‹ Maryland Filing Guide
·
All Change-Agent Guides
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Maryland
The form, the fee, and how to file it.
Filing details
- Form name
- Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent
- Filing fee
- $25
- Online filing
- Yes
- Processing time
- 6-8 weeks standard processing; 7-10 business days for expedited ($50 extra); same-day Rush via online for $325
- Filing agency
- Maryland SDAT ↗
Note: Maryland uses the term "resident agent" rather than "registered agent" - they refer to the same role. File the Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent form with the State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) through Maryland Business Express, by mail, or in person. The base fee is $25, but Maryland Business Express adds a 3% convenience surcharge on online payments. Standard mail processing is notoriously slow - 6 to 8 weeks. Pay $50 expedite to get processing in 7-10 business days. The new resident agent must sign the form (consent is required by law).
Open online filing portal ↗
How to change your registered agent in Maryland
-
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 Maryland SDAT can administratively dissolve your LLC.
Two ways to go. Name yourself or someone you know. Nothing to pay beyond the state filing fee above, but your address goes in the public record and somebody has to be there during business hours to accept legal mail.
Or use a service at $125/year. That keeps your address private and prepares the change form for you. If you are here because your current agent resigned, missed a delivery, or raised its price, this is usually the reason. See what Northwest charges, or compare what the major agents cost first.
-
Get the Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent. Download the form ↗
You can file this online through the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation 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 $25 filing fee.
Pay by credit card during the online filing. A small processing surcharge usually applies. Mail filings accept check or money order; confirm the exact payee on the form before you send it, because it is not the Secretary of State in every state.
-
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 agents do not refund the unused portion, so time the cancellation against your renewal date.
-
Verify the change in state records.
Search your LLC name on the Maryland SDAT business search and confirm the new registered agent is listed. Processing typically takes 6-8 weeks standard processing; 7-10 business days for expedited ($50 extra); same-day Rush via online for $325, so check back after that window.
Important to know about Maryland
- Maryland uses "resident agent" instead of "registered agent" - same role, different name.
- Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks. If you need it done quickly, the $50 expedited fee (total $75) cuts processing to 7-10 business days. Online filings through Maryland Business Express are inherently expedited at no extra cost.
- Online filings include a 3% Maryland Business Express convenience surcharge on top of the $25 fee.
- A single form covers all entity types - LLCs, corporations, LPs, LLPs - but signature requirements vary (LLCs need an authorized person's signature plus the new agent's consent).
Have a service handle the change for you
Northwest will prepare and file the Resolution to Change Principal Office or Resident Agent for you when you sign up. The state filing fee is yours to pay. The change is usually filed the same business day.
Get Northwest Registered Agent ↗
$125/year · All 50 states · Privacy included
Harbor Compliance
$99 first year, then $149/year · Full-service compliance option
Registered Agents Inc
$200/year · Report filing included, state fees extra
Choosing a replacement agent? Our full Northwest Registered Agent review and Harbor Compliance review compare pricing, renewals, and service before you file.
This page provides general information based on publicly available Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation requirements. It is not legal advice. Forms, fees, and procedures can change. Verify with the Maryland SDAT before filing.