How to Change Registered Agent in Texas – A Complete Guide


Steve Goldstein
Steve Goldstein
Business Formation Expert
Steve Goldstein runs LLCBuddy, helping entrepreneurs set up their LLCs easily. He offers clear guides, articles, and FAQs to simplify the process. His team keeps everything accurate and current, focusing on state rules, registered agents, and compliance. Steve’s passion for helping businesses grow makes LLCBuddy a go-to resource for starting and managing an LLC.

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Change registered agent in Texas

Change Registered Agent in Texas: A registered agent in Texas is a point of contact between your LLC and the state. You must appoint a Registered Agent when you form an LLC in Texas. At any point in time, you might need to replace/change your Registered Agent in Texas. When it comes to changing the registered agent in Texas, it is a straightforward method. To change your Registered Agent in Texas, one has to submit the statement of change of the Registered Agent. It can be filed online or by mail.

In this article, you will learn how to change registered agent in Texas. Also, you will get to learn when and why you have to change your Registered Agent, appointed for your Texas LLC.

What is Registered Agent in Texas

The Texas Registered Agent, appointed by the limited liability company, is a person who receives all the legal documents on your company’s behalf. To become a registered agent in Texas, one must meet the following requirements,

  1. The person must be or above 18 years old
  2. The person has to be a permanent resident of Texas
  3. The person should have a legal permit to conduct business in Texas
  4. The person must be available during business hours at the designated office address in Texas

You can also be your own registered agent in Texas. However, it is not wise to be your own agent as it can divert your attention from the core of your business.

How to Change a Registered Agent in Texas

To change the Registered Agent in Texas, one has to file the statement of change of the registered agent. You must pay the filing fee of $15 to complete your application. To file for the Statement of Change of Registered Agent and Registered Office Address with the Texas Secretary of State, you can opt for any of the following methods:

Online Filing

To file the statement of change of registered agent in Texas online, you must search for the appropriate online form. You can file your change of Registered Agent statement online if the online form is available through the Secretary of State. Follow the below-given instructions:

  • Visit the Texas Secretary of State’s official website
  • Log in to the portal using your credentials.
  • You will find the ‘Update’ option in your dashboard if the online update option is available.
  • Click on the ‘update’ option to find the ‘registration’ option.
  • You will get an online form (or in PDF format)
  • Fill out the form (or download it on your PC, then fill it out) with the old and new registered agent’s details.
  • Submit (or upload) the completed form to the portal.
  • In the next section, you will get payment details (if applicable) and pay the fees using a credit card.

Your online updation is done! It takes some time to update the details on the portal. Once it is updated, your new registered agent can start conducting business on your behalf.

Filing Through Mail or In-person

If you want to file the statement of change of registered agent via mail or in person (if available), then you should follow the rules. For in-person or mail filings, you need to download the Texas Statement of Change of Registered Agent (PDF) from the official website of the Texas Secretary of State. Complete the form by filling in all the information about the LLC and both (new and existing) registered agents. The form has to be signed by the new registered agent. This will provide the consent of the new agent. Once completed, submit it to the below-mentioned address:

Important LinksSubmit Offline Form
Change of Registered Agent – Online
Texas Statement of Change of Registered Agent – PDF
Texas Registered Agent – Requirement		Secretary of State, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697

Fee: The filing fee charged for changing the Texas registered agent is $15. This fee will be paid to the Texas Secretary of State by check or credit card.

If you hire a Registered Agent service, filing the Statement of Change would be much easier. Also, the registered agent will help you with the consent letter the new registered agent has to sign. LLCBuddy editorial team suggests a list of the best LLC services that offer registered agent services. Some of them offer standalone registered agent services.

Recommended: You can get the best registered agent service at a reasonable price with online LLC service providers. We recommend using –

#1 TOP PICK

 LegalZoom Registered Agent – $299 Per Year

Registered Agent Consent Letter in Texas

The registered Agent’s Consent letter is a document that a new registered agent must submit along with the formation document. It is a statement that the agent submits upon agreeing to work with the LLC. When you change the Registered Agent, you must also submit the consent letter signed by the new agent. In many states, submitting the Change of Registered Agent form does the job; sending any additional consent document to the SOS is unnecessary. However, there are many states where you must submit the consent letter separately and pay a certain fee (if applicable). This consent must include the following details-

  • LLC name
  • A letter that says the person gives consent to serve the LLC as a registered agent
  • The execution date
  • Name of the registered agent
  • Signature of the registered agent

In Texas, there is a separate document called Form – 401 A that must be sent to the SOS. You must get the Form – 401 A, fill it out, and submit it to the SOS. The agent must sign the form or self-attest. It is proof that the new Registered Agent has given the nod to provide their services to the LLC. An additional filing fee (or expedited fee) might be charged. Check Texas Secretary of State for fee details.

Why Do You Need to Change a Registered Agent in Texas

There can be several reasons why LLCs want to change their registered agent in Texas. Some of the main and most important reasons are listed below,

Be Your Own Registered Agent

A very common reason is that if anyone wants to be his/her own registered agent. Any LLC owner can be the registered agent himself/herself as per the Texas Secretary of State. So, you may want to change the registered agent and become one yourself for your LLC. In that case, you must submit the change form with your details.

Want to Hire a Professional Registered Agent

You may have designated yourself or someone from the family as the registered agent for your LLC in the initial phase. But with expansion in business, your roles and responsibilities also expand. You may not be present at the office during working hours. And a registered agent is required to be available in the office. So, you must hire a registered agent who could replace you.

Existing Registered Agent Resigns

If your current registered agent resigns or your service provider is out of business, you can change your Registered Agent in Texas. You must change the registered agent if the existing one resigns or is out of service.

Forming foreign LLC

This is to be noted that a person is eligible to be a Texas Registered Agent only if they are the Texas resident. So, if you are forming a foreign LLC in Texas, you might need to change your registered agent because not all registered agents are eligible to work in different states. 

FAQs

What is a registered agent in Texas?
A registered agent in Texas is a person or company designated to receive legal and administrative documents on behalf of a business entity.
Why would I want to change my registered agent in Texas?
You may want to change your registered agent in Texas if your current agent is not meeting your expectations, if you need a Texas-based agent due to legal requirements, or if you want to consolidate your vendor relationships.
How do I know if I need a Texas-based registered agent?
Texas law requires that all corporations, LLCs, and partnerships operating in the state have a Texas-based registered agent. If your business is operating in Texas, you will need a registered agent based in the state.
What are the legal requirements to change registered agent in Texas?
The legal requirements for changing a registered agent in Texas include filing a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent with the Texas Secretary of State and notifying your current and future registered agents of the change.
Can I change my registered agent in Texas myself?
Yes, you can change your registered agent in Texas yourself by submitting a Certificate of Change of Registered Agent with the Texas Secretary of State.
Can I change my Texas registered agent to a person outside of Texas?
No, Texas law requires that registered agents be based in the state.
How long does it take to change a Texas registered agent?
The timing for changing a Texas registered agent can vary depending on processing times for filings and notification of the change to the current and future registered agents.
Is there a fee to change my Texas registered agent?
Yes, there is a fee for changing a Texas registered agent, which is currently $15.
Can I change my Texas registered agent online?
Yes, you can change your Texas registered agent online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
What happens if I don’t have a registered agent in Texas?
If you don’t have a registered agent in Texas, you could risk falling out of compliance with state law and miss important legal or administrative notifications.
Can I change my Texas registered agent if I’m in the middle of a lawsuit?
Yes, you can still change your Texas registered agent even if you’re in the middle of a lawsuit.
How can I find a new Texas registered agent?
You can find a new registered agent in Texas through online business directory listings, attorney referrals, or professional registered agent service providers.
Do I need to notify Texas state agencies if I change my registered agent?
You may need to notify Texas state agencies of your registered agent change, depending on the requirements for the particular agency.
What if I still receive mail for my business at my old registered agent in Texas?
You should contact your old Texas registered agent to request that any mail received for your business be forwarded to your new registered agent.
Can I change my Texas registered agent if my business is not in good standing with the state?
You may need to first address any issues with your business’s compliance and standing before changing your Texas registered agent.
What if my Texas registered agent is no longer in business?
If your Texas registered agent is no longer in business, you will need to find a new registered agent and follow the legal requirements for changing agents.
How often can I change my registered agent in Texas?
There are no restrictions on how often you can change your registered agent in Texas.
What if I want to change my Texas registered agent, but I don’t have a new agent lined up yet?
It’s important to have a new Texas registered agent lined up with a verified address before filing your Certificate of Change of Registered Agent and notifying your current agent of the change.
Can I act as my own registered agent in Texas?
Yes, you can act as your own registered agent in Texas if you have a Texas-based address and are available during normal business hours to receive legal and administrative documents.
Will changing my Texas registered agent affect my business’s contracts and agreements?
Changing your Texas registered agent should not affect existing contracts or agreements for your business.
Is there a specific form I need to use to change my Texas registered agent?
Yes, you will need to use the Certificate of Change of Registered Agent form provided by the Texas Secretary of State.
Can I change my Texas registered agent by mail?
Yes, you can change your Texas registered agent by mail by submitting a completed Certificate of Change of Registered Agent form with the appropriate fee to the Texas Secretary of State.
Will I receive a confirmation that my Texas registered agent has been changed?
Yes, you will receive a confirmation from the Texas Secretary of State once your Certificate of Change of Registered Agent has been processed.
What is the role of a professional registered agent service in Texas?
A professional registered agent service in Texas provides businesses with a reliable, third-party registered agent that can help with compliance, notifications, and administrative tasks.
Can I choose anyone as my Texas registered agent?
No, registered agents in Texas must meet certain legal requirements and must be willing and available to receive legal and administrative documents on behalf of the business.
How do I transfer my Texas registered agent to a new service provider?
You will need to follow the legal requirements for changing a registered agent in Texas and ensure that your new service provider is prepared to accept the transfer of documents and communication from your old agent.
What are the risks of not changing my Texas registered agent when needed?
The risks of not changing your Texas registered agent when needed include not receiving important legal or administrative notifications and falling out of compliance with state law.
Do I need to provide a physical address for my Texas registered agent?
Yes, you will need to provide a physical address for your Texas registered agent. A P.O. box is not sufficient.
Can I change my Texas registered agent to a family member or friend?
Yes, you can change your Texas registered agent to a family member or friend if they meet the legal requirements for serving as a registered agent and are willing to communicate any legal or administrative notifications to you in a timely manner.
How do I change the registered agent in Texas?
To change the registered agent in Texas, a business must file a completed Certificate of Designation of Registered Agent/Texas Registered Office form with the Texas Secretary of State.
Where can I find the Certificate of Designation of Registered Agent/Texas Registered Office form in Texas?
The Certificate of Designation of Registered Agent/Texas Registered Office form can be downloaded from the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
What is the fee for changing the registered agent in Texas?
There is a $15 fee required to change the registered agent in Texas.
What information is required on the Certificate of Designation of Registered Agent/Texas Registered Office form in Texas?
The Certificate of Designation of Registered Agent/Texas Registered Office form requires the name and address of the new registered agent, as well as the signature of an officer or authorized member of the business.
How long does the process of changing the registered agent in Texas take?
The process of changing the registered agent in Texas usually takes about 5-7 business days.
Can anyone be a registered agent in Texas?
No, only certain individuals and entities can be registered agents in Texas, including individuals who are residents of Texas or business entities authorized to transact business in the state.
What are the responsibilities of a registered agent in Texas?
The responsibilities of a registered agent in Texas include receiving legal and other important documents on behalf of a business, forwarding such documents to the appropriate party, and ensuring that the business complies with all Texas rules and regulations regarding registered agents.
Can a business serve as its own registered agent in Texas?
Yes, a business can serve as its own registered agent in Texas, so long as it has a physical address in the state and is available to receive legal and other important documents during usual business hours.
Can I change my registered agent in Texas online?
Yes, businesses can now change their registered agent in Texas online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
What happens if I don’t change my registered agent in Texas?
If a business fails to change its registered agent in Texas in a timely manner, it may face legal and financial consequences, as it may miss important deadlines for responding to legal documents and may incur penalties for non-compliance.
Do I need to notify my current registered agent in Texas when I change to a new one?
Yes, businesses should notify their current registered agent in Texas when they change to a new one.
Can I change my registered agent address in Texas?
Yes, businesses can change their registered agent address in Texas by filing a Certificate of Designation of Registered Agent/Texas Registered Office form with the Texas Secretary of State.
Is there a deadline for changing the registered agent in Texas?
There is no deadline for changing the registered agent in Texas, but businesses should make the change as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines for responding to legal documents.
Can I change my registered agent for just one business entity in Texas?
Yes, businesses can change their registered agent for just one business entity in Texas.
Can I change my registered agent for multiple business entities in Texas at once?
Yes, businesses can change their registered agent for multiple business entities in Texas at once by filing separate Certificate of Designation of Registered Agent/Texas Registered Office forms for each entity.
What happens if I change my registered agent in Texas mid-year?
If a business changes its registered agent in Texas mid-year, it should notify its new registered agent of any pending legal actions, and ensure that the new registered agent accepts service of process on all such actions.
Who can I contact for help with changing the registered agent in Texas?
Businesses can contact the Texas Secretary of State’s Business and Convention Division for help with changing the registered agent in Texas.
Can a non-resident serve as a registered agent in Texas?
Yes, a non-resident can serve as a registered agent in Texas, but they must have a physical address in the state and be available to accept documents during usual business hours.
Can a business use a PO box for its registered agent address in Texas?
No, a business cannot use a PO box for its registered agent address in Texas, as the registered agent must have a physical street address in the state.
Does changing the registered agent in Texas affect my business’s standing with the state?
No, changing the registered agent in Texas does not affect a business’s standing with the state.
Can my registered agent in Texas also serve as my attorney or accountant?
Yes, a registered agent in Texas can also serve as a business’s attorney or accountant.
What qualifications must a Texas registered agent meet?
Texas registered agents must be residents of Texas or entities authorized to transact business in the state, and must have a physical street address in the state.
Can a business have more than one registered agent in Texas?
No, a business can only have one registered agent in Texas at a time.
Can I change my registered agent in Texas if my business is currently inactive?
Yes, businesses can change their registered agent in Texas even if they are currently inactive.
Can an entity other than an individual or corporation be a registered agent in Texas?
Yes, an entity other than an individual or corporation can be a registered agent in Texas, provided that it is authorized to transact business in the state and has a physical address in the state.
Is there a penalty for changing the registered agent in Texas?
No, there is no penalty for changing the registered agent in Texas.

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In Conclusion

During your business, you may arrive at a point where you need to change the registered agent. The need may arise when the existing agent wants to quit, or you are terminating the existing agent or expanding your business. Changing the Texas registered agent can be necessary in various situations. It is quite simple as it can be done online and through mail filing. This article has it all. If you have any queries about changing a registered agent, you can drop a comment below in the box.

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