Texas Registered Agent: LLC Guide
What is a Texas Registered Agent?
A Texas Registered Agent is an individual or business that consents to receive legal correspondence and official notices on behalf of your Texas LLC.
The Texas Secretary of State might also use your Registered Agent's address as the main contact for sending official notices to your LLC.
A Registered Agent might also be called a Texas Agent for Service of Process. They refer to the same role.
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Why Do You Need a Registered Agent in Texas?
You need a Registered Agent in Texas because it's required by law. Every LLC in Texas must have one to operate legally.
Registered Agents provide support to the legal and court processes. They oversee the accurate delivery and tracking of court papers and legal mail.
What Does a Registered Agent Do?
A Registered Agent gets important documents for you and then passes them on to you.
What Are the Legal Requirements for a Registered Agent?
In Texas, Registered Agents must:
- Have a physical address in Texas (not a PO box)
- Keep regular business hours
- Accept legal documents and Service of Process for businesses
- Quickly forward those documents to the businesses
Who can be my Registered Agent in Texas?
You have three options for choosing your Texas Registered Agent:
- You
- A friend or family member.
- A Registered Agent Service in Texas
Opting to be your Registered Agent might save you money, but it does come with some risks.
Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Texas?
You have three choices for your LLC's Registered Agent in Texas:
- You can be the Registered Agent yourself.
- A friend or family member can be the Registered Agent.
- You can hire a Texas Registered Agent Service.
Being your own Texas Registered Agent
You can be your own Registered Agent if you:
- Have a real street address in Texas
- Are available during business hours
Pros: It will save you money.
Cons: Your name and address will be public. There are also some risks involved.
Asking a Friend or Family Member to be Your LLC's Registered Agent
You can ask a friend or family member to be your Registered Agent in Texas.
They need to:
- Have a street address in Texas
- Be available during business hours
Make sure they agree and understand their duties. Their information will be public.
Pros: It saves money.
Cons: Their address will be public, and they might not be as reliable as a professional service.
Hiring a Texas Registered Agent Service
A Registered Agent Service handles your LLC's legal mail.
Itâs a good choice if:
- You want to keep your address private
- You don't have an address in Texas
- You're not available during business hours
- You don't want to handle the paperwork
- You need help with setting up your LLC
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How Much Does a Registered Agent Service Cost?
In Texas, Registered Agent Services typically cost between $100 and $300 per year.
Texas Registered Agent FAQs
Can I be my own Registered Agent in Texas?
Yes, you can be your LLCâs Registered Agent. Texas law allows any consenting adult who is a Texas resident to be your LLCâs Registered Agent. That includes you, a friend, or a family member.
Just know that anyone serving as your Registered Agent will have their address made a public record as your Registered Office address.
If you arenât comfortable with your address being on public record, you can hire Northwest Registered Agent as your Registered Agent Service. Theyâll let you use their own business address for their Texas office throughout your formation documents so your information remains private while still meeting all Texas legal requirements.
How much does a Registered Agent in Texas cost?
Most Texas Registered Agent Services cost between $100 and $300 per year.
If youâre looking to save money and have an address in the state where you can be available during regular business hours, you can be your LLCâs Registered Agent. (This can be a home address or a business address).
If you donât have an address in the state or donât want your address to be on public records, we recommend hiring a Northwest Registered Agent as your Registered Agent Service.
They have exceptional customer service and will let you use their address to keep yours off of public records.
To see how Northwest compares against the other top Registered Agent Services, check out Best Registered Agent Services in Texas.
Can I change my Registered Agent later?
Yes, you can change Texas Registered Agents at any time (and as many times as you need).
All you need to do is:
- File Form 401 with the Texas Secretary of State
- Update your Registered Agent via your SOSDirect online account
The fee to change/update a Registered Agent in Texas is $15.
How do I register as a Registered Agent in Texas?
You donât need to register with the state to be a Texas Registered Agent for an LLC.
All you need to do is list yourself in the Certificate of Formation and keep a completed copy of Form 401-A with the LLCâs business records.
Can a family member be a Registered Agent in Texas?
Yes, a family member can be your Registered Agent in Texas, if they meet the legal requirements.
To be your Registered Agent, your family member must have a physical address in Texas (PO Boxes arenât allowed). They must also be available at that address during normal business hours.
Can my LLC be its own Registered Agent?
No, your LLC canât serve as a Registered Agent for itself.
While a Texas LLC can appoint another company (which can be another LLC, a Corporation, or any entity), the LLC canât serve as its own agent.
Although there are a few states that allow this, Texas doesnât allow LLCs to be their own Texas Registered Agents.
How do I get an LLC in Texas?
You can learn how to get a Texas LLC yourself by following the instructions in our Texas LLC Certificate of Formation guide. We break down the entire process for you, step-by-step.