‹ Washington Filing Guide
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Washington
The form, the fee, and how to file it.
Filing details
- Form name
- Statement of Change/Designation of Registered Agent
- Filing fee
- Free
- Online filing
- Yes
- Processing time
- A few days for online filings; up to a month for mail; $50 expedite available
- Secretary of State
- Washington SOS ↗
Note: Washington charges no fee to change the registered agent, regardless of filing method - this is one of the few states where the filing is genuinely free. File online through the Corporations and Charities Filing System (CCFS) at ccfs.sos.wa.gov, by mail, or in person. The new registered agent must sign a consent statement on the form (digital signatures and copies are accepted). You can also update the registered agent for free when filing your annual report. Expedited service is available for an additional $100 if you need faster processing.
Open online filing portal ↗
How to change your registered agent in Washington
-
Choose your new registered agent first.
Do not file the change form until you have a new agent lined up. The new agent has to consent to the appointment, and most states will not process the change without that consent in hand. If you let coverage lapse, the Washington SOS can administratively dissolve your LLC.
-
Get the Statement of Change/Designation of Registered Agent. Download the form ↗
You can file this online through the Washington Secretary of State portal. The form requires your LLC name, the new agent name and address, and a signature. The new agent must consent to the appointment.
-
Pay the Free filing fee.
Washington does not charge a state filing fee for this change. The only cost is what you pay your new registered agent.
-
Notify your old agent.
Once the change is processed, your old agent's responsibility ends. If you are paying them an annual fee, cancel that subscription so it does not auto-renew. Most services prorate or refund the unused portion.
-
Verify the change in state records.
Search your LLC name on the Washington SOS business search and confirm the new registered agent is listed. Processing typically takes A few days for online filings; up to a month for mail; $50 expedite available, so check back after that window.
Important to know about Washington
- Filing is free directly with the state - no fee online or by mail. Some third-party sources incorrectly cite a $20 online fee; the official Washington SOS form confirms zero filing fee.
- Mail filings can take a month to process. Online filings through CCFS process within a few days at no extra cost.
- Starting January 20, 2026, Washington requires an email address on all filings. Filings without an email will be rejected.
- You can also update the registered agent for free when filing your annual report (annual report fee is $70 for LLCs).
Have a service handle the change for you
Northwest will file the Statement of Change/Designation of Registered Agent and pay the state filing fee when you sign up. The change is usually filed the same business day.
Get Northwest Registered Agent ↗
$125/year · All 50 states · Privacy included
Harbor Compliance
$99/year · Full-service compliance option
Registered Agents Inc
$200/year · Includes annual report filing
This page provides general information based on publicly available Washington Secretary of State requirements. It is not legal advice. Forms, fees, and procedures can change. Verify with the Washington SOS before filing.