Updated on April 2, 2024
An Ohio registered agent is a person or corporation responsible for receiving official documents on behalf of a corporation. In Ohio, registered agents are known as statutory agents. They must receive any process, notice, or demand served upon a corporation and then forward it to that corporation.[1]
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Statutory Agent Search
Step 1 – Visit the Ohio Secretary of State’s Business Search portal.
Step 2 – In the menu on the left-hand side, hover over “Business Search” and click on “Agent/Registrant.”
Step 3 – Enter the agent’s name, then click “Search.”
Step 4 – Click “Show Details” on the line associated with the correct agent and entity.
Step 5 – Clicking “Show Details” will bring up information about the entity, including the name and information of its statutory agent. Scroll down to order documents associated with the business.
Who can be a Statutory Agent?
In Ohio, a statutory agent can be either an individual who’s a state resident or a corporate entity with a business address in the state. Eligible entities include domestic and foreign corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited partnership associations, professional associations, business trusts, and unincorporated nonprofit associations.[2]
Can I be a Statutory Agent?
Most corporations designate their statutory agents when they file their formation documents. To register a business in Ohio, visit the Business Filings page on the Secretary of State’s website. Create a profile and follow the prompts.
Otherwise, file Form 521, which is used to appoint, change, or document the resignation of a statutory agent. The form must be typed and the fee to file it is $25. The agent must sign the form to accept the appointment.[3]
Completed forms can be sent to P.O. Box 788 Columbus, OH 43216.
Changing a Statutory Agent
To change its statutory agent, a corporation can file Form 521. The filing fee is $25.[4] Checks can be made payable to “Ohio Secretary of State.” Processing Form 521 should take between three and seven days. Completed forms can be sent to P.O. Box 788 Columbus, OH 43216.
Statutory Agent Update
Download: PDF
Resigning as a Statutory Agent
To resign, a statutory agent can file Form 521. Before the form is filed with the Secretary of State, a copy must be sent to the corporation the agent represented at its official business address.[5] Completed forms can be sent to P.O. Box 788 Columbus, OH 43216.
The resignation becomes effective 30 days after the filing of Form 521. The corporation must appoint another agent, using the same form, within 30 days after the resignation is tendered.[6] If this does not occur within the allotted timeframe, the corporation can be dissolved by the state.
Statutory Agent Update
Download: PDF