Where Do I Register My Business Name In Texas

Step 1: Cull a Business Structure

Recommended: Nosotros typically recommend forming an LLC for most entrepreneurs because this construction comes with personal asset protection, has no double taxation, and is pretty easy to maintain.

If y'all would like to use a service, read our guide on the best LLC germination services.

Sole Proprietorships and Full general Partnerships

Past default, sole proprietorships operate equally the aforementioned name as the owner while full general partnerships must include the surnames of all the partners.

To utilize a different name to comport business, the business owner(south) must file for a Texas causeless name — also commonly referred to as a doing business organisation as (DBA) proper noun.

Footstep 2: Bank check Proper name Availability

When registering a business organisation name, it's important to make certain it'due south unique and no i else in your country formed a visitor with it or has control of it online equally a domain proper noun.

Domain Proper name Search

We strongly recommend that you lot besides bank check to see if your business organisation name is available every bit a spider web domain (URL). Even if you lot don't programme to create a business website today, y'all may want to buy the spider web address to forestall others from acquiring that domain name. If the spider web domain is bachelor and then it's likely the name will likewise exist available in a business search.

Find a Domain At present

Texas Business concern Name Search

Next, search the Texas taxable entity search tool. This is an of import step in the process because your filing will be denied if y'all try to file for a proper noun already in use.

Search requirements can vary depending on your business organisation needs. For instance, a unique and available name is required to:

File for formal business structures like LLCs and corporations.
File a DBA name for any business structure.

A state-level name search isn't required for informal business structures like sole proprietorships or general partnerships in Texas. Just, if you lot decide to register a trade name or DBA proper name, you lot'll demand to search the database to run into if your desired name is unique and available.

Stride 3: Form Your Business concern With the Country of Texas

Once you have selected your business concern structure and name, you volition need to file your formation documents with the country, which will register your business with the State of Texas.

To register your Texas LLC, you'll need to file the Articles of Organization with the Texas Secretary of State. Y'all can apply online or by mail. Read our Form an LLC in Texas guide for details.

Or employ a professional service like ZenBusiness or LegalZoom to form your LLC for you.

To annals your Texas corporation, y'all'll need to file the Document of Incorporation with the Texas Secretary of State. Read our Class a Texas Corporation guide to learn more than.

Boosted Considerations

Protect Your Business organisation Name With a Trademark (Optional)

Once you ostend the availability of your business name and secure it, yous can cull to apply for a trademark for your business organization. This typically costs around $225 to $400 plus any attorney fees as well as a renewal fee every 10 years.

While this toll tin exist high for a first-up or fledgling business, it will give your company brand nationwide protection backed by federal law. That ways if others try to practise business with the same — or a similar — name equally yours, yous'll take legal precedent on your side. For most pocket-size businesses, this really isn't necessary unless they are thinking of going national.

How to Change the Name of a Texas Business

Changing the name of a concern in Texas can be done in two ways: by filing for an assumed name or by submitting an subpoena to the legal proper name of an existing business.

The first method, filing for an assumed name (as well known as a DBA name), is the easiest way to operate your business using a different name without needing to change its legal name.

A DBA proper noun is the merely mode for sole proprietorships and general partnerships to have a different business concern name. It'due south also the easiest method for LLCs and corporations to follow because it allows them to avoid filing an subpoena or complicating their business organisation operations while enabling them to operate with brand names that don't include the necessary LLC or Inc. suffix required in a legal name.

If you want to change the legal proper noun of your LLC or corporation, however, filing an amendment to the legal name of an existing business is your all-time option. Hither are links to forms for both options:

Certificate of Amendment for LLCs and corporations

Yous can submit your completed class by mail, fax, or in-person forth with the $150 filing fee.

Ofttimes Asked Questions

Do I need a business license in Texas?

Texas doesn't offering a general, statewide business license. Merely, depending on your business type, you may need to obtain specific licensing in order to operate.

Do I demand a business license to sell online in Texas?

Depending on where you lot're located in Texas, you may need a sales tax license or an occupational license as well as boosted licensing from your city or canton.

How much does information technology price to get-go an LLC in Texas?

Starting an LLC in Texas costs $300 to file your Document of Formation.

How do I get a Texas taxation ID number?

You can obtain your Texas tax ID number past registering your business with the Texas Comptroller.