Make sure to put your new registered agent’s information on the report. Once you file that report, you’ll effectively change your registered agent.
You will still have to pay the extra $20 registered agent change fee.
File the Articles of Amendment
Filing the Tennessee Articles of Amendment to your formation documents can change your registered agent. If you have other amendments to make to your business registration in addition to changing your registered agent, making all those changes on the Articles of Amendment could be a good option.
If you only want to change your registered agent, you’re better off using one of the other options mentioned above.
Why Change Registered Agents?
A company might want to change its registered agent for several reasons, such as:
- Changing From an Individual Agent to a Registered Agent Service: While individuals may act as registered agents (including a company’s own executives or employees), they’ll be publicly listed in the state’s database. Some people may consider this an intrusion into their privacy. Registered agents also must be available in their office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday, which could be an inconvenience. Changing to a registered agent service solves these issues.
- Expanding Business Into New States: Limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations, and other formal business structures must have a registered agent for each state in which they do business. Not all registered agents have the capability to serve as a registered agent in every state. Some businesses prefer to have the same registered agent for each state rather than several different ones.
- Customer Satisfaction: Whether it’s about price, customer service, or the quality of the work, some changes happen simply because a business isn’t happy with its current registered agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be a registered agent in Tennessee?
A company or person over the age of 18 located in Tennessee can serve as a registered agent, including individuals in your company. The only exception to this is that a company can’t serve as a registered agent for itself.
Can anyone be a registered agent?
Anyone can be a registered agent as long as they: are at least 18 years old, have a physical address in Tennessee, and are always available during regular business hours at that address.
Can I be my own registered agent in Tennessee?
Yes, you can be your own registered agent in Tennessee if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in Tennessee
- Are always available during normal business hours to receive service of process in person
Note that this applies to you as an individual serving as the registered agent for the company. A company can’t serve as its own registered agent.
What does a registered agent do?
Registered agents help keep your business compliant by maintaining up-to-date paperwork. They also are in charge of accepting official correspondence on behalf of your business, such as paperwork from the state and federal government, tax forms, and legal notices.
How much does it cost to change my registered agent in Tennessee?
It costs $20 to change your Tennessee registered agent when filing a Change of Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State.
How much does a Tennessee registered agent cost?
A professional registered agent service typically costs between $50 and $300 per year. If you choose to serve as your own registered agent, there is no cost.
What form do you file to change a registered agent in Tennessee?
You can change a Tennessee registered agent by filing a Change of Registered Agent form with the Secretary of State.
Should I be my own registered agent?
You may serve as your own registered agent if you meet certain conditions. Some small business owners choose to do this instead of hiring a third party or appointing someone else.
But, because this position comes with extra responsibilities and potential inconveniences, many business owners decide it’s better for them to appoint another person or a professional service to act as their registered agent. You should weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is best for you and your business.