Lesson 3 · Texas
Foreign LLC Registration in Texas (2026): a 4-Step Lesson and the 3 Best Services
Quick facts
In this lesson
- When the rule applies
- The form and the fee
- The recurring filing
- How the graded picks compare
The Texas services we recommend
1. Mainstay Filing: best for one provider for both states
Mainstay Filing gets our top grade for Texas: you pay $199 plus state fees to register, and the first year with a registered agent is free.
Three years here cost $100 more than TX Registered Agent.org, in return for doing more of the work.
Agent service beyond the first year is $149 a year.
What the price covers
- Registration filed for you
- The registered agent costs nothing in year one
- One fee in every state
Marks in its favor
- Service fee of $199
- Ready for your next state
- The first agent year is included
Where it loses points
- The agent renews at $149, $50 higher than TX Registered Agent.org
2. TX Registered Agent.org: best for a low yearly agent cost
Taking second place is TX Registered Agent.org, where a $199 service fee, then $99 a year for the agent in Texas.
What the price covers
- Registration prepared and filed
- One year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- $199 plus the state fee
- A low $99 renewal
- Agent covered for year one
Where it loses points
- Your home state needs a separate agent
3. Texas Registered Agent.ai: best for another Texas choice
Taking third place is Texas Registered Agent.ai, where a $199 service fee, then $99 a year for the agent in Texas.
TX Registered Agent.org and this service charge the same.
What the price covers
- Registration prepared and filed
- One year of agent service
Marks in its favor
- A low $99 renewal
- $199 plus the state fee
- Agent covered for year one
Where it loses points
- Your home state needs a separate agent
Compare the picks
| # | Service | First year | From year two | Three-year total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mainstay Filing | $199 | $149/yr | $497 | Visit Mainstay FilingPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 2 | TX Registered Agent.org | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit TX Registered Agent.orgPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
| 3 | Texas Registered Agent.ai | $199 | $99/yr | $397 | Visit Texas Registered Agent.aiPartner link. We may earn money if you buy. |
The lesson, step by step
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Step
1Decide whether Texas registration is required
An LLC formed in another state registers in Texas before it does business there. Operating unregistered means: A suit started by an unregistered LLC will not be heard there (BOC 9.051(b)). Its contracts remain valid (BOC 9.051(c)).
Where this comes from: Class notes: comptroller.texas.gov (October 2026)
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Step
2Find a registered agent with a Texas address
Every LLC must name a registered agent with an in-state street address. The address has to be a street address where papers can be handed to the agent during normal business hours. A mailbox service or answering service alone does not qualify.
Our graded picks all serve as the registered agent.
Where this comes from: Class notes: sos.texas.gov (October 2026)
-
Step
3Turn in the Application for Registration of a Foreign Limited Liability Company
Pay $750 when you deliver the form to the Texas Secretary of State.
Where this comes from: Class notes: sos.state.tx.us (October 2026)
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Step
4Keep up with Texas's recurring filing
Your next obligation is the Public Information Report, May 15.
Texas costs by step
| Step | Goes to | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign registration | State office | $750 |
| Optional service | Service | $199 to start |
| Three-year state total | State office | $750 |
Why Mainstay Filing comes first
edged ahead of on homework the price handles, which counts for 33%.
TX Registered Agent.org has the lower renewal, yet covering several states counted for more.
Short answers
How much does Texas charge a foreign LLC to register?
$750 to the state. A service adds $199.
Which form do I file to register?
Fill out the form named in step 4 and send it to the Texas Secretary of State.
What if the LLC does business there without registering?
A suit started by an unregistered LLC will not be heard there (BOC 9.051(b)). Its contracts remain valid (BOC 9.051(c)).
What is due after registering?
Step 4 covers it: the Public Information Report.
Which services are in this lesson?
We graded Mainstay Filing, TX Registered Agent.org and Texas Registered Agent.ai for this lesson.
Which service should handle the registration?
By grade: Mainstay Filing, TX Registered Agent.org and Texas Registered Agent.ai. Mainstay Filing is first because $199 beyond the state fee, with the registered agent free in year one and $149 a year afterward.
Class references
- Class reference on Texas yearly filing: Annual report, official source: comptroller.texas.gov (the state's own page), reread in October 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Texas report due date: statutes.capitol.texas.gov (the state's own page), reread in August 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Tex: sos.texas.gov (the state's own page), reread in August 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Texas registered agent statute: sos.texas.gov (the state's own page), reread in October 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Texas Secretary of State, foreign entities FAQ: sos.state.tx.us (the state's own page), reread in October 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Form 304 instructions: sos.state.tx.us (the state's own page), reread in October 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Business Organizations Code, Chapter 9: statutes.capitol.texas.gov (the state's own page), reread in October 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Texas Comptroller, franchise tax: comptroller.texas.gov (the state's own page), reread in October 2026 for this lesson.
- Class reference on Texas Business Organizations Code, Chapter 9: tcss.legis.texas.gov (the state's own page), reread in November 2026 for this lesson.
- On November 13, 2026 we read the Texas service page of Mainstay Filing
- On November 13, 2026 we read the pricing page of TX Registered Agent.org
- On November 13, 2026 we read the pricing page of Texas Registered Agent.ai