How to Change Your Registered Agent in Texas
Table of Contents
Introduction
Whether you're unhappy with your current registered agent service, moving to a new provider, or simply want more personalized support, changing your registered agent in Texas is a straightforward process.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every step of changing your registered agent, from choosing a new service to filing the required paperwork with the Texas Secretary of State.
Why Change Your Registered Agent?
There are several reasons you might want to switch registered agents:
Slow Document Forwarding
If your current registered agent takes days or weeks to forward legal documents, you're at risk of missing critical deadlines. Same-day notification should be the standard.
Poor Customer Service
If you can't reach a real person when you have questions, or you're dealing with call centers and scripts, it's time for a change.
No Compliance Reminders
A good registered agent sends reminders for annual filings, franchise tax deadlines, and other compliance requirements. If yours doesn't, you could miss important deadlines.
High Fees or Hidden Costs
Some registered agent services charge extra for basic services like document forwarding, compliance reminders, or additional entities. Transparent pricing is essential.
Privacy Concerns
If your current registered agent isn't properly protecting your privacy—or worse, if you're serving as your own agent and your home address is on public records—it's time to switch.
Texas Registered Agent Change Process
Changing your registered agent in Texas involves filing a Statement of Change of Registered Office/Agent with the Texas Secretary of State. Here's the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Choose Your New Registered Agent
Select a professional registered agent service that meets your needs. Look for:
- Same-day document notification
- Compliance reminders
- Secure document handling
- Personal service from real people
- Transparent pricing
Our Texas Registered Agent Services provide all of this for $149 per year.
Step 2: Consent to Appointment
Your new registered agent must consent to the appointment. When you sign up with our service, we provide consent automatically as part of the process.
Step 3: File the Statement of Change
File Form 401 (Statement of Change of Registered Office/Agent) with the Texas Secretary of State. This form includes:
- Your business entity name
- Your Secretary of State filing number
- The name and address of your new registered agent
- The consent of your new registered agent
You can file this form online through the Texas Secretary of State's SOSDirect system or by mail.
Step 4: Update Your Internal Records
Once the change is filed, update your internal records, operating agreement, and any other documents that reference your registered agent.
Step 5: Notify Your Old Registered Agent
Let your previous registered agent know that you've switched. This isn't legally required, but it's good practice to avoid confusion.
How Long Does It Take?
The Statement of Change is typically processed by the Texas Secretary of State within 1–3 business days when filed online. Once processed, your new registered agent is officially on record.
During the transition period, your old registered agent is still responsible for receiving documents. Once the change is processed, all new documents will go to your new registered agent.
How Much Does It Cost?
The filing fee for the Statement of Change is $15 when filed with the Texas Secretary of State.
Your new registered agent service will charge their annual fee. Our service is $149 per year, which includes:
- Same-day document notifications
- Compliance reminders for annual filings
- Secure document handling and storage
- Personalized support from real people
What Information Do You Need to File?
To file the Statement of Change, you'll need:
- Entity name: The exact legal name of your LLC or corporation
- Filing number: Your Texas Secretary of State filing number (found on your Certificate of Formation)
- New registered agent name: The name of your new registered agent or entity
- New registered office address: The physical street address of your new registered agent in Texas
- Consent: Written consent from your new registered agent (we provide this)
Can You Change Registered Agents Anytime?
Yes, you can change your registered agent at any time. There's no waiting period or restriction on how often you can switch. However, your business must always have a registered agent on file—there should never be a gap.
Important: Never cancel your old registered agent until your new one is officially on file with the state. A gap in registered agent coverage can result in missed legal documents and compliance violations.
We Can Help You Switch
At Texas Boutique Registered Agent, we make switching easy. Here's how our process works:
- Sign up for our service — Complete our online registration.
- We prepare the Statement of Change — We'll fill out Form 401 with your information and our details.
- You review and approve — We'll send you the completed form for your review.
- We file the form — We submit the Statement of Change to the Texas Secretary of State.
- We start receiving documents — Once processed, we immediately begin handling your legal correspondence.
The entire process typically takes 2–3 business days.
What to Do After Changing Your Registered Agent
Once your new registered agent is on file, take these steps:
- Update your operating agreement: If it references your old registered agent, update it.
- Update your business records: Change the registered agent information in your internal files.
- Update your bank: Some banks require updated registered agent information.
- Notify relevant parties: Let your attorney, accountant, and other key contacts know about the change.
- Set up compliance reminders: Your new registered agent should handle this—make sure they do.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing Without Consent
Your new registered agent must consent to the appointment. If you file without consent, the Secretary of State may reject your filing.
Using a PO Box
Your registered agent must have a physical street address in Texas. PO boxes are not accepted.
Leaving a Gap
Never cancel your old registered agent before your new one is on file. A gap means legal documents could be missed.
Not Updating Internal Records
After the change, update your operating agreement and internal records to reflect your new registered agent.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your registered agent at any time by filing a Statement of Change with the Texas Secretary of State
- The filing fee is $15, and processing typically takes 1–3 business days
- Your new registered agent must consent to the appointment
- Never leave a gap—always have a registered agent on file
- We can handle the entire process for you, from preparing the form to filing it
Need Professional Help?
Ready to switch to a registered agent who knows your business and provides same-day notification? Hire a professional registered agent today. We'll handle the entire switch process for you.
Learn more about our registered agent services and why you might want to change your registered agent if you're a real estate investor with multiple LLCs.
