Key Takeaways

  • Every Georgia LLC or corporation must have a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal documents and government notices.
  • You can file a change of registered agent in Georgia online or by mail through the Georgia Secretary of State’s eCorp system.
  • Filing the change during your annual registration avoids extra fees, while filing separately requires an amended registration and an additional fee.
  • Keep registered agent details up to date to prevent missed legal notices, penalties, or even involuntary business dissolution.
  • Businesses may choose a commercial registered agent for privacy, reliability, and compliance support.

Change registered agent Georgia when your business needs to identify a new person or entity to accept legal documents mailed by the state, the service of process notices or tax forms.

If a business is set up as a corporation or formed as a limited liability company that can do business in Georgia, then it is required by law to have a registered office address and registered agent in the state. These are either businesses that have been established to act as registered agents on behalf of Georgia businesses or an individual resident of the state. They are also known as a “statutory agent,” “resident agent,” “corporate agent,” or “agent for service and process.”

Requirements of a Registered Agent

In order to be a registered agent in Georgia, a business or individual must:

  • Have a physical presence in the state where they can accept mail and service of process. It cannot be a P.O box.
  • Be able to conduct business in Georgia and operate during regular business hours.
  • Be part of the public record of the company and be listed in either the Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organizations (or amendments thereto).

If you are the business owner, you can serve as your business’ registered agent, but there are some very good reasons why you may want to appoint another business or individual to serve this role:

  • It’s important to have someone available to receive important documents. If you are not always in the office, it’s a good idea to have another person or business act on your behalf at another address.
  • You may not want your home or business address to be part of the public record and have service processors showing up on your doorstep.
  • If your current location is only temporary and you envision changing your address in the future, you don’t need to file documents with the secretary of state every time you move.

Benefits of Using a Professional Registered Agent

While business owners in Georgia can serve as their own registered agent, many choose to appoint a professional service due to the practical and legal benefits it offers. A professional registered agent helps your company stay compliant and reduces risks associated with missed legal communications.

Some key benefits include:

  • Privacy protection: Your registered agent’s address is listed on public records instead of your home or office, reducing unwanted solicitations and keeping your personal information private.
  • Consistent availability: A commercial agent is always available during business hours to receive legal documents, even if you are traveling or unavailable.
  • Compliance support: Many professional agents provide compliance alerts and annual report reminders to ensure you meet state deadlines.
  • Multi-state coverage: If your business expands beyond Georgia, a professional agent can help manage compliance in multiple jurisdictions.

For small business owners, startups, or those without a permanent office, these advantages often outweigh the cost of the service.

Steps to Changing Your Registered Agent

There is only one way to change your registered agent in Georgia, and that is by updating your records with the Georgia Secretary of State. This can be done in two ways:

  • Change the agent as part of the annual registration process that is required by state law to keep your business’ information up to date, or
  • File an amended annual registration. You may file an amended registration as often as is necessary throughout the year.

Both of these documents and the filing fee can be provided online (credit cards accepted for payment) or mailed to the Georgia Secretary of State (check, certified check or money order made payable to “Secretary of State” accepted). Regardless of how you choose to file, you’ll still need to complete the appropriate form that can be found on the Georgia Division of Corporations’ eCorp dashboard at https://ecorp.sos.ga.gov/.

You can save money by waiting to change your registered agent when you file your annual registration. Otherwise there is an additional fee for the amended annual registration. If you file online before 4 p.m., your records will be updated overnight. If you file by regular mail, and request expedited service (extra fee), it can take up to 12 days for the change to take effect. Otherwise, it may take two to three weeks.

How to File a Change Online or by Mail

To officially change your registered agent in Georgia, you must file with the Secretary of State. The process is straightforward, but the steps differ slightly depending on how you choose to submit your filing:

1. Online Filing (Recommended)

  • Visit the Georgia Corporations Division eCorp website.
  • Log into your account or create one if you haven’t already.
  • Choose “Amended Annual Registration” or wait until your next Annual Registration period.
  • Enter the new registered agent’s name, physical Georgia address, and consent (if applicable).
  • Pay the filing fee by credit card and submit.

2. Filing by Mail

  • Download the “Amended Annual Registration” form from the Secretary of State website.
  • Complete the form with updated registered agent information.
  • Mail it with the appropriate fee to the address listed on the form.

Filing Fees and Timing:

  • Standard annual registration fee: $50 for LLCs and $50 for corporations.
  • Amended annual registration fee (outside the regular filing period): $20 additional fee.
  • Online filings are typically processed overnight if submitted before 4 p.m.
  • Mailed forms take 2–3 weeks unless expedited service is requested.

Important to Keep Registered Agent Info Current

Taking the time to keep the contact information for your registered agent up to date may seem like a lot of extra trouble to go through, but it is actually very important. You must have a reliable way for your business to be notified at any time during normal working hours in case important tax documents have been sent to you, or other important legal papers.

Here are a few worst-case scenarios that could happen if your registered agent information is not current:

  • A lawsuit against you is filed and you fail to receive notice. You could lose the case by default and suffer damages that severely harm your business.
  • You are traveling for business or are on a vacation when important documents need to be filed with the state, and by missing the filing deadlines you face fines or penalties.
  • Without a verifiable registered agent address on record, it could be determined that your business is no longer qualified to do business in the state and it is dissolved.

Your registered agent serves a very important purpose. Be sure to keep the state informed if you decide to change your registered agent.

Consequences of Failing to Update Registered Agent Information

Failing to keep your registered agent details current can have serious legal and financial consequences for your business. Georgia law requires every entity to maintain an active registered agent, and neglecting this obligation could lead to:

  • Default judgments: If your company is sued and the service of process is missed, the court could enter a judgment against you without your knowledge.
  • Administrative dissolution: The state may revoke your authority to do business in Georgia if it cannot reach your registered agent.
  • Missed compliance deadlines: Unreceived notices about annual reports, taxes, or legal obligations could result in fines or loss of good standing.
  • Compromised business operations: Losing good standing can impact your ability to secure financing, enter contracts, or expand your business.

For these reasons, it’s vital to promptly file an update whenever your registered agent changes to ensure uninterrupted legal compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Georgia?
    It costs $50 when filing your annual registration. If you file an amended registration outside the regular period, you must pay an additional $20 fee.
  2. Can I be my own registered agent in Georgia?
    Yes, as long as you are a Georgia resident, have a physical address (not a P.O. box), and are available during business hours to receive legal documents.
  3. How long does it take to process a registered agent change?
    Online filings are processed overnight if submitted before 4 p.m. Mailed filings may take two to three weeks, or less if expedited service is purchased.
  4. Can I change my registered agent at any time?
    Yes. You can update your registered agent information at any time by filing an amended annual registration or waiting until your next annual registration period.
  5. What happens if I don’t have a registered agent?
    Your business risks losing its good standing, facing fines, or even being dissolved by the state. Additionally, you may miss critical legal notices or court summons.

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