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Preview - Ohio Secretary State Form
Toll Free: 877.767.3453 | Central Ohio: 614.466.3910
OhioSoS.gov | business@OhioSoS.gov
File online or for more information: OhioBusinessCentral.gov
Filing Form Cover Letter
Please return the approval certificate to:
Name (Individual or Business Name):
To the Attention of (if necessary):
Address: |
|
City: |
|
State |
ZIP Code: |
Phone Number: |
Check here if you would like to receive important notices via email from the Ohio Secretary of State's office regarding Business Services.
Check here if you would like to be signed up for our Filing Notification System for the business entity being created or updated by filing this form. This is a free service provided to notify you via email when any document is filed on your business record.
Please make checks or money orders payable to: "Ohio Secretary of State"
Type of Service Being Requested: (PLEASE CHECK ONE BOX BELOW)
Regular Service: Only the filing fee listed on page one of the form is required and the filing will be 
processed in approximately
Expedite Service 1: By including an Expedite fee of $100.00, in addition to the regular filing fee on page 
one of the form, the filing will be processed within 2 business days after it is received by our office.
Expedite Service 2: By including an Expedite fee of $200.00, in addition to the regular filing fee on page 
one of the form, the filing will be processed within 1 business day after it is received by our office. This
service is only available to
Expedite Service 3: By including an Expedite fee of $300.00, in addition to the regular filing fee on page 
one of the form, the filing will be processed within 4 hours after it is received by our office, if received by 1:00
p.m. This service is only available to
Preclearance Filing: A filing form, to be submitted at a later date for processing, may be submitted to be 
examined for the purpose of advising as to the acceptability of the proposed filing for a fee of $50.00. The
Preclearance will be complete within
Form 521 |
Page 1 of 6 |
Last Revised: 01/2022 |
Form 521 Prescribed by:
Toll Free: 877.767.3453
Central Ohio: 614.466.3910 OhioSoS.gov business@OhioSoS.gov
File online or for more information: OhioBusinessCentral.gov
For screen readers, follow instructions located at this path.
Mail this form to one of the following:
Regular Filing (non expedite)
P.O. Box 788
Columbus, OH 43216
Expedite Filing (Two business day processing time. Requires an additional $100.00)
P.O. Box 1390
Columbus, OH 43216
Statutory Agent Update
Filing Fee: $25
Form Must Be Typed
(CHECK ONLY ONE(1) BOX)
(1)Subsequent Appointment of Agent 
Corp
LP
LLC
Business
Real Estate Investment Trust
(2)Change of Address of an Agent 
Corp
LP
LLC
Business
Real Estate Investment Trust
(3)Resignation of Agent
Corp
LP
LLC
Partnership
Business Trust
Real Estate Investment Trust
Name of Entity 
Charter, License or Registration No. 
Name of Current Agent
Complete the information in this section if box (1) is checked
Name and Address
of New Agent
Name of Agent |
|
|
Mailing Address |
|
|
|
OH |
|
City |
State |
ZIP Code |
Form 521 |
Page 2 of 6 |
Last Revised: 01/2022 |
Complete the information in this section if box (1) is checked and business is an Ohio entity or Foreign LLC
ACCEPTANCE OF APPOINTMENT FOR DOMESTIC ENTITY'S AGENT
The Undersigned, |
, named herein as the |
|
Name of Agent |
statutory agent for |
, hereby acknowledges |
|
Name of Business Entity |
and accepts the appointment of statutory agent for said entity.
Signature:
Individual Agent's Signature/Signature on behalf of Business Serving as
Agent
Complete the information in this section if box (2) is checked
New Address of Agent
Mailing Address
OH
City |
State |
ZIP Code |
Complete the information in this section if box (3) is checked
The agent of record for the entity identified on page 1 resigns as statutory agent.
Current or last known address of the entity's principal office where a copy of this Resignation of Agent was sent as of the date of filing or prior to the date filed.
Mailing Address
City |
State |
Zip Code |
Form 521 |
Page 3 of 6 |
Last Revised: 01/2022 |
By signing and submitting this form to the Ohio Secretary of State, the undersigned hereby certifies that he or she has the requisite authority to execute this document.
Required
Agent update must
be signed by an authorized representative (see instructions for specific information).
If authorized representative is an individual, then they must sign in the "signature" box and print their name in the "Print Name" box.
If authorized representative is a business entity, not an individual, then please print the business name in the "signature" box, an authorized representative of the business entity must sign in the "By" box and print their name in the "Print Name" box.
Signature
By (if applicable)
Print Name
Signature
By (if applicable)
Print Name
Form 521 |
Page 4 of 6 |
Last Revised: 01/2022 |
Instructions for Statutory Agent Update
This form should be used to update statutory agent information for a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, partnership or business trust. If a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company or business trust would like to appoint a new statutory agent, please select box 1.
If a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, or business trust would like to change the address of the current agent, please select box 2. If the agent of a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, partnership, or business trust would like to resign from their position, please select box 3.
A partnership and limited liability partnership must complete a statement of amendment to appoint a new agent or change the address of the current agent.
Entity Information
The corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company, partnership, or business trust must provide its name, charter/license/registration number and the name of the current agent. The current agent's name must be the same as the agent listed in our office's records.
Appointment of New Agent
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code sections 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1782.04, 1706.09 and 1746.04,
a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability corporation and business trust must appoint and maintain a statutory agent to accept service of process on behalf of the entity. The statutory agent must be one of the following: (1) A natural person who is a resident of this state; or (2) A domestic or foreign corporation , nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership association, professional association, business trust, or unincorporated nonprofit association that has a business address in this state. If the agent is a business entity then the agent must meet the requirements of Title XVII of the Revised Code to transact business or exercise privileges in Ohio.
If the entity is a domestic or foreign limited liability company, limited liability partnership, limited liability company or business trust, the statutory agent must sign the Acceptance of Appointment on Page 2.
Change of Address of an Agent
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code sections 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1782.04, 1706.09 and 1746.04, a corporation, limited partnership, limited liability company and business trust must appoint and maintain a statutory agent to accept service of process on behalf of the entity. The statutory agent must be one of the following: (1) A natural person who is a resident of this state; or (2) A domestic or foreign corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited partnership association, professional association, business trust, or unincorporated nonprofit association that has a business address in this state. If the agent is a business entity then the agent must meet the requirements of Title XVII of the Revised Code to transact business or exercise privileges in Ohio.
Resignation of Agent
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code sections 1701.07, 1702.06, 1703.041, 1706.09, 1776.07, 1782.04, 1705.06 and 1746.04, an agent may resign by filing this form, stating their intent to resign and providing the current or last known address of the entity's principal office. On the date of filing this form with our office or prior to that date, the agent must send a copy of the resignation form to the current or last known address of the entity's principal office.
Form 521 |
Page 5 of 6 |
Last Revised: 01/2022 |
For a domestic
Additional Provisions
If the information you wish to provide for the record does not fit on the form, please attach additional provisions on a
Signature(s)
After completing all information on the filing form, please make sure to sign the form. If the entity is
a domestic corporation, the form must be signed by the incorporators or a corporate officer. If the entity is a foreign corporation, the form must be signed by an authorized representative. If the entity is a domestic or foreign limited partnership, the form must be signed by an officer, all of the general partners or a majority of the general partners. If the entity is a domestic or foreign limited liability company, the form must be signed by a member, manager or an authorized representative. If the entity is a business trust, an authorized representative must sign. If the form is used for an agent's resignation, the resigning agent must sign the form.
**Note: Our office cannot file or record a document that contains a social security number or tax identifications number. Please do not enter a social security number or tax identification number, in any format, on this form.
Form 521 |
Page 6 of 6 |
Last Revised: 01/2022 |
Document Properties
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Contact | The Ohio Secretary of State can be reached at 877.767.3453 for toll-free inquiries. |
| Filing Options | Individuals can file online or obtain more information through OhioBusinessCentral.gov. |
| Service Types | Regular service processes filings in approximately 3-7 business days, while expedited options are available for faster processing. |
| Expedited Fees | Expedited services range from $100 to $300, depending on the speed of processing requested. |
| Preclearance Filing | A preclearance filing can be submitted for a fee of $50. This service advises on the acceptability of a proposed filing. |
| Mailing Addresses | Regular filings should be sent to P.O. Box 788, Columbus, OH 43216, while expedited filings go to P.O. Box 1390, Columbus, OH 43216. |
| Statutory Agent Update | The form can be used to update information regarding statutory agents for various business entities. |
| Governing Laws | Ohio Revised Code sections 1701.07, 1702.06, and others govern the appointment and maintenance of statutory agents. |
| Signature Requirement | The form must be signed by an authorized representative, ensuring that the signer has the requisite authority. |
Documents used along the form
When navigating the process of business formation or modification in Ohio, various forms and documents accompany the Ohio Secretary of State form. Each document serves a specific purpose, ensuring compliance with state regulations while facilitating efficient business operations. Below is a list of commonly used forms that are often filed alongside the Secretary of State form.
- Articles of Incorporation: This document establishes a corporation's existence in Ohio. It outlines the corporation's name, purpose, and structure, and must be filed with the Secretary of State to legally create the entity.
- Operating Agreement: Particularly relevant for limited liability companies (LLCs), this internal document details the management structure and operational procedures of the business. It clarifies the rights and responsibilities of members and managers.
- Bylaws: For corporations, bylaws serve as the internal governing document. They outline the rules for conducting corporate affairs, including the election of directors, meeting protocols, and voting procedures.
- Certificate of Good Standing: This document verifies that a business entity is compliant with state regulations and has met all filing requirements. It is often necessary for securing loans or entering into contracts.
- Statement of Information: This form provides updated information about a business entity, including its address, officers, and statutory agent. Regular updates are essential to maintain accurate public records.
- Tax Registration Forms: Businesses must register for various state and federal taxes. These forms ensure compliance with tax obligations and are necessary for obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Statutory Agent Designation: This document appoints an individual or entity to receive legal documents on behalf of the business. It is a critical requirement for maintaining good standing and ensuring timely communication with state authorities.
Understanding these documents and their respective roles is crucial for anyone looking to establish or modify a business in Ohio. Proper filing and adherence to regulations not only facilitate legal compliance but also contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the business entity.
Guidelines on Filling in Ohio Secretary State
Filling out the Ohio Secretary of State form is an essential step for updating statutory agent information for your business. This process ensures that your business remains compliant with state regulations. Follow these steps carefully to complete the form accurately.
- Visit the Ohio Secretary of State's website or obtain a physical copy of the form.
- Fill in your Name (individual or business name) at the top of the form.
- If necessary, include the To the Attention of field.
- Provide your Address, City, State, and ZIP Code.
- Enter your Phone Number and E-mail Address.
- Check the box if you want to receive important notices via email.
- Check the box if you want to sign up for the Filing Notification System.
- Make checks or money orders payable to "Ohio Secretary of State".
- Select the Type of Service Being Requested by checking one of the boxes: Regular Service, Expedite Service 1, Expedite Service 2, Expedite Service 3, or Preclearance Filing.
- Provide the Name of Entity and Charter, License or Registration No..
- Fill in the Name of Current Agent.
- Complete the information for the new agent if you selected box (1): include Name and Address of the new agent.
- For box (2), provide the New Address of Agent.
- If resigning as an agent (box 3), provide the Current or last known address of the entity's principal office.
- Sign the form in the designated area, ensuring it is signed by an authorized representative.
- Print the name of the individual or business in the appropriate box.
- Mail the completed form to the correct address based on your service type: Regular or Expedite Filing.
Common mistakes
Filling out the Ohio Secretary of State form can be straightforward, but many people make common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections. One frequent error is failing to complete all required fields. Ensure every section that applies to your business is filled out accurately. Missing information can cause your submission to be returned, which prolongs the process.
Another common mistake is neglecting to sign the form. The signature is crucial as it verifies that the person submitting the form has the authority to do so. Without a signature, the form will not be processed. Double-check that the appropriate individual has signed in the correct section.
Many individuals also overlook the correct selection of service type. The form provides options for regular and expedited services. Choosing the wrong service can result in unexpected delays or additional fees. Be sure to check the box that accurately reflects your needs.
Inaccurate payment information is another pitfall. Ensure that checks or money orders are made out to the "Ohio Secretary of State" and that the correct amount is included. Missing or incorrect payments will halt processing and require resubmission.
Some people fail to provide accurate contact information. This includes your phone number and email address. Without this information, the Secretary of State's office cannot reach you for any clarifications or updates regarding your filing.
Additionally, individuals sometimes submit forms that are not typed or legible. The instructions specify that the form must be typed. Handwritten forms can be difficult to read, leading to errors in processing.
Another mistake is not checking the box for the Filing Notification System. This free service sends email notifications when documents are filed on your business record. By opting in, you can stay informed and avoid missing important updates.
Finally, many applicants fail to review the form before submission. Taking a moment to double-check all entries can save time and prevent unnecessary complications. A thorough review can catch small errors that might otherwise go unnoticed.
FAQ
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What is the purpose of the Ohio Secretary of State form?
The Ohio Secretary of State form is used for various business filings, including appointing or updating a statutory agent, changing an agent's address, or resigning from the agent position. It is essential for businesses to maintain accurate records with the Secretary of State to ensure they can receive legal documents and notifications.
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How do I submit the form?
You can submit the form by mail. For regular filings, send it to P.O. Box 788, Columbus, OH 43216. If you are using expedited services, send it to P.O. Box 1390, Columbus, OH 43216. Make sure to include the appropriate fees, as outlined on the form.
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What are the different service options available?
There are several service options available for processing your filing:
- Regular Service: Processed in approximately 3-7 business days.
- Expedited Service 1: For an additional $100, processed within 2 business days.
- Expedited Service 2: For an additional $200, processed within 1 business day (available for walk-in customers).
- Expedited Service 3: For an additional $300, processed within 4 hours if submitted by 1:00 p.m. (also for walk-in customers).
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What should I include in the filing form?
When filling out the form, you need to provide details such as the name of the individual or business, the address, and contact information. Additionally, you must check the appropriate boxes to indicate the type of service requested and the specific action being taken, whether it’s appointing a new agent, changing an address, or resigning.