How to Change Your Registered Agent in Texas (Guide)

You might need to change your registered agent in Texas if your current agent is no longer reliable or if the costs are prohibitive. I can relate.

Whatever the reason, knowing the steps involved in changing your registered agent in TX is essential for this transition.

I’ll walk you through the process step-by-step so you can make the transition as smooth as possible.

Steps on How To Change Your TX Registered Agent

Step 1: Select a new Texas registered agent

The first step in changing your Texas registered agent is to select a new one. The new agent must be a Texas resident or a Texas-based entity authorized to do business in the state.

Choosing a reliable registered agent who can handle your legal documents and notifications promptly and efficiently is crucial. Before making your final decision, consider their experience, reputation, availability, and fees.

If you would hire a registered agent service, I’d highly recommend Northwest Registered Agent or Tailor Brands. Both are among the cheapest and most reliable LLC services I’ve used.

Step 2: Notify your former registered agent that you’re moving on

Once you have selected your new Texas registered agent, you must notify your former agent that you are moving on. You can do this by sending them a written notice or an email informing them of your decision and providing them with the contact information of your new agent.

Ensuring that your former agent receives and acknowledges the notice is essential to avoid potential legal or administrative issues.

You should also confirm that they will promptly forward any pending or future legal documents and notifications to your new agent.

Step 3: Complete and submit your Texas Change of Registered Agent to the Texas Secretary of State.

The final step in changing your Texas registered agent is to complete and submit your Texas Change of Registered Agent form to the Texas Secretary of State.

You can do this online, by mail, fax, or in person, using Form 401 – Change of Registered Agent/Office.

The form requires you to provide your entity name, file number, current registered agent information, new registered agent information, and your signature. You must also pay a filing fee of $15, which can be paid online or by mail.

Once the Texas Secretary of State processes your Change of Registered Agent form, they will update your entity’s records and notify your new agent of their appointment. Your new agent will receive and handle all your legal documents and notifications.

You will need to provide the following details on the form:

• Entity name
• Entity file number
• The name of the current registered agent
• The street address, city, and zip code of its current registered office
• The name of its successor registered agent
• The street address, city, and zip code to which its registered office is to be changed
• Statement of approval

Here’s what the Texas Statement of Change of Registered Office/Agent looks like:

Selecting a New Registered Agent

Here are some important considerations to keep in mind when selecting a new registered agent:

Professional Registered Agent vs. Self-Representation

When selecting a new registered agent, you have two options: hiring a professional registered agent or representing yourself. While representing yourself may seem cost-effective, it can be risky and time-consuming.

Hiring a professional registered agent can provide several benefits, including:

• Expertise: Professional registered agents have experience handling legal documents and can ensure they are correctly filed and managed.
• Convenience: A professional registered agent can receive legal documents on your behalf and notify you promptly, saving you time and hassle.
• Privacy: A professional registered agent can help maintain your privacy by keeping your personal information off public records.

Choosing Northwest Registered Agent as your preferred registered agent can be a convenient and efficient way to ensure your business remains in good standing.

Criteria for a Reliable Registered Agent

When selecting a new registered agent, it is crucial to consider the following criteria to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy:

• State Requirements: You must ensure the registered agent meets all the state requirements.
• Availability and responsiveness: A registered agent who is challenging to reach or slow to respond can cause delays in critical legal matters.
• Physical address: You should ensure the agent has a physical address in Texas where legal documents can be delivered.
• Reputation and experience: You should also consider the agent’s reputation and experience, as well as their level of customer service and responsiveness.
• Specialization: It may be helpful to choose an agent who specializes in serving businesses in your industry or has experience working with companies of your size and structure. This can help ensure that the agent deeply understands your unique needs and can provide tailored support and guidance.

By carefully considering these criteria, you can select a new registered agent that meets your needs and helps ensure your legal documents are correctly managed and filed.

Why You Should Use Northwest as Your Texas LLC Registered Agent?

When choosing a registered agent for your Texas LLC, selecting a reliable and experienced company is crucial. Northwest Registered Agent is that company.

Here are some reasons why you should consider using Northwest as your Texas LLC registered agent:

Texas Experts

Northwest has a team of Texas experts who are well-versed in all business filings and what the Texas Secretary of State requires. This knowledge ensures that your LLC stays compliant with all state requirements and that you receive the best possible service.

Instant Registered Agent Services

Northwest offers instant registered agent services for an annual price of $125. This means you can quickly and easily get your LLC up and running without delays. Plus, they file your Change of Registered Agent form and pay your filing fee in less than a business day.

Instant Texas Forms

Northwest provides instant Texas forms directly in your online account, making it easy to file in Texas. This saves you time and hassle and ensures that your LLC complies with all state requirements.

State Resources

Northwest also provides state resources in your registered agent service account, with self-filing instructions to help you. This ensures you have all the necessary information to comply with state requirements.

Annual Report Reminders

Northwest sends multiple annual report reminders, and you can also track your due dates in your online account. This ensures that you never miss a deadline and that your LLC complies with all state requirements.

Real-Time Scanning

Finally, Northwest locally scans the ‘service of process’ and all documents for you in real time for no added cost. This ensures you receive all essential legal correspondence as soon as possible and can view it anytime, anywhere.

What the State of Texas Says about Changing a Registered Agent

If you need to change your registered agent in Texas, you must follow specific guidelines set by the state.

According to Section 5.201 (b) of the Texas Business Organizations Code, any registered agent designated on or after January 1, 2010, must have consented to serve in that capacity in a written or electronic form.

Before appointing a new registered agent, you must obtain their written or electronic consent.

According to the Texas Secretary of State’s website, you must file a Change of Registered Agent Form (Form 401) with the Texas Secretary of State to change your registered agent in Texas.

This form can be filled out online or downloaded and mailed. You must include the new registered agent’s name and address and their written or electronic consent to serve as your registered agent.

If you designate a person as your registered agent who did not consent in writing or electronically, they may file a rejection of appointment with the Texas Secretary of State.

This will terminate the appointment of the registered agent and the registered office.

If your registered agent’s address changes, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Agent (Form 401) with the Texas Secretary of State. This form must include the old and new addresses of the registered agent’s office.

Once the appropriate form has been completed and signed, it should be sent to the Texas Secretary of State:

Texas Secretary of State
Mailing: Corporations Section, PO BOX 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697
Physical: James Earl Rudder Office Building, 1019 Brazos, Austin, TX 78701

Final Thoughts

Changing your registered agent in Texas is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps.

Here are the steps to change your registered agent in Texas:

• Step 1: Select a new Delaware registered agent.
• Step 2: Notify your former registered agent that you’re switching.
• Step 3: Complete and submit your Texas Change of Registered Agent to the Texas Secretary of State.

By following the guidelines provided by the Texas Secretary of State, you can ensure that your company remains in good standing and that you continue to receive important legal and tax documents.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Change Your Registered Agent in Texas

What is the process for changing a registered agent in Texas?

To change your registered agent in Texas, you must file a Change of Registered Agent form with the Texas Secretary of State. You can submit the form online or by mail. Once the form is processed and approved, your new registered agent will be appointed.

What are the associated costs with appointing a new registered agent in Texas?

The filing fee for changing your registered agent in Texas is currently $15, but it costs $5 for non-profits. Additionally, you may need to pay a fee to your new registered agent for their services.

Where can I find the official Texas Form 401 for changing a registered agent?

You can download Texas Form 401 from the Texas Secretary of State website to change your registered agent. The form can be submitted online or by mail.

How long does it take the state to process and complete the change of registered agent in Texas?

The processing time for changing your registered agent in Texas can vary. Still, the Texas Secretary of State typically takes 3-5 business days to process the form and complete the change. Texas offers expedited processing for an additional fee of $25 per document, accompanied by a cover letter explicitly requesting expedited processing and a daytime phone number. Your filing will be processed by the close of business the following day.

Can I serve as my registered agent in the state of Texas?

Yes, you can serve as your registered agent in Texas as long as you have a physical address in Texas where you can be served with legal documents during business hours.

How much is a registered agent fee in Texas?

The fee for a registered agent in Texas varies depending on your chosen company. Research different companies and compare their costs and services before deciding.

Who can be a Texas Registered Agent?

A Texas registered agent must be an individual or entity authorized to do business in Texas and have a physical address. The registered agent must also be available during regular business hours to receive legal documents on behalf of the company.

What forms are required to update a registered agent’s address in Texas?

To update a registered agent’s address in Texas, you must file a Statement of Change of Registered Office or Registered Agent form with the Texas Secretary of State. The form can be submitted online or by mail.

How do I contact the Texas Secretary of State?

The Texas Secretary of State, Division of Corporations, can be reached by phone at (512) 463-5555, email by SOSDirect, or by visiting sos.state.tx.us for more information and resources.