To change your registered agent in Texas, file Form 401 (Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office) with the Texas Secretary of State. The filing fee is $15, it can be done online in about 10 minutes, and the change takes effect the moment it's filed. There is no approval or waiting period.
Quick reference
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| What | Change registered agent or registered office address |
| Form | Form 401 (Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office) |
| Fee | $15 |
| Where | Texas Secretary of State — SOSDirect or by mail |
| When effective | Immediately upon filing (online) |
| Processing time | 1–2 business days online; 5–7 business days by mail |
Step 1 — Confirm your new registered agent meets Texas requirements
Before filing, confirm your new registered agent:
- Has a physical Texas street address (P.O. boxes do not qualify)
- Is available during regular business hours to accept documents in person
- Has consented to serve as your registered agent
Your new agent can be:
- You personally (if you have a Texas address and are available)
- A trusted individual with a Texas address
- A professional registered agent service
See Texas registered agent requirements for full qualification details.
Step 2 — Log in to SOSDirect
Go to direct.sos.state.tx.us and log in or create an account. If you've used SOSDirect before, your LLC should appear in your account history.
If you don't have an account, click "New User Registration" — setup takes about 5 minutes.
Step 3 — Find your LLC and select Form 401
In SOSDirect:
- Search for your LLC by name or entity number
- Select your LLC from the results
- Click "File a document"
- Select "Form 401 — Statement of Change of Registered Agent/Registered Office"
Step 4 — Complete Form 401
Fill in:
- Your LLC's legal name as it appears in SOS records
- Your LLC's entity number (visible in your SOS account or on your certificate of formation)
- New registered agent's full name (individual or entity)
- New registered agent's Texas street address (must be a physical address in Texas)
If you're only changing the address (not the agent), fill in the agent's existing name and the new address.
Common mistake: Using a P.O. box or the LLC's own address as the registered agent address. The registered agent must be a separate person or entity at a physical Texas location.
Step 5 — Pay the $15 fee and submit
Pay by credit/debit card in SOSDirect. Once payment clears, the change is filed immediately and takes effect. You'll receive a confirmation with a file stamp date.
This should take about 10 minutes from login to confirmation.
Step 6 — Notify your new registered agent
Make sure your new agent knows they are listed with the SOS and understands their responsibility to receive documents during business hours. If you're switching from a registered agent service, also cancel your account with the old provider to avoid continued billing.
When do you need to file Form 401?
- Your current registered agent resigned (a service may resign with 10 days' notice)
- Your registered agent moved to a new Texas address
- You're switching from a professional service to yourself (or vice versa)
- You're updating your registered office address even without changing the agent's name
If you're forming a new LLC, you designate your registered agent directly in the Certificate of Formation — no Form 401 needed until you make a change.
FAQ
How much does it cost to change a registered agent in Texas?
The filing fee for Form 401 is $15, paid to the Texas Secretary of State. There may also be a fee from your new registered agent service (if using a professional service), typically $50–$150/year.
How long does a registered agent change take in Texas?
Online filings through SOSDirect take effect immediately and are typically visible in the SOS database within 1–2 business days. Paper filings by mail take 5–7 business days plus mailing time.
Can I change my registered agent online in Texas?
Yes. The fastest way is to file Form 401 online through SOSDirect. You can also download Form 401 and mail it to: Secretary of State, P.O. Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697.
What happens if my registered agent resigns and I don't file Form 401?
You are in violation of the Texas Business Organizations Code. The Secretary of State may serve legal documents on the SOS itself as your agent — but you won't receive them timely. This can result in default judgments against your LLC if you're sued. File Form 401 immediately when your agent changes.
Do I need my registered agent's signature on Form 401?
For most changes, only the LLC's authorized officer or manager needs to sign. Check the current Form 401 instructions at sos.state.tx.us/corp/forms_boc.shtml for the current consent requirements.
Not sure what else your Texas LLC owes?
Most business owners are surprised by how many filing obligations they have. Ortholo's free compliance checker shows you everything you owe, when it's due, and what happens if you miss it — personalized to your entity.
Last verified: 2026-06-08
Sources: Texas Secretary of State — Forms, SOSDirect
Related guides: Texas registered agent requirements · Can I be my own registered agent in Texas?