How to Change Your Statutory Agent in Ohio
To change your statutory agent in Ohio, you must complete and file a Statutory Agent Update form with the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The Ohio Statutory Agent Update must be submitted by mail or in person and costs $25 to file. When you hire Northwest to be your new statutory agent, we will file your Ohio Statutory Agent Update paperwork for you and pay the state filing fee.
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Download the Ohio Statutory Agent Update form here
Do It Yourself Online
Sign up for a free account and fill out the Ohio Statutory Agent Update here
Ohio Statutory Agent Services
$125 Per YearSteps to Changing Your Ohio Statutory Agent
If you would like to change your statutory agent in Ohio, you will need to complete the following three general steps:
- Select a new Ohio statutory agent. If you hire Northwest for our registered agent service, you can just as well stop reading now. We’ll handle the state filing for you and pay your filing fee.
- Notify your former statutory agent that you’re moving on.
- Complete and submit your Ohio Statutory Agent Update to the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services Division.
What are the options and different ways you can change your Ohio statutory agent?
In Ohio, a registered agent is referred to as a “statutory agent.” Any changes that need to be made regarding the status of your statutory agent are handled on the form titled: Statutory Agent Update (Form 521). On this form you may appoint or change your statutory agent or change their address. Your Ohio statutory agent may also use this form to resign. Basically, anything that affects the status of your statutory agent can be and should be addressed on this form. Submit the Statutory Agent Update form to the Ohio Secretary of State, Business Services by mail or in person. The Ohio Secretary of State does not require original signatures. Checks for fees should be payable to “Secretary of State.”
Many states allow you to make changes to the status of your statutory agent when you file your annual reports. Ohio is one state that does not require a business entity to file annual reports with the Secretary of State. So, if you need to change anything about the status of your Ohio statutory agent, use the Statutory Agent Update form.
If you’re just starting your business, you must appoint your Ohio statutory agent at the same time as you file your articles of incorporation. There is no fee associated with the original appointment of a statutory agent. Bonus!
For the steps to take to ensure your former agent’s service and obligations come to an end, see our Ohio registered agent resignation page.
Changing Your Ohio Statutory Agent FAQs
There is a $25 fee required to change your statutory agent in Ohio.
Expedited processing:
Level 1 (by mail or walk-in): within 2 business days for $100
Level 2 (walk in only): 1 business day for $200
Level 3 (walk in only): 4 hours for $300
Walk in filings are currently not available due to COVID-19.
Switch your statutory agent to Northwest, and you’ll see the pre-populated change of agent form in your online account. Fill it out with your company info, sign it, and email or mail it to us, and we’ll get it filed with the state for you. It’s that simple!
Mail or in person: once received, 4-6 business days, plus additional time for return mailing.
Fax Processing: 4-6 business days, plus additional time for return mailing. To submit filings by fax, you must have a prepayment account with the Ohio Secretary of State. Of course, if we’re your statutory agent service, we can take care of it for you.
Expedited processing:
Level 1 (by mail or walk-in): within 2 business days
Level 2 (walk in only): 1 business day
Level 3 (walk in only): 4 hours; submit by 1:00 pm for same day processing
Walk in filings are currently not available due to COVID-19.
To request expedited processing of mailed documents write “EXPEDITE” on the envelope.
You will receive a confirmation copy of the change by mail. You will also be able to print a copy directly from their website, once your filing is processed.
Overnight or In-person:
Secretary of State
Business Services Division
22 North Fourth Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Non-Expedited Mail:
Ohio Secretary of State
PO Box 788
Columbus, OH 43216
Expedited Mail (include additional $100 fee):
Ohio Secretary of State
PO Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
The Ohio Statutory Agent Update form is in your online account immediately, if you sign up for Ohio statutory agent service with Northwest.
Ohio Secretary of State:
Expect More From a Statutory Agent
We have a team of Ohio experts that know the in-and-outs of all business filings and what the Ohio Secretary of State requires. As your statutory agent we don’t wait around on any legal correspondence we receive on your behalf, we immediately scan it to your secure online portfolio so you can view it anytime, anywhere. Switch to Northwest Registered Agent today and we will file your Statutory Agent Update form and pay your filing fee, all in less than a business day.
- Instant registered agent services annual price: $125.
- Instant Ohio forms located directly in your online account to make a filing in Ohio.
- State resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you.
- We send multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account.
- We locally scan ‘service of process’ and all documents to you in real-time for no added cost.
- And, most importantly…We’re just not annoying™.
CHANGE YOUR OHIO STATUTORY AGENT IN 5 MINUTES