Are you unsatisfied with your Texas registered agent? Or perhaps you’re currently serving as your own registered agent, but would rather hire a professional registered agent service instead?
The state of Texas makes it rather easy to change your registered agent, but there are some details involved in the process that are worth reviewing.
In this guide, we’ll discuss all the relevant details of changing a registered agent in Texas.
Rocket Tip: If you would prefer to have a professional service deal with the paperwork and take over registered agent duties, hire a Texas registered agent service. It’s just a small annual fee.
What Is a Texas Registered Agent?
Why is a registered agent required for every limited liability company (LLC) or corporation? It all comes down to the fact that the state needs to be able to contact an official representative of your business if they need to deliver important documents to you, especially service of process.
Without a registered agent, you could remain unaware of a lawsuit against your business progressing through the court system.
Who Can Be a Texas Registered Agent?
If you’re looking to change your company’s registered agent, it’s a good idea to know who is eligible to serve as one.
Texas registered agents may be either an individual who is a resident of the state or a business entity that is authorized to do business in the state.
In both cases, the registered agent is required to have a physical street address at which documents may be received in-person if necessary. It must also be an address at which the registered agent is present during standard business hours.
While a Texas entity is never permitted to serve as its own registered agent, it is possible for an individual affiliated with the company (such as an owner or employee) to serve as the registered agent if he/she is a Texas resident with a physical street address.
How to Change Your Registered Agent in Texas
If you would like to change your registered agent for any reason, the process is simple.
The best way to change your registered agent in Texas is to fill out the Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office (form 401). The document may be completed either as a PDF file here and then mailed to the Texas Secretary of State. Alternatively, it may be completed online through the Secretary of State’s e-filing system SOSDirect. The form will require the following information:
- The name of the business entity
- The file number
- The name of the current registered agent
- The current registered office
- The new registered agent’s name and details
- The signature of an authorized person
Though it is not required, it’s recommended that business entities request their new agent sign a Consent of Registered Agent to Appointment (form 401-A). Although the document is optional and does not need to be filed with the Texas Secretary of State, it’s advisable that the business entity keep one for their own files.
It should also be noted that while it is possible to change your registered agent by submitting a Certificate of Amendment, doing so requires the payment of a $150 processing fee—making the Change of Registered Agent and/or Registered Office form the highly preferred method.
Change of Registered Agent Fee: $15
Should You Hire a Professional Texas Registered Agent Service?
Hiring a registered agent service like Northwest Registered Agent has some distinct advantages. First and foremost, compared to serving as your own agent, professional registered agent services allow you to keep your personal address private. They’re also much less expensive than hiring a lawyer or accountant to provide registered agent service.
An often-overlooked benefit is how easy it is to expand your Texas business into other states if you choose a professional registered agent. They typically have offices in all 50 states, so if you begin transacting business in an additional state, your same registered agent service can handle that for you.
If you’re interested in hiring a professional registered agent service, take a look at our guide to the top service providers.
Conclusion
The process for changing a registered agent in Texas isn’t a complicated one, but it’s certainly advisable to know exactly what you want to do ahead of time. If you know what you want going in, you’ll find that the process is really quite painless.
We hope this article answered your questions about changing your Texas registered agent!