(a)      Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, an entity that is required to have a resident agent may not designate a person as a resident agent without first obtaining the person's written consent.

      (b)      (1)      An entity shall file a resident agent's written consent with the Department.

            (2)      The consent shall be effective upon acceptance by the Department.

      (c)      Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to resident agents designated before October 1, 1998.

      (d)      A person designated a resident agent may resign without paying the fee under § 1-203(2) of this subtitle.