Why Ohio asks for it
The rule stops people from listing someone as an agent without that person's knowledge. It also gives the Secretary of State a record that the agent knows the job exists.
What the agent is agreeing to
The agent agrees to serve at the listed address and accept process and notices for the business. The agent does not take on ownership, management, or the company's debts by signing. It's also no promise that the agent will stay forever, since an agent can resign.
Who signs it
- An individual agent signs for themselves.
- A company agent signs through a person authorized to act for it. The form asks for the signer's name and role.
- You, if you are your own agent, sign as both the representative of the business and the agent.
Practical issues
- Do not sign an agent's name without authority. Ask for a signed acceptance or authorization.
- If a company is your agent, use its exact registered name on the appointment.
- When you change agents, the old agent's acceptance does nothing for the new agent. A new acceptance is required.
How it works with us
You e-sign a consent in our portal, which authorizes the appointment. Our acceptance is provided as part of the filing, so you do not have to chase a signature, whether you file it yourself or we do.
Questions
What if someone listed me as their agent without asking?
Contact the business first. If that fails, an agent can file a resignation on Form 521. An attorney can advise you if the listing is causing you trouble.
Do I have to re-sign an acceptance every year?
No. Ohio has no annual renewal of the acceptance. It stands until the agent is replaced or resigns.
Reviewed by Sean Webb, owner of Ohio Registered Statutory Agent LLC. Updated 2026-11-06. General information, not legal advice.