How to Find a Registered Agent for a Corporation in Texas

Are you starting a corporation in Texas?

Yeah, I know you are pumped to get things rolling.

But then you hit a wall: “What’s this registered agent thing, and how do I find one?”

Maybe you are worried about privacy.

Or you are wondering if you can just do it yourself to save a buck.

I get it.

This stuff can feel like a maze.

But it doesn’t have to be.

I’m breaking it down for you, step by step, like we’re grabbing coffee and hashing it out.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find a registered agent for your Texas corporation, avoid traps, and keep your business legit.

Let’s get you started, shall we?

Why Truehost.com is Your Go-To for Business Growth

But first, let’s talk about setting your business up for success.

Your corporation needs an online presence to stand out.

That starts with a killer domain name.

Truehost.com offers the cheapest domain registration out there—grab yours at Truehost.com/domains.

Why does this matter?

A registered agent keeps your business compliant, but a domain name puts you on the map.

Think of it like this: your agent handles the legal stuff behind the scenes, while your domain is your storefront, screaming, “We’re open for business!”

For pennies, Truehost hooks you up with a domain that’s yours, no hassle.

Now, let’s get that registered agent sorted so your corporation can thrive.

What Is a Registered Agent, and Why Do You Need One?

A registered agent is your corporation’s legal point of contact in Texas.

They receive official mail—like lawsuits, tax notices, or state filings—on your behalf.

Every corporation in Texas must have one. It’s non-negotiable.

No agent? No good standing with the state.

Worse, you could lose your business status or get hit with penalties.

The Texas Business Organizations Code (Section 5.201) lays it out clear: your agent needs a physical Texas address and must be available during business hours.

Here is the deal:

• Protects your privacy: Using your home address? Bad idea. It’s public record. A registered agent keeps your personal info off the radar.
• Keeps you compliant: Miss a legal notice? You’re screwed. Your agent ensures you don’t.
• Saves you time: Let someone else deal with the state’s paperwork while you focus on growing your business.

Look at a friend of mine, Jake.

He started a small tech corp in Austin.

He thought he could skip the agent and use his apartment address.

Big mistake.

He got flooded with junk mail, and when a legal notice arrived, he was out of town.

Missed it. Got fined.

Don’t be Jake.

Who Can Be a Registered Agent in Texas?

Not just anyone can do this.

Texas has rules.

Your registered agent must be:

• An individual who lives in Texas or a business authorized to operate in Texas.
• Available at a physical street address (no P.O. boxes) during regular business hours (9 AM–5 PM).
• At least 18 years old if they are a person.

You’ve got options:

• You or an employee: You can be your own agent if you’ve got a Texas address and don’t mind your info being public.
• A friend or family member: They need to be reliable and in Texas.
• A professional service: Companies like Northwest or Texan Registered Agent handle it for you, often with extras like mail forwarding.

Sarah, a bakery owner in Dallas, tried using her cousin as her agent.

He was flaky, missed a court summons, and Sarah nearly lost her business in a default judgment.

She switched to a pro service for $50 a year.

Problem solved.

How to Find a Registered Agent for Your Texas Corporation

Finding the right agent isn’t rocket science, but you need to be smart about it. Here is how to nail it:

Step 1: Decide If You Want to DIY or Hire a Pro

You really have two options:

a). DIY (Be Your Own Agent):

Pros: Free. You control everything.

Cons: Your address goes public. You are stuck being available 9–5. Miss a notice, and you are in trouble.

Tip: Only do this if you’ve got a business address and a rock-solid schedule.

b). Hire a Professional:

Pros: Privacy protection, reliability, often includes extras like mail scanning.

Cons: Costs $35–$300/year, depending on the service.

Tip: If you value your time and privacy, this is the way to go.

Step 2: Research Registered Agent Services

If you are going pro, compare your options. Here is what to look for:

• Price: Ranges from $7.99/month (True Texas) to $235/year (Incorporate.com).
• Services: Look for mail forwarding, compliance reminders, or same-day document scanning.
• Reputation: Check reviews. Avoid companies with sneaky price hikes after year one.
• Local expertise: Austin-based services like Texan Registered Agent or Lone Star know Texas law inside out.

Pro tip: Northwest Registered Agent offers a deal for $39 + state fees to form your corporation, with a free year of agent service.

Worth a look.

Step 3: Use the Texas Secretary of State’s SOSDirect Tool

Want to check who is the agent for an existing corporation?

Or confirm a service’s legitimacy?

Use the state’s SOSDirect tool:

• Go to www.sos.state.tx.us.
• Create an SOSDirect account (takes 5 minutes).
• Pay the $1 search fee per query.
• Search by business name, file number, or agent name.
• You’ll get the agent’s name, address, and contact details.

Example: My friend Mike needed to sue a supplier.

He used SOSDirect to find their registered agent in 10 minutes.

Sent the legal papers, got his case moving.

It’s that simple.

Step 4: Appoint Your Agent

Once you pick your agent, you need to make it official:

• For new corporations: List your agent on your Certificate of Formation when you file with the Texas Secretary of State.
• For existing corporations: File Form 401 (Statement of Change of Registered Agent) with a $15 fee ($5 for nonprofits).
• Consent: Agents appointed after January 1, 2010, must consent in writing (Form 401-A). Some services handle this for you.

Step 5: Keep Your Agent Info Updated

If you switch agents or your agent’s address changes, file a new Form 401.

It’s $15, or $25 for expedited processing.

Don’t skip this—outdated info can lead to missed notices and penalties.

Top Registered Agent Services in Texas

Here is a quick rundown of solid options:

• Texan Registered Agent LLC: $35/year. Austin-based. Free business address, mail forwarding, and a free domain for a year. Great for startups.
• Northwest Registered Agent: $125/year. Privacy-focused, with free mail scanning and a $39 + state fee formation package.
• True Texas Registered Agent: $34/year. Cheapest option, with multi-year discounts and a business address.
• Lone Star Registered Agents: $50/year + $100 service fee. Includes formation docs and a business presence package (domain, website, email).

Compare prices and features.

Pick one that fits your budget and needs.

Traps to Avoid When Choosing a Registered Agent

Don’t get burned.

Here are common mistakes and how to dodge them:

• Using your home address: Your address goes public. Expect junk mail and nosy customers.
• Picking an unreliable friend: If they flake, you miss critical notices.
• Going too cheap: Some low-cost services jack up prices after year one or skimp on support.
• Forgetting to update: Moved? Changed agents? File Form 401, or you’re risking your business.

*Tom (not his real name), a Houston contractor, picked a dirt-cheap agent service.

Year two, they doubled the price and stopped scanning mail.

He missed a tax notice, got slapped with a $500 fine.

Spend a little more for reliability—it’s worth it.

How a Registered Agent Ties to Your Online Presence

Your registered agent keeps you legal, but your online presence makes you visible.

A domain name from Truehost.com (starting dirt cheap) sets you up with a professional website.

Pair that with a solid agent, and you’ve got compliance and branding locked down.

Example: Lisa’s catering corp used Texan Registered Agent for compliance and snagged a domain from Truehost.

Her site went live in a week, and she’s booking gigs left and right.

Two birds, one stone.

Read also: Can I Be My Own Registered Agent in Texas? Really?

Final Thoughts

Finding a registered agent for your Texas corporation isn’t hard.

Decide if you want to DIY or go pro.

Research services, use SOSDirect to verify, and appoint your agent.

Keep your info updated to stay compliant.

And don’t forget—grab a domain from Truehost.com/domains to get your brand out there.

You are not just checking a box; you are building a business that lasts.

Now go crush it.

Read also: How to Change Your Registered Agent in Texas (Latest Steps)