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. Unless waived by the Department, an entity shall file a resident agent’s written consent with the Department. The consent shall be effective on acceptance by the Department. If the filing of a resident agent’s written consent is waived by the Department, an entity shall: Certify to the Department that the written consent of the resident agent has been obtained; Maintain a copy of the written consent in its records; and Provide a copy of the written consent to the Department on request. The consent shall be effective on certification to the Department that the consent has been obtained. Subsections (a) and (b) of this section do not apply to resident agents designated before October 1, 1998. A person designated a resident agent may resign without paying the fee under § 1–203(b)(2) of this subtitle.