Change Montana registered agent
You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State online via a 'Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office'. 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 Montana?
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 Montana, file the form 'Statement of Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office' online with the Secretary of State.
Filing fee
Free
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 and/or Registered Office' form, but it can only be done within the filing period.
Filing fee
$20
Registered agent
A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Montana needs to have a registered agent located in the state.
Requirements
According to Montana Code § 35-7-105:
- 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 appoint or maintain a registered agent even after a period of 60 days, the entity may be involuntarily dissolved by the order of Secretary of State.
LLC Annual Report
Every LLC has to file this report in Montana to stay compliant with the state laws.
Filing Annual Report
Montana LLC is expected to file this report annually by April 15
File it online on Montana Secretary of State website
Visit
Online fee
$20
Online processing time
instant
Failure to pay
Montana charges LLCs a fine of $15 for late filings. In addition, Montana may dissolve LLCs at any time after December 1 of each year for failure to file an annual report.
Frequently asked questions
Business guides in Montana
Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Montana including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Montana.
Montana LLC
Montana business search