How to Change Registered Agent in Utah

What the State of Utah Says about changing a Registered Agent

The state of Utah has certain requirements for changing your LLC’s registered agent. A business entity wishing to change its registered agent must do so through the online filing system or by submitting a “Registration Information Change Form.”

The state also makes a distinction between commercial and noncommercial registered agents. According to the Department of Commerce, the difference is that a commercial agent has registered with the state and a noncommercial agent has not.

Read more about registered agent laws in Section 16-17-206 of the Utah code, about filing on the online portal, and about registered agents on the Commercial Registered Agent page.

Who can be a Utah Registered Agent

You can’t pick just anyone to be a registered agent for your LLC. The state of Utah puts certain restrictions on who can serve as one. If you’re choosing or changing your registered agent, keep these requirements in mind. The registered agent in Utah must:

• Be an individual Utah resident or a business entity located in Utah
• Have a Utah street address (P.O. boxes are not allowed)

* If your registered agent is a foreign business entity, it must be authorized to transact business in Utah

How to Change Your Utah Registered Agent

Time to make your resident agent change. You have two options for how to go about it. The first – which is recommended by Utah’s Department of Commerce – is through the online filing portal. The D.O.C. prefers this option because it’s quicker, easier to process, and cuts down the paperwork for everyone involved.

Once you’re on the homepage, log in using your Entity number or Access ID. If your LLC doesn’t have an Access ID, you’ll need to request one by clicking “Recieve an Access ID.” After signing in, make the desired change to your registered agent, and it will be processed the next business day.

Even though the Department of Commerce prefers online filings, they still accept paper ones. If you’d like to go this route, download a “Limited Liability Company Registration Information Change Form.” Unless you’re making other changes to your LLC, your main focus will be #2 on the form. Click the bubble for “Yes” and enter your new registered agent’s information. You can find additional instructions here. When you’re finished, print the form, sign it, and send it to:

Utah Division of Corporations & Commercial Code

PO Box 146705

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705

Or, if you live in Salt Lake City and want some fresh air, you can drop it off in person at:

Heber M. Wells Building

160 E. 300 S, 1st Floor

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

One more option! You may also fax your form to (801) 530-6438, but you must include a “Fax Cover Letter.”

There is a $15 fee associated with a Utah registered agent change. For mailed or in-person filings, submit a check or money order made out to “State of Utah” (in-person, you can also pay in cash). For online and faxed documents, pay via credit or debit card.

If your need for a new registered agent happens to coincide with your business renewal filing period, you can submit the change form with your renewal free of charge.

If you’re too busy, or if you’d feel more comfortable letting someone else take the reins, you have the option of hiring a company or individual to file your paperwork for you. It’s a great way to save time and stress.

Submit your form? Pay your fee? Then you’re all set! Keep an eye on your record with the Department of Commerce and you should see your change take effect soon.

Consider a Registered Agent Service

Think of your registered agent as a mediator between you and the state of Utah, the person or business entity that handles some of your most important paperwork.

In case you thought the registered agent was just a formality, look at the documents they handle:

• service of process notices
• tax information
• lawsuits
• and other Secretary of State correspondence.

A lot of important stuff. Which is why a reliable registered agent is essential to every Utah business owner.

By handling high-priority and sensitive documents on your behalf, your registered agent takes care of your communications with the state, so you can spend more time building your business.

Plus, if you operate a Utah small business from out of state, a trustworthy registered agent is especially important, as the state requires a local contact for your LLC. Having this contact ensures your company will receive and respond to time-sensitive documents, so you won’t miss filings and get hit with penalties.

If you’re unsure where to find a good Utah registered agent, consider using a registered agent service. These companies provide you a reliable, professional registered agent so you can have peace of mind knowing you won’t ever miss a filing, tax deadline, or state correspondence.

Sure, you can jump online, search “registered agent service,” and get a ton of results. But the truth is that not all of these services are trustworthy. So, we’ve done some research for you. If you want to know you’re getting a top-quality registered agent, take a look at our comparison guide on the best rated registered agent services. Many of these providers can also form an LLC for you if you’re needing a fresh start. ZenBusiness and IncFile are two very well known options.