Does Texas Require LLC Members to Be Listed Publicly?
No. Texas does not require LLC members to be listed publicly. Under Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 101.051, the Certificate of Formation must include the names and addresses of initial managers or members only if your LLC is manager-managed. For member-managed LLCs, member names are not required on the filing and remain private.
What Gets Filed
Your Certificate of Formation is a public record filed with the Texas Secretary of State. It must contain:
- Entity name with "LLC" designator
- Registered agent name and Texas office address
- Management structure designation (member-managed or manager-managed)
- Names and addresses of initial managers or members (depending on structure)
- Organizer name and address
The key distinction: If your LLC is manager-managed, only manager names appear publicly. If member-managed, you can omit member names entirely from the filing.
Privacy Strategy
To keep member identities private, designate your LLC as member-managed under Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 101.051. This structure allows you to file without disclosing member names. Alternatively, use a manager-managed structure and appoint managers (who may be entities rather than individuals) to shield member privacy.
You can also use a registered agent service with a business address instead of your personal address to further limit public exposure.
Important Limitations
Texas does not offer anonymous LLCs. Some identifying information must appear in formation documents. Additionally, privacy protections do not shield you from legal discovery during litigation—courts can compel disclosure of member information through subpoenas and discovery requests.
Maintain separate business records. Commingling personal and business finances can pierce the LLC veil regardless of filing privacy protections.
Filing Requirements
File your Certificate of Formation online with the Texas Secretary of State ($300 filing fee; 5–7 business days standard processing). Once filed, your document becomes a public record accessible through the Secretary of State's office.
Next Steps
- Choose your management structure based on privacy needs
- File your Certificate of Formation online
- Maintain separate business records and accounting
- Consult a Texas business attorney for complex privacy scenarios
This is general information, not legal advice.