Texas Registered Agent Requirements & Rules
What are the registered agent rules in Texas?
Under Tex. Bus. Org. Code § 5.201, every Texas business entity must appoint a registered agent with a physical street address in Texas. Your agent must be either a Texas resident individual or a domestic/foreign entity authorized to conduct business in Texas. The Secretary of State cannot serve as your registered agent. Written consent from the agent is required before appointment.
Who Can Serve as Your Registered Agent
Your registered agent must be:
- An individual: A Texas resident with a physical Texas address
- A domestic entity: A Texas corporation, LLC, partnership, or other business formed in Texas
- A foreign entity: A business incorporated outside Texas but authorized to transact business in Texas
Members, managers, or officers of your business may serve as registered agents. The Secretary of State is explicitly prohibited from serving in this capacity.
Physical Address Requirement
Your registered agent must maintain a physical street address in Texas—not a P.O. Box or mailbox service. This address is where the state delivers legal documents, lawsuits, and official notices. The address becomes part of your public filing with the Texas Secretary of State and must be a location where someone can receive documents during business hours.
Changing Your Registered Agent
To change your registered agent, file a Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $15.00. You must obtain written consent from the new agent before submitting the change.
The new agent must meet the same requirements: either a Texas resident individual or an entity authorized to conduct business in Texas.
How to File
Submit filings online at https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/sosda/index.shtml or mail to:
Texas Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697
Phone: (512) 463-5555
Changes typically process within 1-2 business days when filed online.
This is general information, not legal advice.