How to Form an LLC in Texas

Texas routes every filing to an examiner, so approval takes business days rather than minutes. Here is what it costs, how long it takes, and what you get.

What it costs

Forming an LLC in Texas costs $399 in total. That is one price covering both the Texas Secretary of State's filing fee, which we pay on your behalf, and our service for preparing and filing the paperwork. There is nothing else to pay to get your LLC formed.

How long it takes

Texas routes every filing to an examiner, so approval takes business days rather than minutes. We track the filing daily and deliver your documents the moment the state issues them. Expedited moves you to the front of the examiner queue.

Where Texas filings get tripped up

These are the things we have actually run into filing in Texas, in plain English.

Your name needs a real word of difference, not just punctuation

Texas disregards commas and reads an ampersand as the word “and”, so two names that look different on paper can still collide. We have had a filing blocked by an almost identically named company that was already active; the fix was adding a distinguishing word. We check the register before filing, so you find out before any money reaches the state.

Your registered agent has to agree in writing, and it cannot be the LLC itself

Texas requires written consent from whoever you name, and there are civil and criminal penalties for naming someone who has not agreed. The registered office also has to be a street address — a PO box will not be accepted.

An examiner reviews the filing before it is accepted

Texas reviews first and files second, so an error means a rejection rather than a correction after the fact. This is the main reason a Texas filing takes business days instead of minutes.

Extra certified copies are not automatic

Texas does not include additional certified copies by default. If your bank or a lender asks for one, it is ordered separately.

What we need from you

Your business name, the address for the company, and the names of the members. That is the whole application, and it takes a few minutes. We prepare and file the Certificate of Formation (Form 205) for you, and handle the state's payment.

What you get

Your stamped Certificate of Filing from the state, delivered straight to your account as soon as Texas issues it. From there you can add an EIN, an operating agreement, membership certificates, or registered agent service.

One price. The Texas state filing fee is included.

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Common questions

How much does it cost to form an LLC in Texas?

$399 total for standard filing, with the Texas state filing fee included in that price. Expedited filing is $499. There are no other fees to get your LLC formed.

How long does it take to form an LLC in Texas?

Texas routes every filing to an examiner, so approval takes business days rather than minutes. We track the filing daily and deliver your documents the moment the state issues them.

What do I receive?

Your stamped Certificate of Filing from the Texas Secretary of State, delivered to your account. You can add an EIN, an operating agreement, and registered agent service at checkout or afterwards.

Do I need a registered agent in Texas?

Yes. Every Texas LLC must keep a registered agent with a physical address in the state to receive legal mail. You can serve as your own, or use our service to keep your home address off the public record.