How to
July 30, 2024
If you own a business in Texas and have legally changed your name—whether through marriage, divorce, or court order—it’s important to update your name with the Texas Secretary of State (SOS). This is especially crucial if your name appears on official business filings like LLC documents, corporate records, or as a registered agent.
Here’s how to make sure your business records are up to date.
Quick side note: Click here for our complete guide on how to change your name in Texas.
Step-by-Step: Update Your Name as a Texas Business Owner
1. Check Where Your Name Appears in Your Business Records
Your legal name may appear on:
- Certificate of Formation
- Ownership/management records
- Annual reports (Franchise Tax filings)
- Registered agent records
- Professional licenses
If your name is associated with these filings, you’ll need to update it.
2. Gather Required Legal Documentation
Have a certified copy of one of the following ready:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order granting name change
You may also need an updated ID that reflects your new legal name.
3. File a Name Update with the Secretary of State
You can update your name using one of these common filing types:
- Amendment to Certificate of Formation (for LLCs, Corporations)
- Use Form 424: SOS Form 424 PDF
- Change of Registered Agent/Office (if your name is listed as the registered agent)
- Use Form 401: SOS Form 401 PDF
- File online via SOSDirect:
https://direct.sos.state.tx.us
Fees vary by form—typically around $25–$150 depending on the filing type.
4. Update Franchise Tax and Sales Tax Info
If you file Franchise Taxes or collect Sales Tax:
- Visit the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to update your info
- https://comptroller.texas.gov
5. Notify Other Business Entities
After updating your legal filings, be sure to notify:
- Your bank and payroll processor
- Licensing boards (if you’re in a licensed profession)
- Business insurance providers
- Vendors and contractors
Pro Tip
If your business operates under a DBA (Doing Business As) and your personal name is not listed in public records, you may not need to update anything. But it’s still smart to update internal and financial records for consistency.
