How to Change LLC Address in Washington | A Step-by-Step Guide


Steve Bennett
Steve Bennett
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Change LLC Address in Washington

When you form a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Washington, you are required to provide a registered office address. This address is the official location where legal documents, such as the service of process, can be delivered. As your business grows, you may find it necessary to change your Washington LLC’s address for various reasons, such as moving to a larger space, expanding to multiple locations, or simply changing your Registered Agent.

Changing your Washington LLC address may seem daunting, but it can be simple and straightforward with the right information and guidance. In this article, Webinarcare Editorial Team will walk you through the necessary steps to change your Washington LLC’s address, ensuring that you remain compliant with Washington regulations.

What is a Limited Liability Company?

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a specific form of a private limited company that combines aspects of partnership and corporate structures. It is a legal form of a company that provides its owners with limited liability. This means the owners are not personally liable for the company’s debts and liabilities beyond their investments in the company.

When it comes to changing the registered address of the LLC, the responsibility typically falls on the managers or members of the LLC, depending on the company’s structure.

The process is often as follows:

  1. The LLC must approve the change of address. This may happen at a members’ or managers’ meeting.
  2. Once approved, the appropriate form or document to effect the change of address must be filed with the Washington Secretary of State.
  3. The filing often includes a small processing fee. After accepting the filing, Washington will update the public record with the new address.

In Washington, the change of registered address can also be related to the address of the LLC’s Registered Agent. A Registered Agent is a person or entity appointed by the LLC to receive legal papers and service of process on its behalf. This is another crucial role in the LLC that might be involved in the address change, especially if the Registered Agent’s address is used as the business’s official address.

It’s important to note that the specifics of this process can vary quite a bit depending on the Washington LLC’s operating agreement and the specific administrative rules and requirements of Washington in which the LLC is registered.

Before you change your LLC address, it is advised that you consult with a legal expert. They will be aware of what’s best for you and your business. You can always start an LLC in Washington, if you wish to protect your personal assets from business debts.

WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM

Reasons to Change Washington LLC Address

Changing the address of an LLC in Washington can be prompted by several reasons, each distinctive to the business’s circumstances and goals. Here are several common reasons:

  1. Relocation of Business: The main reason for changing an LLC address is the relocation of the business. This could be related to business expansion, more space, or moving to a more convenient location.
  2. Convenience or Strategy: Sometimes, an LLC might change its primary address for convenience or strategic reasons. For instance, the business might move closer to its customer base or an area with favorable economic benefits.
  3. Legal Requirements: If an LLC’s legal or Registered Agent changes its address, the company must also change its registered address since the Registered Agent’s location is where all legal correspondences are sent.
  4. Rental Issues: If the tenant agreement — such as a lease — expires or faces problems, it might compel an LLC to change addresses. Landlord disputes can also lead to a change of address.
  5. Management Changes: If the management or owner of the business changes and the old address is no longer feasible or relevant for the new management, a change of address becomes necessary.
  6. Privacy Concerns: Some LLC owners change their addresses for privacy reasons to separate their personal lives from their business activities.
  7. Cost Reduction: Sometimes, a business may change its address to move to a less expensive area to cut costs.
  8. Disaster Recovery: In the unfortunate event of a natural disaster or other unforeseen circumstances, such as a fire outbreak or civil disturbance, changing the LLC’s address might be necessary.
  9. Image and Branding: The business address can sometimes be part of the company image, particularly if the business is in an industry where location matters. An LLC may change addresses in such cases as part of a rebranding effort.

Remember, if your business operates as an LLC in Washington, it’s important to update the Washington Secretary of State or other relevant state agency whenever you change your business address. It helps to keep your business in good standing and to ensure that all official documents, notifications, and legal correspondences reach you or your Registered Agent.

How to Change Washington LLC Address

To change your Washington LLC address, you must follow the guidelines that include determining whether you need to change your LLC’s address, update your registered office address, update your principal place of business address, notify the IRS, and inform other relevant parties due to the amendment of your LLC address. 

Step 1: Determine If You Need to Change Your LLC’s Address

Before you begin the process of changing your Washington LLC’s address, it’s essential to determine whether a change is indeed necessary. In Washington, there are two primary addresses associated with your LLC:

Registered Office Address

This is the official address where legal documents and official correspondence will be delivered. If you are starting a business in Washington or changing your Registered Agent, you will need to update this address. Changing your Registered Agent is one of the reasons why you need to change your Washington LLC address because a Registered Agent should have a primary address in the state your LLC is registered. 

An example is having a Foreign LLC in Washington; a Registered Agent should have the same address as your registered Foreign LLC.

Principal Place of Business Address

This is where your Washington business operates. If you are moving your business, expanding to multiple locations, or changing your business structure, you must update this address. 

In some cases, you may need to update both addresses. Be sure to evaluate your specific situation to determine which addresses need to be updated.

Step 2: Update Your Registered Office Address

If you need to change your registered office address in Washington, you will likely need to file an address change form with the Washington Secretary of State. Below is an outline of the steps:

Obtain the Appropriate Form

Visit the Washington Secretary of State‘s website to download the necessary form for changing your Washington registered office address. This form may be called “Washington Statement of Change of Registered Office” or something similar.

For you to update the registered office address, you need to have the following;

1. Your Washington LLC must obtain a Certificate of Existence from the Washington Secretary of State, confirming that it has complied with all filing and tax obligations in the state of Washington.

2. Your Washington LLC must conduct a name search on Washington Secretary of State Corporations and Charities Filing System to ensure that its desired name is available for use in the state of Washington. However, if you do not wish to file your LLC right away but want to hold the name that you have decided on, then you can reserve your LLC name for 180 days. You must file a name reservation application with the Washington Secretary of State to keep the name. 

You can register your business under a different legal name if your preferred name isn’t available.  Once you have chosen a name, you can submit an application for Washington DBA (doing business as). In this manner, you can choose any name you desire for your business. A DBA allows a company to operate under the name of the person or entity who owns it. If you have decided to file for a DBA, you can file it in three methods, online, by mail, and in person filing.

However, before filing a DBA, you should know that you need to renew your DBA every Indefinite, which costs $24.

3. Your Washington LLC should prepare and file the Articles of Domestication with the Washington Secretary of State, providing information about its existing Washington LLC, its desired Washington LLC name, and its new registered office address in Washington.

4. Your Washington LLC has designated a Registered Agent with a physical address in Washington and is available during regular business hours to receive legal and official documents on behalf of the LLC.

In Washington, your Registered Agent must:

  • Be a resident of Washington or a business entity authorized to do business in Washington
  • Have a physical address in Washington (P.O. boxes are not acceptable)

Choosing a reliable and responsible Registered Agent is essential, as failure to receive and respond to legal documents can seriously affect your business. 

You can serve as your own Registered Agent or appoint a friend, family member or hire the Best Washington Registered Agent Services.

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Complete the Form

Carefully fill out the form, providing all required information, including your Washington LLC’s name, current registered office address, and new registered office address. You may also be required to provide the name and address of your new Registered Agent if you are changing agents.

Submit the Form

Once the form is completed, please submit it to the Washington Secretary of State, along with any required filing fees. You can usually submit your form online, by mail, or in person.

The fees in Washington for this process are as follows:

  • Articles of Domestication: The filing fee for Articles of Domestication with the Washington Secretary of State is $180.00 for conversion.
  • Dissolution of Washington LLC: The fee for filing the Washington Articles of Dissolution with the Washington Secretary of State is $20.

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Confirm the Change

After submitting your form and other required documents, you should receive a confirmation from the Washington Secretary of State that your address change has been processed. Keep this confirmation as proof that you have updated your registered office address.

Step 3: Update Your Principal Place of Business Address

If you need to change your Washington LLC’s principal place of business address in Washington, you may need to update your business license or other permits, depending on your specific situation. Here are some general steps to follow:

  • Contact Local Agencies: Contact the Washington Secretary of State that issued your business licenses or permits to determine their specific requirements for changing your address. Depending on your business type and location, this may include city, county, or state agencies.
  • Keep Records: Retain copies of any updated Washington licenses, permits, or other documents as proof that you have changed your principal place of business address. This may be necessary for future filings, audits, or compliance requirements.
  • Update your Licenses and Permits: Follow the instructions provided by the Washington Secretary of State to update your business licenses and permits with your new principal place of business address. 

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Step 4: Notify the IRS of Your Address Change

In addition to updating your Washington LLC’s address with the Washington Secretary of State and local agencies, you should also notify the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of your address change. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Complete Form 8822-B: Download and complete IRS Form 8822-B, “Change of Address or Responsible Party – Business.” This form informs the IRS of your LLC’s new address.
  • Mail the Form: Mail the completed Form 8822-B to the IRS at the address specified in the form’s instructions. There is no filing fee associated with this form.
  • Update your EIN: If your Washington LLC has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you should also update the address associated with your EIN by contacting the IRS via phone, mail, or fax. The specific contact information and instructions can be found on the IRS website.

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Step 5: Inform Other Relevant Parties of Your Address Change

To ensure that your Washington LLC remains in good standing and that you continue to receive important correspondence, you should also inform the following parties of your address change:

  • Banks and financial institutions
  • Vendors and suppliers
  • Customers and clients
  • Utility providers
  • Washington Insurance companies
  • Relevant industry associations or organizations

Update the Certificate of Formation

When changing the address of your LLC in Washington, one of the pertinent requirements could be updating your Certificate of Formation, which is the document initially filed to establish your business entity officially.

The Certificate of Formation includes various pieces of information about the LLC, such as its name, primary place of business, and Registered Agent information. When you change the business address, it’s critical to ensure that the details on the Certificate of Formation reflect this modification.

The process usually involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain the Proper Form: The LLC must get the right form to amend the Certificate of Formation in Washington. This information is typically available on the state’s Secretary of State website or other relevant state agencies.
  2. Complete the Form: Fill out the form according to the instructions provided.
  3. Submit and Pay Fees: Once the form is completed, submit it to the Washington Secretary of State, along with any necessary filing fees. The fee for the amendment is $200.
  4. Record Keeping: Keep a copy of the amendment or change of address form for the company’s records.

Remember that the process and requirements for changing an LLC address may vary based on the regulations in Washington, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to the Washington Secretary of State website for accurate information.

Advantages of Changing Washington LLC Address

Changing the address of an LLC in Washington could bring several advantages, depending on the specific circumstances and reasons behind the move:

  • Business Growth and Expansion: If the change of address is due to the need for more space, the LLC is growing and expanding, which is a positive outcome.
  • Access to Resources: Moving to a new location could provide better access to essential resources, such as proximity to suppliers, customers, or a skilled labor pool, enhancing the company’s operation and potential profitability.
  • Strategic Benefits: The LLC might move to an advantageous business environment with strategic benefits such as a more favorable regulatory climate, lower taxes, or business-friendly policies.
  • Improved Professional Image: Moving to a prestigious business district or a well-known commercial area could enhance the professional image of the LLC and make it more attractive to clients or investors.
  • Lower Operating Costs: Changing the address could lower costs if the new location has cheaper rent, utility, or other operational expenses.
  • Improved Work Environment: A new address could mean a better work environment for employees, boosting morale, productivity, and, ultimately, the bottom line.
  • Enhanced Privacy: If an LLC owner uses a home address as the registered address, moving to a new, separate business address can help maintain privacy and separate personal life from business matters.

While these potential benefits can be compelling, it’s important to remember that changing an LLC’s address also involves informing the relevant government bodies in Washington, updating business contacts, and possibly revising marketing materials. LLC owners should factor these considerations into their decision-making process.

Can Form 882-B Be Used to Change the LLC Name? 

Form 8822-B, titled “Change of Address or Responsible Party — Business,” informs the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of an address change for a business or a change in the responsible party. It cannot be used to change the name of an LLC.

To change the name of Washington LLC, you must follow the appropriate process in the state where your LLC is registered. This typically involves filing Articles of Amendment or a similar document with the Washington Secretary of State. After the name change has been approved at the state level, you should inform the IRS by following the instructions on your tax return or by sending a signed letter to the IRS office where you filed your return.

FAQs

How do you change the address of an LLC in Washington?
You can change the address of an LLC in Washington by filing a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office with the Secretary of State.
Is there a fee to change an LLC address in Washington?
Yes, there is a fee of $10 to file a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office with the Secretary of State in Washington.
Can I change my LLC address online in Washington?
Yes, you can change your LLC address online in Washington by filing a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office through the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Division website.
How long does it take to change my LLC address in Washington?
The processing time for changing an LLC address in Washington varies but typically takes 2-3 business days.
What documents do I need to change my LLC address in Washington?
To change your LLC address in Washington, you will need to file a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office form.
Do I need to notify the state of Washington if the LLC’s address changes?
Yes, you need to notify the state of Washington by filing a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office within 60 days of the change.
Can I change the mailing address of my LLC in Washington without changing the physical address?
No, you cannot change the mailing address of your LLC without changing the physical address.
What happens if I do not notify the state of Washington about the change of address of my LLC?
If you do not notify the state of Washington about the change of address of your LLC, it may result in penalties or suspension of your LLC.
Is there a wait time to change the address of my LLC in Washington?
There is no wait time to change the address of your LLC in Washington, but it might take a few days for the state to process the application and update the records.
Can I update my LLC’s address via mail in Washington state?
Yes, you can update your LLC’s address by mailing in the Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office to the Washington Secretary of State’s office.
Can I change my LLC address regardless of the reason for the change?
Yes, a person can change an LLC address for any valid reason.
Does Washington allow a PO Box as my LLC’s address?
Yes, Washington allows a PO box as an LLC’s address.
Can I use my home address as my LLC’s physical address in Washington?
You can use your home address as your LLC’s physical address in Washington, but you need to ensure that your LLC is allowed to be registered in the zoning regulations.
What if I have lost the registered agent’s original signature on the change form to alter my Washington LLC’s address?
A person must obtain a new original signature from its registered agent to have an updated Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office filed with Washington.
When should I expect to receive the confirmation verifying the address change was approved by Washington state legislature?
After the filing process of Changing your LLC Address in Washington, the same-day confirmation can be expected by the State Corporations and Charities Division along with the Certificates for legal compliance.
Can I designate a person in Washington to be a substitute signer/authorized person while changing the LLC address from a foreign location?
Yes. An LLC can designate a substitute signer or an authorized person via power of attorney to change the LLC’s address.
Can I change all my businesses to the new registered address with a single form in Washington?
No, a separate Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office must be submitted for each LLC.
Can I change my business name while changing my LLC address in Washington?
No, changing a business name in Washington requires an amendment form to be submitted.
How often can an LLC in Washington change its address?
There is no limit to the number of times an LLC in Washington can change its address.
Is it necessary to update the LLC information with other state government departments once I change the address?
An individual may have to update documents such as business licenses, business property rental agreements, and the W-9 form once the LLC’s address has changed.
What is the impact of changing the registered agent but not the address in terms of legal compliance of a Washington LLC?
If an LLC in Washington switches its registered agent to another agent within the same state, then there would not be much if an effect on legal compliance; however, if the LLC requires compliance assuming the probability of emergence from not having the change certificate documented.
Can I have an agent with a different physical address but the same mailing address?
No. The registered agent physical address and mailing address for service of process must both differ from each other.
Is the online form similar to what I will submit interactively in Washington to change my LLC’s address?
Yes, the online option acts as an excellent option to submit the same Certificate of Change of Registered Agent/Office form when changing the LLC’s address in Washington.
What to fill in designation section if I am a registered agent and want to change the LLC address in Washington for my company?
If you wish to appoint yourself as the registered agent for a Washington LLC, you must provide your
What if my business has a real/mailing/office address in Washington territory only but I want to assign a registered agent located out-of-state?
The registered agent you plan to appoint must remain registered in a state in which they possess a physical location/ office, preferably same state as you, where receiving compliance legal documents/ laws make it mandatory for you since Washington SOS laws require having a registered agent in the home-state of the LLC.
Does changing my LLC’s address in Washington effect the tax and financial status of that LLC?
There is an indirect impact of changing the address of your LLC in Washington on the LLC’s tax and financial status; although in most aspects, it remains the same as the upgraded corporation non-compliant of documentation becomes very much necessary.
Can I view my LLC address history at the Washington state’s Secretary of State website?
Washington state Secretary of State allows searching for any existing Annual or Biennial renewed statement filings/reporting records for Address history as principal address or registered agent address/address changing modes beforehand in the history section.
Can I change my LLC’s address in accordance with my spot requirement even if I haven’t acquired the ownership of my spot legally carrying the name in Washington?
No. Until grounds around spot acquired clearance make it impossible to oblige the help of any transfer to the new address if registered and privacy arrangements available which subjectively impossible limits the mandate to change the Address of existing LLC.
What is the process to change the address of my LLC in Washington state?
The process involves filing the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–4) with the Washington Secretary of State.
Can I change the registered agent and office address at the same time?
Yes, you can change both the registered agent and office address by filing the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–4).
Do I need to have a new EIN if I change the LLC address in Washington?
No, you do not need a new EIN for changing your LLC address in Washington.
Can I change the address of my LLC online in Washington state?
Yes, you can change the address of your LLC online by using the Washington Secretary of State’s Corporations and Charities Filing System.
What is the fee for changing the LLC address in Washington state?
The fee for filing the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–4) and changing the LLC address in Washington is $30.
How long does it take for the LLC address to be changed in Washington?
It usually takes about 5-7 business days for the LLC address to be changed in Washington.
Can I expedite the process of changing the LLC address in Washington state?
Yes, you can expedite the process by paying an additional fee of $50 to get your filing processed within 24 hours.
Do I need to notify the Department of Revenue after changing the LLC address in Washington?
Yes, you need to update your business address with the Department of Revenue within 30 days of making any changes.
Can I change the address of my foreign LLC in Washington?
Yes, you can change the registered agent or office address of foreign LLC in Washington by filing a Certificate of Change (Form LLP–3) with the Secretary of State.
Can I file the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-4) online in Washington state?
Yes, you can file the form online using the Corporations and Charities Filing System in Washington.
What information do I need to provide in the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-4)?
You need to provide the old address, new address, and the effective date of change in the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–4).
Is there any penalty for not changing the LLC address in Washington state?
If you do not change your LLC address with the Secretary of State, you may face administrative dissolution or revocation.
Can I use a PO Box for my LLC address in Washington?
Yes, you can use a PO Box as your LLC mailing address in Washington if you also provide a street address for the records.
What if I need to change the address of my LLC during the annual report filing?
You can make changes to both LLC address and registered agent during the annual report filing by filing an annual report amendment.
Do I need to notify the IRS after changing the LLC address in Washington state?
You need to update your business address with the IRS by filing a Form 8822-B within 60 days of making the change.
Can I change the state of my LLC while changing the address in Washington?
No, you cannot change the state of your LLC while filing a Certificate of Amendment in Washington.
Can I change the address of my sole proprietorship in Washington state?
Changing the address of your sole proprietorship involves filing a Change of Business Address form with your local Washington state county assessor.
Can I file the LLC address change using a paper form in Washington?
Yes, you can file a paper Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-4) by mail with the Washington Secretary of State.
What is the mailing address for changing the LLC address in Washington?
The mailing address for filing the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-4) is Office of the Secretary of State, P.O. Box 40234, Olympia, WA 98504-0234.
Who should sign the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC-4) in Washington state?
Any member or authorized representative of the LLC can sign and file the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–4).
Can I change my LLC address if it is already out of date with the Washington Secretary of State?
Yes, you can still make corrections to the LLC address by filing the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–4).
Will the Washington Secretary of State send a confirmation after changing the LLC address?
Yes, the Washington Secretary of State will send a confirmation email or certificate once the LLC address has been changed.
How can I check the status of my LLC address change in Washington?
You can check the status of your LLC address change online with the Washington Secretary of State’s Business Search.
Does the LLC address change affect my business license in Washington?
You may need to update your business license records with the city or county after changing the LLC address in Washington.
What if the LLC address change in Washington was not approved?
If your LLC address change is not approved, you will be notified by the Washington Secretary of State with the reason for rejection.
Can I change the legal name and LLC address at the same time in Washington state?
Yes, you can change both legal name and LLC address by filing the Amended Certificate of Formation (Form LLC–9) with the Washington Secretary of State.
What if I need to change the LLC address and do not have access to the annual report?
In this case, you can still change the LLC address by filing the Certificate of Amendment (Form LLC–4) directly with the Washington Secretary of State.
Can I change the LLC address while filing taxes in Washington?
No, changing the LLC address is done by filing with the Washington Secretary of State, not during tax filing.

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Conclusion

Changing your LLC’s address in Washington can be relatively simple if you follow the above steps. By updating your registered office and principal place of business addresses, notifying the IRS, and informing other relevant parties, you can ensure that your LLC remains compliant with Washington regulations and continues to operate smoothly.

Remember to keep records of all address changes and any updated licenses, permits, or other documents, as these may be necessary for future filings, audits, or other compliance requirements. And as always, consult with a legal or business professional if you have any questions or concerns about your situation.

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