Formation Requirements

Registered Agent Requirements in Texas: 2026 Filing Fees and Statute

Updated 2026-04-30 · Verified against Texas Secretary of State

What is a Registered Agent in Texas?

Every Texas LLC and corporation must continuously maintain a registered agent under Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code §5.201. The agent’s address must be a physical street location inside Texas, staffed during normal business hours. The name and address are entered on the public record maintained by the Texas Secretary of State. The agent’s name and street address are filed with the Texas Secretary of State and become part of the public business record.

The registered agent is one component of a broader Texas compliance schedule that also includes the $300 Articles of Organization filing, an annual report of $0 annually by May 15 (Franchise Tax Public Information Report to Comptroller), and a $15 fee whenever the agent of record changes. Texas does not require a Secretary of State annual report; instead, LLCs file a Franchise Tax Public Information Report with the Comptroller, with no tax due under the $2.47M revenue threshold.

Best Registered Agent Services for Texas (2026)

#ServicePrice/yrBest for
1Northwest Registered Agent$125privacy-focused customers
2ZenBusiness$199new businesses bundling formation
3LegalZoom$249customers wanting brand-name support
4Mainstay Filing$99balanced value

Texas-specific option: Texas Registered Agent.ai operates exclusively in Texas and specializes in same-state filings. Best for businesses that want a state-focused provider with local-only operations.

Texas Registered Agent Requirements

Physical address requiredYes — must be a street address in Texas
P.O. box allowedNo
Business hours availabilityRequired during normal business hours
Resident requirementMust be a Texas resident OR a business entity authorized to do business in Texas
Listed in public recordYes — name and address are publicly searchable via Texas Secretary of State
Statute referenceTex. Bus. Orgs. Code §5.201

How to Choose a Registered Agent in Texas: Step-by-Step

  1. Decide between self, friend, or commercial service. Self-serving is free but places your home address in the public record. Commercial services maintain privacy.
  2. Verify the agent's Texas address is a physical street address. The Texas Secretary of State rejects filings that list a P.O. box.
  3. Confirm the agent will be available during business hours. Service of process delivery failure can result in default judgment.
  4. Compare commercial pricing. Typical Texas commercial registered agent services cost $50–$150 per year.
  5. File the designation with Texas Secretary of State. Submit via https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_option.shtml or by mail.
  6. Pay the filing fee. Texas charges $300 for online filings.
  7. Set a reminder for annual maintenance. Texas requires an annual report at $0, annually by May 15 (Franchise Tax Public Information Report to Comptroller).

Texas Filing Fees Summary

Filing TypeFeeRenewalRenewal Fee
LLC formation (Articles of Organization)$300annually by May 15 (Franchise Tax Public Information Report to Comptroller)$0
DBA / Fictitious Name$25Every 10 years$25
Registered Agent change$15
Annual Report$0annually by May 15 (Franchise Tax Public Information Report to Comptroller)$0

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be my own registered agent in Texas?

Yes — if you are a Texas resident with a physical street address and are available during business hours.

Do I need a registered agent if I form an LLC in Texas but live elsewhere?

Yes. Texas law requires every LLC to maintain a Texas-based registered agent regardless of where the owner lives.

What happens if I don't have a registered agent in Texas?

The Texas Secretary of State can administratively dissolve your business after approximately 60 days of non-compliance.

Can I change my registered agent in Texas later?

Yes — file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent with the Texas Secretary of State for $15.

How much does a Texas registered agent cost?

$50–$150 per year for commercial services; free if you self-serve.

Is my registered agent's address public in Texas?

Yes. The agent's name and address are searchable via the Texas Secretary of State business records.

How fast can I get a registered agent in Texas?

Same-day with most commercial services; same-business-day filing if submitted online before the daily cutoff.

This page provides general information about Texas registered agent requirements, not legal advice. Filing fees and procedures may change; verify current details with the Texas Secretary of State before filing. We may receive compensation from services listed in our comparisons; this does not influence our editorial selections.