Change Iowa registered agent
You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State online via a 'Statement of Change of Registered Office or Agent'. 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 Iowa?
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 Iowa, file the form 'Statement of Change of Registered Office or Agent' online with the Secretary of State.
Filing fee
Free
Address
Secretary of State,
Business Services Division,
Lucas Building, 1st Floor,
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Alternatively, you can also file Biennial Report to change the registered agent throughout the filing period. If you are doing this, then you don't have to file the form Statement of Change of Registered Office or Agent.
Filing fee
$30
Registered agent
A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Iowa needs to have a registered agent located in the state.
Requirements
According to Iowa Code § 489.14203:
- 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.
LLC Biennial Report
Every LLC has to file this report in Iowa to stay compliant with the state laws.
Filing Biennial Report
Iowa LLC is expected to file this report biennially
File it online on Iowa Secretary of State website
Visit
Online fee
$30
Online processing time
instant
Failure to pay
Iowa does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline but may administratively dissolve your LLC after a few months for failure to file a biennial report.
Frequently asked questions
Business guides in Iowa
Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Iowa including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Iowa.
Iowa LLC
Iowa business search