Can I Form an LLC Online in Texas?

Yes. Texas allows full online LLC formation through the Secretary of State's filing portal. File your Certificate of Formation with a $300 fee at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml. Standard processing takes 5–7 business days. Expedited options are available: 2–3 business days for $50, next-day for $500, or same-day for $750. No Texas residency required. Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 3.005, § 101.051.

What to File

Your Certificate of Formation must include:

LLC name with required designator (LLC, Limited Liability Company, or L.L.C.)
Registered agent name and physical Texas office address
Management structure (member-managed or manager-managed)
Names and addresses of initial managers or members
Organizer name and address

Before filing, search the Secretary of State's database to ensure your name is distinguishable from existing entities (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 5.053). Your name cannot contain restricted words like "Bank," "Trust," or "Insurance" (Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 5.054). You can reserve a name for 120 days for $40.

Processing Timeline & Fees

Standard: 5–7 business days | $300
Expedited: 2–3 business days | $350
Next-Day: 1 business day | $800
Same-Day: Same day | $1,050

Key Requirements

You don't need to be a Texas resident to form an LLC—any person with capacity to contract can serve as organizer. Texas permits single-member and multi-member LLCs and accepts foreign owners. You can select an effective date when filing.

If you operate under a name different from your LLC's legal name, file a DBA (Form 503) with the Secretary of State for $25.

Next Steps

Search your desired name at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml
File your Certificate of Formation online with required information
Pay the $300 filing fee
Receive approval within 5–7 business days
File a DBA if needed

Contact: Texas Secretary of State | (512) 463-5555 | https://www.sos.texas.gov

This is general information, not legal advice.