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The Iowa test is about a place of business rather than where the agent lives. Iowa Code 489.115 says each LLC and each registered foreign LLC must designate and maintain a registered agent in Iowa, and that the agent must have a place of business in the state. Naming an agent also affirms that the agent consented to serve. The Iowa Secretary of State publishes the filing forms and fees. For the whole formation process, see our Iowa LLC guide. For searches, see the Iowa business guide.
What does the certificate of organization say about the agent?
Under Iowa Code 489.201 the certificate must state the name of the LLC's registered agent, with a street address and a mailing address in Iowa.
What is the agent obliged to do?
The law keeps the duties short. The agent forwards any process, notice or demand it receives to the company at the address most recently supplied. If the agent resigns, it gives the company the resignation notice. And it keeps the agent's information in the certificate current.
Nothing more is required by the chapter. So tell your agent when your own address changes, because the agent can only forward to what it holds.
Does changing the agent cost anything?
No. Iowa Code 489.116 lets the LLC change its agent or the agent's address by delivering a statement of change to the Secretary of State. It states the company's name and what should be in effect afterward. The forms and fees page lists a statement of change with no fee for chapter 489 entities, and you can file it through Fast Track Filing.
A new agent in the statement is an affirmation that the agent consented. Members or managers do not need to approve the change. A statement is effective when filed. Or you can amend the certificate of organization instead.
How does an Iowa agent resign?
By delivering a statement of resignation to the Secretary of State. It names the company, names the agent, says the agent resigns, and gives an address to which the agent will send notice. It is also free to file.
It takes effect on the earlier of the 31st day after filing or the date a new agent is designated (Iowa Code 489.117). From then the agent is no longer responsible for anything sent to it for the company. Use those 31 days to name a successor.
Why the agent address matters for the biennial report
The state sends the reminder to the registered agent. Your agent begins to receive notice in January of the filing year, and LLCs report in odd-numbered years. Miss it and the entity goes inactive. See annual report deadlines.
How do I look up an Iowa agent?
The state's business search finds a company by name, and the name search works as starts-with. If you type NOW, it finds NOW INC. and NOWHERE INC. If you have the complete business number, enter it with numbers only and the search goes straight to the Business Entity Summary.
The state also posts a free dataset, Active Iowa Business Entities, on data.iowa.gov. It is updated monthly and carries the registered agent and the principal office. Our registered agent lookup guide explains what to do with a stale address.
What about out-of-state LLCs?
Section 489.115 covers registered foreign LLCs too. A foreign LLC that registers in Iowa files a Foreign Registration Statement, which costs $100, and it names an Iowa agent with a place of business in the state. See foreign LLC registration.
Can I be my own agent?
Yes if you have a place of business in Iowa. Section 489.115 asks for that, and the text we read does not add a residency test. The own-agent guide covers the trade-offs, and registered agent services covers the paid option. See service of process for what lands at the agent's door.