What changing your agent means on an Arizona farm winery license

If you hold an Arizona Out-of-State Farm Winery License and need to replace the person or entity listed as your agent for service of process, you file a form directly with the Arizona Department of Liquor and Cannabis (DLAC). The agent is the person authorized to receive legal documents on behalf of your winery. Changing this agent does not require you to reapply for the license itself — it is a modification to an existing license.

This process applies only if your winery is physically located outside Arizona but holds the right to sell wine into Arizona. If your agent has moved, left the business, or you straightforward want to name someone else, DLAC has a specific form and procedure for this change.

Key Takeaways

  • You file a change-of-agent request with the Arizona Department of Liquor and Cannabis, not with your local county or city.
  • The new agent must be a person or business entity authorized to receive legal documents in Arizona, and you must provide their full name, address, and signature.
  • DLAC processes these requests within a set timeframe, though the exact duration depends on current workload and whether your submission is complete.
  • You will need your current license number and the name of your winery to file the change.

Documents and information you need to submit

Gather your current Out-of-State Farm Winery License or a copy of it. You will need the license number, your winery's legal name, and the location of your winery outside Arizona. Have the new agent's full legal name, mailing address, and phone number ready.

The new agent must be willing to sign a consent form or acknowledgment that they accept the role. If the agent is a business entity (such as a law firm or management company), you will need the name of the specific person within that entity who will receive documents, along with their title.

DLAC does not publish a single downloadable form for this change on its website in the way it does for initial license applications. Instead, you typically submit a written request on your winery's letterhead that includes the license number, the current agent's name, the new agent's name and address, and a signature from an authorized representative of the winery. Some wineries use a formal "Change of Agent" letter; others use an email to DLAC's licensing unit.

How to file the change with DLAC

Contact the Arizona Department of Liquor and Cannabis directly to confirm the current submission method. You can reach the licensing section by phone or through the DLAC website. Ask specifically for the procedure to change an agent on an Out-of-State Farm Winery License, because DLAC occasionally updates its forms and processes.

Once you have confirmed the method, prepare your written request. Include your winery's name, the license number, the date you want the change to take effect, the old agent's name, and the new agent's full name and address. Have an authorized officer or owner of the winery sign the request. Mail or email it to the address or email provided by DLAC.

Keep a copy of everything you send. DLAC will send you a confirmation or a request for additional information if anything is missing. Do not assume the change is complete until you receive written confirmation from DLAC that the new agent has been recorded on your license.

Timeline and fees

DLAC does not charge a separate fee to change an agent on an existing Out-of-State Farm Winery License. The change is considered a modification to your current license, not a new process.

Processing time varies. DLAC typically responds to complete requests within 10 to 20 business days, but this can extend during periods of high volume or if DLAC requests clarification. If you need the change to take effect by a specific date — for example, because your current agent is leaving — submit your request as early as possible and follow up by phone if you do not hear back within three weeks.

Common mistakes that delay the change

The most frequent error is submitting a request without a signature from an authorized representative of the winery. DLAC will reject unsigned requests and ask you to resubmit. Make sure the person signing has the authority to bind the winery — typically an owner, manager, or officer.

Another mistake is providing incomplete information about the new agent. If you list only a first name, a partial address, or no phone number, DLAC may ask for clarification before processing. Write out the agent's full legal name as it appears on their identification or business registration.

Some wineries also fail to include the license number or winery name, forcing DLAC to search its records to match the request to the correct license. Always include both pieces of information at the top of your request.

What happens after DLAC approves the change

Once DLAC records the new agent on your license, the old agent is no longer authorized to receive legal documents on your behalf. The new agent becomes responsible for accepting service of process, subpoenas, and other official documents related to your winery's license.

DLAC will send you a confirmation letter or updated license document showing the new agent's name and address. This confirmation is your proof that the change has taken effect. Keep it with your license records. If you are audited or involved in a legal matter, you may need to show that the agent change was properly recorded.

Notify your new agent in writing that they have been named as your agent for service of process and explain what that role entails. Make sure they understand they must accept and forward any legal documents they receive to you promptly.

If your agent change is denied or delayed

DLAC may deny a change-of-agent request if the new agent does not meet the legal requirements for an agent in Arizona. For example, if the new agent is not a resident of Arizona and is not a business entity registered to do business in Arizona, DLAC may reject the nomination. The agent must have a valid Arizona address where documents can be served.

If your request is delayed beyond 20 business days, contact DLAC by phone to ask for a status update. Provide your license number and the date you submitted the request. If DLAC has questions, they will tell you what additional information is needed. Respond promptly to keep the process moving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my agent if my license is under review or suspended?

You can submit a change-of-agent request at any time, but DLAC may not process it if your license is suspended or if there is an active investigation. Contact DLAC first to ask whether your license status affects the timing of the change.

Does the new agent have to be a lawyer?

No. The agent can be any person or business entity with a valid Arizona address. Many wineries name a manager, an accountant, or a compliance officer as their agent. Some use a law firm, but it is not required.

What if I want to change my agent but keep the same license number?

The license number does not change. You are only updating the agent information on the same license. DLAC will keep the license number the same and issue you confirmation of the agent change.

How long does the new agent have to keep records of documents they receive?

The agent should keep copies of any legal documents they receive for at least as long as your license is active, and longer if the documents relate to an ongoing legal matter. Ask your new agent to confirm their record-keeping practices before naming them.

Can I change my agent by phone or email without a written request?

DLAC requires a written request with a signature from an authorized representative of the winery. Email is usually acceptable, but the request must still be signed. Call DLAC to confirm whether they accept electronic signatures or require a scanned copy of a handwritten signature.