Change Tennessee registered agent
You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State by filing a 'Change of Registered Agent' form. 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 Tennessee?
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 Tennessee, file a 'Change of Registered Agent' form online with the Secretary of State.
Filing fee
$20
Alternatively, you can also change the registered agent by filing LLC's annual report if you are within the filing period of the report.
Filing fees
$300 onwards
Registered agent
A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Tennessee needs to have a registered agent located in the state.
Requirements
According to Tennessee Code § 48-208-101:
- 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, the Secretary of State becomes an agent of the entity upon whom any such process, notice or demand may be served.
LLC Annual Report
Every LLC has to file this report in Tennessee to stay compliant with the state laws.
Filing Annual Report
Tennessee LLC is expected to file this report annually
File it online on Tennessee Secretary of State website
Visit
Online fee
$300 onwards
Online processing time
instant
Failure to pay
Tennessee does not charge late fees if you miss your filing deadline but may dissolve or revoke your LLC after 60 days of failing to file an annual report.
Frequently asked questions
Business guides in Tennessee
Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Tennessee including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Tennessee.
Tennessee LLC
Tennessee business search