Understanding Registered Agent Address Changes

Q: I received a letter notifying me that your local address is changing. I have paperwork coming to the old address within a few weeks—will I still get it? Do I have to use your new address now, and do I also get Articles of Incorporation with the updated address?

Thanks to our customer from New York for those great questions! You’re right, we have moved our Albany registered office to a new location—but don’t worry, we will continue to collect mail at the previous address for three months after moving, so your paperwork won’t get lost in the transition. A lot of questions come up when a registered office changes addresses, like: How is it done? Do I need updated business documents? Do I need to change any other contact information? Here’s what you need to know:

Why should I update my registered agent’s address?

Both individuals serving as registered agents and professional registered agent services sometimes need to relocate to a new address. Because your registered agent’s location—usually called a registered office—is where all service of process gets sent, it’s crucial to give prompt notice of the change to the Secretary of State (or equivalent government department) in your jurisdiction.

Who’s responsible for updating a registered agent’s address?

It depends who’s serving as your registered agent. A professional registered agent service will mostly likely handle the task itself. But if you’re your own registered agent (or have appointed a friend or family member) you’ll be responsible for updating this information yourself.

How can I update my registered agent’s address?

A registered agent’s address can be updated using a form—usually a statement of change or an amendment, though the type of form can vary from state to state—and in some states (like Washington, for example) the registered agent’s office address can be updated when on the annual report.

For information about changing your registered agent, see: How to Change Your Registered Agent.

What if the registered agent’s office location gets issued a new postal code?

States usually do not distinguish between voluntary changes—like moving to a new address—and involuntary ones, such as when a postal code or street name is changed by the government. In most cases, a Statement of Change will still need to be submitted. But if you’re unsure, you can reach out to your Secretary of State’s office for clarification.

Is there anywhere else I need to update my registered agent’s address?

If you use your registered office address as the mailing address or principal office for your business, you will need to update that information any place you may have listed it. Such as:

• Bank accounts
• Websites
• Business cards
• Social media

Should I update my formation documents with the new registered office address?

Your Articles of Incorporation or Articles of Organization will still keep the registered address used at the time of initial formation. Any documents you file going forward should always use the updated registered office address.