Are you unsatisfied with your Wisconsin registered agent? Or perhaps you’re currently serving as your own registered agent, but would rather hire a professional registered agent service instead?
The state of Wisconsin makes it rather easy to change your registered agent, but there are some details involved in the process that are worth reviewing.
In this guide, we’ll discuss all the relevant details of changing a registered agent in Wisconsin.
Rocket Tip: If you would prefer to have a professional service deal with the paperwork and take over registered agent duties, hire a Wisconsin registered agent service. It’s just a small annual fee.
What Is a Wisconsin Registered Agent?
Why is a registered agent required for every limited liability company (LLC) or corporation? It all comes down to the fact that the state needs to be able to contact an official representative of your business if they need to deliver important documents to you, especially service of process.
Without a registered agent, you could remain unaware of a lawsuit against your business progressing through the court system.
Who Can Be a Wisconsin Registered Agent?
If you’re looking to change your company’s registered agent, it’s a good idea to know who is eligible to serve as one.
As outlined by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, all registered agents in the state are required to have a physical street address rather than a PO box. Furthermore, the registered agent must be present at that location during standard business hours, should service of process be necessary.
In Wisconsin, agents may be individuals who are either affiliated with the company (as an officer or employer) or someone who is otherwise uninvolved (such as an attorney). In either case, the individual is required to be a resident of the state in order to qualify.
The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions provides no compiled list or search tool for those seeking to hire a registered agent service. However, we have researched the top options based on affordability and overall value and put together this list of best options.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Wisconsin
If you would like to change your registered agent for any reason, the process is simple.
Those wishing to change their business’s registered agent may do so easily by submitting the Change Registered Agent/Office Document to the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institution. Some of the information you’ll need in order to complete the document include:
- Name of the LLC or corporation
- Name of the current registered agent
- Name and address of new registered agent
- The signature of an authorized individual
Alternatively, if your business is due for an annual report, you may detail your change of registered agent in the report document in lieu of filing a separate Change Registered Agent/Office form.
Change of Registered Agent Fee: $10 for standard processing and an extra $25 for expedited filing.
Should You Hire a Professional Wisconsin Registered Agent Service?
Hiring a registered agent service like Northwest Registered Agent has some distinct advantages. First and foremost, compared to serving as your own agent, professional registered agent services allow you to keep your personal address private. They’re also much less expensive than hiring a lawyer or accountant to provide registered agent service.
An often-overlooked benefit is how easy it is to expand your Wisconsin business into other states if you choose a professional registered agent. They typically have offices in all 50 states, so if you begin transacting business in an additional state, your same registered agent service can handle that for you.
If you’re interested in hiring a professional registered agent service, take a look at our guide to the top service providers.
Conclusion
The process for changing a registered agent in Wisconsin isn’t a complicated one, but it’s certainly advisable to know exactly what you want to do ahead of time. If you know what you want going in, you’ll find that the process is really quite painless.
We hope this article answered your questions about changing your Wisconsin registered agent!