Change Texas registered agent

Last updated on November 28, 2022

You can change a registered agent by informing the Secretary of State by filing a 'Change of Registered Agent/Office' form. Learn how to do this step by step.

Who are they?

Agent for service of process

Also known as a registered agent, resident agent, statutory agent, etc in various states. These agents are physically located in the state where business entities operate. They receive important legal documents on behalf of the business entity.

Receive service of process

Their primary task is to receive tax forms, judicial notices, and other legal documents during business hours, 5 days a week.

For all business entities

Most business entities including LLCs, corporations, and partnerships require these agents in every state they operate in.

Not PO boxes

Agents must have a physical street address in the state. Not just PO boxes.

Details are public

The address and contact details of these agents are made public by the Secretary of State.

Actions

Step-by-step instructions

How to change a registered agent in Texas?

Check the steps below:

1. Find a new registered agent

Before you plan to change your existing registered agent, make sure to find an alternative registered agent in the state.

If you are physically located in the state, you can be a registered agent for your own LLC. But paying a service provider to become a registered agent will give you much-needed peace of mind.

You can also find a new registered agent through the state's business entity search tool.

2. Inform existing registered agent

You may inform your existing registered agent about your decision to replace them.

3. Get consent from the new registered agent

When you are changing registered agents, it is important to get written consent from the new agent using 'Form 401-A — Acceptance of Appointment and Consent to Serve as Registered Agent'. It does not have to be filed with the Secretary of State.

4. Inform the State

To change the registered agent for an LLC in Texas, file a 'Change of Registered Agent/Office' form online with the Secretary of State.

Filing fee

$15

Alternatively, you can also change the registered agent by filing LLC's annual report if you are within the filing period of the report.

Filing fees

$0

Registered agent

A registered agent is an agent of your LLC on whom any notice, process or demand may be served. Every LLC in Texas needs to have a registered agent located in the state.

Requirements

According to Texas Business Organisations Code § 5.200:

  • 1

    Registered agent can be an individual or an authorised organisation.

  • 2

    Registered agent must have a street address where they can personally receive service of process.

  • 3

    Office of Registered agent cannot be just a mailbox service of a telephone answering service.

  • 4

    Registered agent must give a documented consent to serve as your LLC's agent, but filing is not mandatory

    Form

Failure to maintain registered agent

If you fail to appoint or maintain a registered agent, it can lead to involuntary termination or revocation of registration to transact business in Texas

LLC Public Information Report

Every LLC has to file this report annually in Texas to stay compliant with the state laws.

Filing Public Information Report

Texas LLC is expected to file this report annually by May 15

  • File it online on Texas Comptroller website

    Visit

Online fee

$0

Frequently asked questions

Business guides in Texas

Registered agents are mandatory for almost all entities in Texas including LLCs and corporations. Learn more about how these businesses are conducted in Texas.

Texas LLC

Texas business search

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