‹ Texas Filing Guide

How to Change Your Registered Agent in Texas

The form, the fee, and how to file it.

Filing details

Form name
Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office (Form 401)
Filing fee
$15
Online filing
Yes
Processing time
3-5 business days; expedited next-business-day processing available for $25 extra
Secretary of State
Texas SOS ↗
Note: File online via SOSDirect, by mail, by fax, or in person. Mail filings require Form 401 submitted in duplicate; SOSDirect online filings do not require a duplicate copy. SOSDirect charges a $1 per-session login fee plus a 2.7% credit card surcharge on top of the $15 filing fee. Submit mail filings to Secretary of State, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697.
Open online filing portal ↗

How to change your registered agent in Texas

  1. Choose your new registered agent first. Do not file the change form until you have a new agent lined up. The new agent has to consent to the appointment, and most states will not process the change without that consent in hand. If you let coverage lapse, the Texas SOS can administratively dissolve your LLC.
  2. Get the Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Office (Form 401). Download the form ↗ You can file this online through the Texas Secretary of State portal. The form requires your LLC name, the new agent name and address, and a signature. The new agent must consent to the appointment.
  3. Pay the $15 filing fee. Pay by credit card during the online filing. A small processing surcharge usually applies. Mail filings accept check or money order made out to the Texas Secretary of State.
  4. Notify your old agent. Once the change is processed, your old agent's responsibility ends. If you are paying them an annual fee, cancel that subscription so it does not auto-renew. Most services prorate or refund the unused portion.
  5. Verify the change in state records. Search your LLC name on the Texas SOS business search and confirm the new registered agent is listed. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days; expedited next-business-day processing available for $25 extra, so check back after that window.

Important to know about Texas

  • Texas requires Form 401 submitted in duplicate if filing by mail. The duplicate requirement does not apply to online SOSDirect filings.
  • SOSDirect charges a $1 login fee per session plus a 2.7% credit card surcharge on top of the $15 filing fee.
  • The new registered agent must consent to the appointment (written or electronic) before you sign the form. Filing a false statement is a Class A misdemeanor under Texas Business Organizations Code section 4.008.

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Related guides

This page provides general information based on publicly available Texas Secretary of State requirements. It is not legal advice. Forms, fees, and procedures can change. Verify with the Texas SOS before filing.