Get Updates on New Texas Business Guides

Every Texas business entity—including LLCs, corporations, limited partnerships, and certain other entities—must designate and maintain a registered agent. The registered agent serves as the official point of contact between the business entity and the state, ensuring the entity receives important legal documents and government correspondence.

This guide provides an educational overview of what registered agents are, why Texas requires them, legal qualifications, and core responsibilities. For detailed information about specific options and procedures, see the specialized guides linked throughout this article.

What Is a Registered Agent?

A registered agent (also called a "resident agent" or "statutory agent") is a person or entity designated to receive official legal documents and government correspondence on behalf of a business entity.

Core Functions

The registered agent receives:

• Service of process: Lawsuits, subpoenas, and legal notices
• State correspondence: Official communications from the Texas Secretary of State
• Tax notices: Documents from the Texas Comptroller
• Regulatory notices: Compliance notifications from state agencies
• Filing reminders: Notifications about compliance deadlines

Why Texas Requires Registered Agents

Texas law requires registered agents to ensure:

• Reliable contact: State and courts can reach the entity
• Service of process: Legal documents can be properly delivered
• Business hours availability: Someone is accessible during normal business hours
• Texas presence: Entity maintains connection to Texas
• Public accessibility: Information available for legal purposes

Legal Requirements for Texas Registered Agents

Texas law (Texas Business Organizations Code) establishes specific requirements for who can serve as a registered agent.

Who Can Serve as Registered Agent

A registered agent must be either:

1. An Individual Who:

• Is a Texas resident
• Has a physical street address in Texas
• Is at least 18 years old
• Consents to serve as registered agent

2. A Domestic or Foreign Entity That:

• Is authorized to transact business in Texas
• Has a physical street address in Texas
• Provides registered agent services
• Maintains proper authorization with Texas Secretary of State

Registered Office Address Requirements

The registered office address must:

• Be a physical street address in Texas (not a P.O. Box)
• Be a location where the agent can be found during normal business hours
• Include complete information (street, city, state, zip code)
• Be a real location where physical documents can be delivered

NOT acceptable:

• P.O. boxes or post office boxes
• Commercial mail receiving agencies (unless agent has actual office there)
• Addresses outside Texas
• Virtual offices without physical presence

Registered Agent Responsibilities

Serving as a registered agent involves specific ongoing responsibilities:

Availability Requirements

The registered agent must:

• Be available during normal business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM)
• Be physically present at the registered office to receive hand-delivered documents
• Accept service of legal documents when presented
• Maintain consistent presence at the registered address

Document Handling

Upon receiving documents:

• Accept delivery properly
• Promptly notify the business entity
• Forward documents to entity owners or officers
• Maintain records of receipt and forwarding
• Understand time-sensitive nature of legal documents

Ongoing Compliance

The registered agent must:

• Maintain current information with Secretary of State
• Notify entity and state of address changes
• Continue to consent to serve in this role
• Properly resign if unable to continue serving

Consequences of Registered Agent Issues

Operating Without Proper Registered Agent

Problems that can occur:

• Entity may fall out of good standing with state
• Unable to receive legal documents properly
• Risk of administrative penalties
• Secretary of State may administratively terminate entity
• Service of process complications

Agent Unavailable When Service Attempted

Potential consequences:

• Service may be made through alternative means
• Entity may not receive timely notice
• Risk of default judgment in lawsuits
• Loss of opportunity to respond to legal actions

Detailed Registered Agent Guides

For comprehensive information on specific aspects of registered agents, explore these specialized resources:

Frequently Asked Questions