Registered Agent in Texas
Every Texas LLC must have a registered agent with a physical Texas address. Here is exactly what the law requires, what it costs, and whether you should serve as your own.
State terminology: Texas uses the term "Registered Agent" — the same name used federally and in most states — to refer to the designated individual or company that officially receives legal documents, lawsuits, and state correspondence on behalf of your LLC.
What is a registered agent in Texas?
Every LLC formed or registered to do business in Texas must designate a Registered Agent with the Texas Secretary of State. Your Registered Agent is the person or company authorized to accept service of process — meaning lawsuits, subpoenas, and official government notices — on your LLC's behalf. The agent must maintain a physical street address in Texas and be available during normal business hours to receive these documents. Missing a served lawsuit notice because your agent was unavailable or had an outdated address can result in a default judgment against your LLC without you ever knowing a case was filed. Keeping a reliable Registered Agent on record is not just a legal formality; it is one of the most important safeguards protecting your business.
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Can you be your own registered agent in Texas?
Yes, an LLC owner or member can serve as the Registered Agent in Texas, provided they meet the state's requirements. You must have a physical Texas street address — your own home address qualifies — and you must be personally present at that address during regular business hours on every business day. The critical downside is that your address becomes part of the public record in the Texas Secretary of State's database, meaning anyone can look up your home address. If you work from home or value your privacy, using a commercial Registered Agent service is strongly advisable.
Texas registered agent requirements
- Must maintain a physical street address in Texas — a residence or commercial address both qualify.
- PO boxes, mail forwarding addresses, and virtual office addresses without a staffed physical presence are not permitted.
- Must be available in person at the listed address during normal business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday).
- The Registered Agent can be an individual Texas resident (including an LLC owner or employee) or a company authorized to do business in Texas.
- Commercial Registered Agent companies must be authorized to transact business in Texas; they do not need a separate state license specifically for serving as a Registered Agent.
- The Registered Agent's name and street address are public record in the Texas Secretary of State's filing system and are searchable by anyone.
Registered agent cost in Texas
Serving as your own Registered Agent costs nothing in state fees, but your personal address becomes publicly searchable. Commercial Registered Agent services in Texas typically range from $49 to $300 per year. That fee generally covers a permanent Texas street address for your filings, secure document scanning and forwarding, compliance deadline reminders, and same-day notification if a lawsuit is served. For most small business owners, paying $49 to $99 per year to a reputable service is the practical choice — it preserves your privacy and ensures no critical legal document ever slips through.
Why most Texas LLC owners use a service
Using a commercial Registered Agent service keeps your personal or business address off the Texas Secretary of State's public database, protecting you from unsolicited solicitations and preserving your privacy. A professional service guarantees that a trained person is present at the address every business day — eliminating the risk that comes with vacations, illness, or remote work. If a lawsuit is served, you receive an instant notification rather than discovering a missed summons days later. The combination of privacy, reliability, and compliance peace of mind makes the modest annual fee worthwhile for nearly any Texas LLC owner.
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How to change your registered agent in Texas
To change your Registered Agent in Texas, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $15. You can submit the form online through the SOS portal at sos.state.tx.us or by mail. The change takes effect once the Secretary of State processes and accepts the filing. Your new agent must consent to the appointment, and your LLC remains responsible for maintaining a valid agent at all times during the transition.
Texas registered agent: frequently asked questions
What is a registered agent in Texas?
A registered agent in Texas is an individual or company designated to receive official legal and government documents — including lawsuits, subpoenas, and notices from the Texas Secretary of State — on behalf of your LLC. Every Texas LLC is legally required to maintain a registered agent at all times. The agent must have a physical Texas street address and be available during business hours. Failing to maintain a registered agent can put your LLC's good standing at risk.
Do I need a registered agent in Texas?
Yes. Texas law requires every LLC — whether formed in Texas or registered as a foreign LLC doing business in the state — to have a registered agent on file with the Texas Secretary of State. There is no exception to this requirement. If your registered agent resigns and you do not replace them promptly, the state can revoke your LLC's authority to do business. You must keep the registered agent information current at all times.
How much does a registered agent cost in Texas?
Appointing yourself as your own registered agent in Texas costs nothing in state fees. Hiring a commercial registered agent service typically costs between $49 and $300 per year depending on the provider and the level of service included. Most reputable services in the $49–$125 range cover a Texas street address, document scanning, forwarding, and compliance alerts. There is a $15 state filing fee when you change your registered agent by submitting a Statement of Change to the Secretary of State.
Can I be my own registered agent in Texas?
Yes, you can serve as your own registered agent in Texas as long as you meet the state's requirements. You must have a physical Texas street address — a home address is acceptable — and you must be personally available there during normal business hours every business day. The biggest drawback is that your address becomes part of the public record. If you work from home or travel frequently, a commercial service is a safer and more private option.
What does a registered agent do in Texas?
A registered agent in Texas accepts service of process — the formal delivery of lawsuits, court summons, and subpoenas — on your LLC's behalf. They also receive official correspondence from the Texas Secretary of State, such as notices about annual report requirements or administrative actions. When a document is received, the agent notifies you promptly so you can respond within legal deadlines. A missed lawsuit notice due to an absent or incorrect registered agent can result in a default judgment against your LLC.
How do I change my registered agent in Texas?
To change your registered agent in Texas, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent or Registered Office with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $15, and you can complete the process online at the Secretary of State's SOSDirect portal or by mailing the form to the SOS office in Austin. Your new agent must agree to the appointment before the change is submitted. The update takes effect once the Secretary of State processes the filing, and your new agent's address will replace the old one in the public record.