Updated on February 15, 2024
An Iowa registered agent is authorized to accept service of process on behalf of a corporation.[1] Corporations registered in Iowa must have a registered agent. The agent may be an Iowa resident, a domestic for-profit or nonprofit corporation, or a foreign corporation qualified to transact business in Iowa.
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Registered Agent Search
Step 1 – Visit the state’s Business Entities Search page.
Step 2 – Iowa does not have a searchable database of registered agents, but it does have a database of business entities. You’ll need the name of the business associated with the agent to access details about the agent. Enter the business name and click “Search.”
Step 3 – Click on the business number in the left-hand column to access further information about the entity, including details pertaining to its registered agent.
Step 4 – Scroll down for information about the registered agent, including name and address.
Who can be a Registered Agent?
Can I be a Registered Agent?
Yes, if you are a resident of Iowa or a corporation authorized to transact business in Iowa. The easiest way to designate a registered agent is to include the agent’s name and contact information in the document filed to form a company. Complete the form and mail, deliver, or fax it to the Business Services Division, Lucas Building, 1st Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. With questions, call (515) 281-5204 or email sos@sos.iowa.gov.
Domestic Corporation
- File Articles of Incorporation that state the corporation’s name, the number of shares the corporation is authorized to issue, the street address of the corporation, the name of its registered agent at that office, and the name and address of each incorporator. The filing fee is $50.[3]
Domestic Nonprofit Corporation
- File Articles of Incorporation that state the corporation’s name and address, the name and address of its registered agent, the name and address of each incorporator, and whether the corporation will have members. The filing fee is $20.[4]
Domestic LLC
- File a Certificate of Organization containing the following information: name of LLC, street address of LLC’s office, and the name and mailing address of the registered agent. The filing fee is $50.[5]
Domestic Limited Partnership
- File a Certificate of Limited Partnership that names the partnership and includes the office’s street and mailing address, the name and address of the registered agent, the name and address of each general partner, and whether the limited partnership is a limited liability limited partnership. The filing fee is $100.[6]
Limited Liability Partnership
- File a Statement of Qualification or, if a foreign limited liability partnership, a Statement of Foreign Qualification. The filing fees are $50 and $100, respectively.
Foreign Corporation
- File a Foreign Registration Statement. The filing fee is $100.
Foreign Nonprofit
- File an Application for Certificate of Authority. The filing fee is $25.
Foreign LLC
- File a Foreign Registration Statement. The filing fee is $100.
Foreign Limited Partnership
- File an Application for Certificate of Authority. The filing fee is $100.
Changing a Registered Agent
A corporation may change its registered agent by completing a Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent. Once complete, the form should be delivered to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division, Lucas Building, 1st Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50319, or faxed to (515) 242-5953. If the corporation is a partnership, the filing fee is $5.
The change is effective upon the filing of the statement. An alternative means of changing a registered agent for an LLC is to amend the corporation’s Certificate of Organization.[7]
Statement of Change of Registered Office and/or Registered Agent (Form 635_0119)
Download: PDF
Resigning as a Registered Agent
A registered agent may resign by completing a Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent and delivering or mailing it to the Secretary of State, Business Services Division, Lucas Building, 1st Floor, Des Moines, Iowa 50319. The completed form can also be faxed to (515) 242-5953. There is no filing fee.
The resignation takes effect on the 31st day after the statement is filed or when a new registered agent is designated, whichever is earlier.[8]
Statement of Resignation of Registered Agent (Form 635_0987)
Download: PDF