Change Hawaii registered agent

Last updated on November 22, 2022

You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State online via a Statement of Change of Registered Agent By Entity. Learn how to do this step by step.

Who are they?

Agent for service of process

Also known as a registered agent, resident agent, statutory agent, etc in various states. These agents are physically located in the state where business entities operate. They receive important legal documents on behalf of the business entity.

Receive service of process

Their primary task is to receive tax forms, judicial notices, and other legal documents during business hours, 5 days a week.

For all business entities

Most business entities including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships require these agents in every state they operate in.

Not PO boxes

Agents must have a physical street address in the state. Not just PO boxes.

Details are public

The address and contact details of these agents are made public by the Secretary of State.

Actions

Step-by-step instructions

How to change a registered agent in Hawaii?

Check the steps below:

1. Find a new registered agent

Before you plan to change your existing registered agent, make sure to find an alternative registered agent in the state.

If you are physically located in the state, you can be a registered agent for your own LLC. But paying a service provider to become a registered agent will give you much-needed peace of mind.

You can also find a new registered agent through the state's business entity search tool.

2. Inform existing registered agent

You may inform your existing registered agent about your decision to replace them.

3. Inform the State

To change the registered agent for an LLC in Hawaii, file the form 'Statement of Change of Registered Agent By Entity' online with the Secretary of State.

Filing fee

$25

Processing duration

5 days

Alternatively, you can also change the registered agent by filing your annual report if you are within the filing period of the report. This is simpler than filing the 'Statement of Change of Registered Agent By Entity' form, but it can only be done within the filing period.

Filing fee

$12.5

Registered agent

A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Hawaii needs to have a registered agent located in the state.

Requirements

According to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 428-107:

  • 1

    Registered agent can be an individual or an authorised organisation.

  • 2

    Registered agent must have a street address where they can personally receive service of process.

  • 3

    Office of Registered agent cannot be just a mailbox service of a telephone answering service.

Failure to maintain registered agent

If you fail to maintain a registered agent, the Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs may administratively terminate your entity

LLC Annual Report

Every LLC has to file this report in Hawaii to stay compliant with the state laws.

Filing Annual Report

Hawaii LLC is expected to file this report annually

  • File it online on Hawaii Business Registration Division website

    Visit

  • Mail a form to Hawaii Business Registration Division

    PDF

Address

Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Business Registration Division

P.O. Box 40

Honolulu, HI 96810

Online fee

$12.5

Mailing fee

$15

Failure to pay

There is a late fee of $10 for any annual report received after the required filing quarter. If you fail to file an annual report for two or more years, it will result in the dissolution of your Hawaii LLC.

Note

Annual reports must be filed during the quarter that contains the registration anniversary date. For example, if you registered on February 16th, then you must file your annual report between January 1 and March 31. The due dates are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31.

Frequently asked questions

Business guides in Hawaii

Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Hawaii including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Hawaii.

Hawaii LLC

Hawaii business search

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