When Is a Change of Registered Agent Required in Utah?
A represented entity must file a statement of change with the Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code whenever it needs to change its registered agent, its registered agent’s address, or both. Under the Utah Code Title 16, Chapter 17 — Model Registered Agents Act (Utah Code) § 16-17-206, a represented entity may change the information currently on file by filing a statement of change signed on behalf of the entity. This requirement applies equally to every domestic filing entity and every qualified foreign entity registered with the Division — including corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, nonprofit corporations, limited cooperative associations, professional entities, and business trusts.
Every domestic and foreign entity registered in Utah must continuously maintain a registered agent in the state. A corporation that is without a registered agent for 30 days or more, or that fails to notify the Division of a change or resignation within 30 days, is subject to administrative dissolution under Utah Code § 16-10a-1420. An LLC that lacks a registered agent for 60 consecutive days faces the same consequence under Utah Code § 48-3a-708. The specific circumstances that trigger the need for a change filing include:
- The current registered agent resigns by filing a statement of resignation with the Division
- The current registered agent moves out of Utah or is no longer a resident of the state
- The registered agent’s address changes due to relocation, postal renaming, or other cause
- The registered agent is no longer available at the registered office during normal business hours
- The entity voluntarily selects a new registered agent
- The agent no longer consents to serve
Utah does not distinguish between a voluntary and an involuntary change — the same filing procedure applies in every case.
Grounds for Changing Your Registered Agent in Utah
The most common grounds for filing a change of registered agent or registered agent address in Utah each require the entity to file the appropriate Registration Information Change form or use the Division’s online portal to update its records. The following table summarizes the typical grounds and the filing required for each.
| Ground | Filing Required |
| Registered agent resigns | Entity files a Registration Information Change to appoint a new agent |
| Registered agent relocates out of Utah | Entity files a Registration Information Change to designate a new agent |
| Registered agent’s address changes (same agent continues to serve) | Entity files a Registration Information Change to update address, or agent files a statement of change under Utah Code § 16-17-207 or § 16-17-208 |
| Entity switches to a professional registered agent service | Entity files a Registration Information Change to designate the new agent |
| Registered agent no longer available during business hours | Entity files a Registration Information Change to appoint a replacement |
| Registered agent no longer consents to serve | Entity files a Registration Information Change to name a new agent |
| Entity changes its own principal address and registered office | Entity files a Registration Information Change to update the address |
An entity’s registered agent information is part of the public record maintained by the Division and is accessible through the Business Entity Search. Any inaccurate or outdated agent information should be corrected promptly by filing the appropriate change form to avoid compliance problems and service-of-process failures.
Utah Registered Agent Change Requirements
Several requirements must be satisfied before an entity files a change of registered agent with the Division of Corporations and Commercial Code.
Eligibility of the new registered agent:
- Option A – Commercial Registered Agent: An individual or a domestic or foreign entity that has filed a commercial registered agent listing statement with the Division under Utah Code § 16-17-204. A commercial registered agent must maintain a place of business in Utah where service of process can be delivered.
- Option B – Noncommercial Registered Agent: An individual residing in Utah, or a domestic or foreign entity authorized to transact business in Utah, that serves as agent for service of process without being listed as a commercial registered agent. The entity designating a noncommercial registered agent must provide the agent’s name and physical address. The filing entity itself cannot serve as its own registered agent.
Registered office address: The registered agent’s address must be a physical street address in Utah where service of process can be personally delivered during normal business hours. A P.O. Box, mailbox-only service, or telephone answering service does not satisfy this requirement. When the entity designates a noncommercial registered agent, the agent’s address must appear on file; when a commercial registered agent is designated, the address on the agent’s listing statement controls.
Consent of the new registered agent: Under Utah Code § 16-17-203, the appointment of a registered agent in a filing instrument “is an affirmation by the represented entity that the agent has consented to serve as such.” The person named as registered agent must have consented before the filing is made. No separate consent form is filed with the Division — the entity retains evidence of consent in its own records.
Execution: The statement of change must be signed by an authorized individual on behalf of the entity. Under penalties of perjury, the signer declares that the information is true, correct, and complete. The filing does not need to be notarized.
How to File a Statement of Change of Registered Office/Agent
An entity changes its registered agent or registered agent address by filing the appropriate Registration Information Change form with the Division. Each entity type uses a separate form — for example, the LLC Registration Information Change Form is used for limited liability companies, and a separate Corporation Registration Information Change Form is used for corporations. All entity-type forms are available on the Division’s Registration Information Change Forms page.
The form collects the following information, organized by section:
- Entity information fields: Enter the entity’s legal name and entity file number as they currently appear in Division records.
- Registered agent change fields: Indicate “Yes” to the question asking whether you want to change the registered agent or the address of the registered agent. Enter the name of the new registered agent. If the new agent is a noncommercial registered agent, provide the agent’s physical street address in Utah (a P.O. Box may be listed in addition to the street address, but a street address is required). If the new agent is a commercial registered agent, the address on the agent’s listing statement controls.
- Principal address fields: If the entity also needs to change its principal business address, indicate “Yes” and enter the new address. This field is optional when only the registered agent is being changed.
- Statement of approval and signature: The form includes a declaration under penalties of perjury that the information is true, correct, and complete. An authorized person must sign and date the form.
Under Utah Code § 16-17-206(4), a statement of change filed under this section takes effect on filing. On acceptance, the change becomes part of the entity’s registration record maintained by the Division.
Note: Paper forms cannot be handwritten — they must be completed electronically before being printed or submitted.
Filing Method: Online vs. Mail
The Division of Corporations and Commercial Code accepts change filings through several methods, though it strongly encourages online filing as the quickest and easiest option.
| Method | Details |
| Online | File through the Business Registration System using a UtahID account. Log in, select “File On An Existing Business,” search for the entity by name or number, select the entity, and choose the appropriate filing type from the drop-down list. |
| Mail the completed Registration Information Change form with payment to P.O. Box 146705, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6705 | |
| In Person | Deliver the form and payment to 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 |
| Paper Filing via Portal | Log in to the Business Registration System, select “Submit a Paper Filing,” and upload the completed PDF form. |
The Division notes that most online filings are instantly processed and approved, while paper filings should be allowed 2–4 business days from receipt for processing. When filing online, the portal collects the required information directly — you do not need to complete and attach a separate PDF form unless you are using the “Submit a Paper Filing” option.
Note: All filing fees are nonrefundable. Payment may be made by check or money order payable to the State of Utah (for mail or in-person filings) or by credit card through the online portal.
Registered Agent Change Filing Fees by Entity Type
The filing fee for a registered agent change in Utah is set by the Division’s Fiscal Fee Schedule. The fee applies regardless of whether the filing is submitted online, by mail, or in person.
Utah charges a uniform $17 fee for all entity types filing a Registration Information Change, including changes to the registered agent.
| Entity Type | Filing Fee |
| Domestic for-profit corporation | $17 |
| Domestic nonprofit corporation | $17 |
| Domestic LLC | $17 |
| Domestic limited partnership (LP/LLLP) | $17 |
| Domestic limited liability partnership (LLP) | $17 |
| Limited cooperative association | $17 |
| Professional corporation | $17 |
| Professional LLC | $17 |
| Business trust | $17 |
| Foreign for-profit corporation | $17 |
| Foreign nonprofit corporation | $17 |
| Foreign LLC | $17 |
| Foreign LP/LLLP | $17 |
| Foreign LLP | $17 |
| Foreign limited cooperative association | $17 |
The same fee schedule establishes a separate fee for commercial registered agent changes. A commercial registered agent that files a statement of change to update its own name, address, or type of organization pays $52 — a single fee that covers the change across all entities the agent represents. There is no filing fee for a statement of resignation filed by a registered agent under Utah Code § 16-17-209.
Effective Date of a Registered Agent Change in Utah
A statement of change filed under Utah Code § 16-17-206 takes effect on filing with the Division.
Immediate effect: This is the default and only effective-date option for a registered agent change in Utah. Under Utah Code § 16-17-206(4), “a statement of change filed under this section takes effect on filing.” There is no delayed effective date or future-event condition available for this particular filing type. When the Division processes and accepts the filing — either instantly (for most online filings) or after the 2–4 business day processing window (for paper filings) — the entity’s registered agent record is immediately updated.
The interest holders or governors of a domestic entity do not need to approve the filing of a statement of change. Utah Code § 16-17-206(2) expressly provides that the interest holders or governors “need not approve” the filing of a statement of change or a similar filing changing the registered agent in any other jurisdiction. This means an authorized officer, manager, or other person acting on behalf of the entity may file the change without obtaining a board resolution or member vote.
Changing the Registered Agent Address Without Changing the Agent
When a registered agent changes its own name or address while continuing to serve as agent, the agent — rather than each individual entity — may file the update directly with the Division. Utah’s Model Registered Agents Act provides two separate mechanisms depending on whether the agent is a noncommercial or commercial registered agent.
A noncommercial registered agent that changes its name or address must file with the Division a statement of change for each represented entity under Utah Code § 16-17-207. The statement must identify each entity, the agent’s current name and address, and the new name or address. The noncommercial agent must also “promptly furnish the represented entity with notice in a record of the filing of a statement of change and the changes made by the filing.”
A commercial registered agent that changes its name, address, or type or jurisdiction of organization files a single statement of change under Utah Code § 16-17-208. This single filing automatically updates the agent’s information with respect to every entity the agent represents — the agent does not need to file separately for each entity. The commercial registered agent must promptly furnish each represented entity with notice of the filing and the changes.
The following table compares the entity-filed change with the agent-initiated change mechanisms.
| Feature | Entity-Filed Registration Information Change | Agent-Initiated Statement of Change (§ 16-17-207 / § 16-17-208) |
| Filed by | The represented entity | The registered agent |
| Purpose | Change registered agent, change agent address, or both | Update agent’s own name or address without changing the agent |
| Can appoint a new agent | Yes | No |
| Covers multiple entities in one filing | No — one filing per entity | Yes (commercial agents under § 16-17-208); one filing per entity (noncommercial agents under § 16-17-207) |
| Prior written notice to entity required | — | Yes — agent must promptly notify each represented entity |
| Signed by | Authorized person on behalf of the entity | The registered agent or person acting on its behalf |
| Filing fee | $17 per entity | $52 for a commercial registered agent change (covers all represented entities); $17 per entity for a noncommercial agent |
If a commercial registered agent changes its address without filing the required statement of change, the Division may cancel the agent’s listing under Utah Code § 16-17-208(5). A cancellation has the same effect as a termination under Utah Code § 16-17-205 — the agent ceases to be the agent for service of process for every entity it represents, and the Division notifies each affected entity.
What Happens After the Change Is Filed
Once the Division accepts a statement of change or Registration Information Change filing, several consequences follow:
- The entity’s registered agent and registered agent address in the Division’s records are updated immediately upon filing.
- The new agent’s name and address become part of the entity’s public filing history, searchable through the Division’s Business Entity Search.
- The former registered agent’s authority to receive service of process on behalf of the entity terminates.
- Service of process, notices, and demands directed to the entity must thereafter be delivered to the new registered agent at the address on file.
- As an alternative to the procedures in Utah Code § 16-17-206, a represented entity may change its registered agent information “by amending its most recent registered agent filing in the manner provided by the laws of this state other than this chapter for amending that filing,” as stated in Utah Code § 16-17-206(5).
Changing a Registered Agent for a Foreign Entity Registered in Utah
A foreign entity registered to transact business in Utah — referred to in the Model Registered Agents Act as a “qualified foreign entity” — is subject to the same registered agent requirements as a domestic filing entity. Under the definitions in Utah Code § 16-17-102, a qualified foreign entity is a “represented entity” and must designate and maintain a registered agent in Utah in accordance with Utah Code § 16-17-203.
A foreign entity changes its registered agent by following the same procedures outlined above: filing the appropriate Registration Information Change form or updating the information online through the Business Registration System. The same eligibility requirements for the new agent (commercial or noncommercial), the same consent affirmation, the same physical street address requirement, and the same execution rules apply. The filing fee is $17 for all foreign entity types — foreign for-profit and nonprofit corporations, foreign LLCs, foreign LPs, foreign LLPs, and foreign limited cooperative associations.
A foreign corporation that is without a registered agent in Utah for 30 days or more, or that fails to inform the Division of a change or resignation within 30 days, is subject to revocation of its authority to transact business under Utah Code § 16-10a-1530. Foreign LLCs and limited partnerships face equivalent consequences under their respective organic statutes. Maintaining current registered agent information is therefore equally critical for foreign entities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing a Registered Agent in Utah
How long does it take to change a registered agent in Utah?
The Division of Corporations and Commercial Code does not publish a guaranteed processing time. However, the Business Registration System notes that most online filings are instantly processed and approved. Paper filings submitted by mail or in person should be allowed 2–4 business days from receipt for processing. The Division offers expedited processing for an additional $75 per filing as listed on the fee schedule. For questions about current processing times, contact the Division at (801) 530-4849 or corpucc@utah.gov.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent before changing?
Utah law does not impose an obligation on the entity to notify the outgoing registered agent before filing a Registration Information Change. The change takes effect on filing under Utah Code § 16-17-206(4), and the former agent’s authority terminates at that point. Many entities choose to notify the outgoing agent as a professional courtesy, particularly if the agent has a service agreement in place. If the outgoing agent wishes to end the relationship independently, the agent may file a statement of resignation under Utah Code § 16-17-209.
Can I change my registered office address without changing the registered agent?
Yes. The Registration Information Change form allows the entity to update only the registered agent’s address while keeping the same registered agent. Select “Yes” for the registered agent change question and enter the same agent name with the new address. Alternatively, if the same agent continues to serve and has changed its own address, the agent may file a statement of change directly under Utah Code § 16-17-207 (noncommercial agent) or § 16-17-208 (commercial agent).
What is the agent-initiated address change form and when is it used?
Utah does not use a single named “agent-initiated address change form.” Instead, the Model Registered Agents Act provides two statutory mechanisms. A noncommercial registered agent that changes its name or address files a statement of change for each represented entity under Utah Code § 16-17-207. A commercial registered agent files a single statement of change under Utah Code § 16-17-208 that updates the agent’s information across all represented entities simultaneously. In both cases, the agent must promptly furnish each represented entity with notice of the changes. These filings cannot appoint a different agent — they only update the existing agent’s information.
Is there a penalty for not filing a change of registered agent?
Utah requires every registered entity to continuously maintain a registered agent. Failure to do so can lead to serious consequences. A corporation that is without a registered agent for 30 days or more is subject to administrative dissolution under Utah Code § 16-10a-1420. An LLC that lacks a registered agent for 60 consecutive days faces administrative dissolution under Utah Code § 48-3a-708. Foreign corporations face revocation of their authority to transact business under Utah Code § 16-10a-1530. Beyond formal dissolution or revocation, the practical risks include the loss of the entity’s ability to conduct business in Utah and the possibility that service of process may be delivered to the entity’s governors by registered mail or to any person in charge of a regular place of business under Utah Code § 16-17-301.
Can I change my registered agent and the registered office address in the same filing?
Yes. The Registration Information Change form permits the entity to change the registered agent, the agent’s address, or both in a single filing. A single $17 filing fee applies regardless of how many changes are made on the same form. The entity may also update its principal business address and modify principal information on the same form without an additional fee.
What happens if my registered agent resigns?
A registered agent may resign at any time by filing a statement of resignation with the Division under Utah Code § 16-17-209. The resignation takes effect on the earlier of the 31st day after the day on which it is filed or the appointment of a new registered agent for the entity. The resigning agent must promptly furnish the entity with notice of the date the statement of resignation was filed. There is no filing fee for a statement of resignation. Once the resignation takes effect, “the registered agent ceases to have responsibility for any matter tendered to it as agent for the represented entity.” The entity must promptly file a Registration Information Change to appoint a replacement agent — failure to do so within 30 days (for corporations) or 60 days (for LLCs) exposes the entity to administrative dissolution proceedings.
Does the new registered agent need to sign the change form?
No. The Registration Information Change form is signed by an authorized person acting on behalf of the entity — not by the new registered agent. By filing the statement of change and designating a new agent, the entity affirms under Utah Code § 16-17-206(3) that “the person named has consented to serve as registered agent.” The consent is retained by the entity in its records and is not filed separately with the Division.
Can I use a P.O. Box for the new registered office address?
No. When a noncommercial registered agent is designated, the agent’s address must be a physical street address in Utah where service of process can be personally delivered. A P.O. Box may be listed in addition to the street address on the change form, but a Utah street address is required. This requirement ensures that process servers and the Division can locate the agent during normal business hours, as required by Utah Code § 16-17-301.
Is the filing fee the same whether I file online or by mail?
Yes. The filing fee for a Registration Information Change is $17 regardless of whether the filing is submitted online through the Business Registration System, by mail, or in person. The fee schedule confirms the same $17 rate for both the paper “Change form” and “Online changes” under the Amendment and Change Filings category. There is no additional surcharge for using the online portal for this filing type.