Texas Name Reservation

Before you file a Certificate of Formation to start a Texas business, you can reserve the name you wish to register. A name reservation will hold your desired business name for a period of 120 days. Name reservations can be renewed if necessary.

Application for Reservation or Renewal

If you want to make sure the Texas LLC or corporation name you want is available when you’re ready to register your company, you can reserve the name in advance with the Application for Reservation or Renewal. The application is pretty straightforward:

  • Elect Either “New Application” or “Renewal”
  • Designate the Entity Type of Your Business (LLC, Corporation, etc.)
  • List the Applicant Name (Either a Business or Individual)
  • List the Applicant Address (Street or Mailing)
  • Sign and Date

How Much Does a Name Reservation Cost?

There is a $40 filing fee.

How Do I File a Name Reservation?

You can file the Application for Reservation or Renewal by mail, fax, in person, or online.

Mail:
Secretary of State
P.O. Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711-3697

In Person:
James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701

Online:
Texas SOSDirect

Fax:
512-463-5709

Withdrawing a Reserved Name

At any point, you can withdraw your name reservation should you no longer wish to use the business name. To withdraw, simply submit a Notice of Withdrawal of Reservation of an Entity Name form to the Secretary of State. There is no filing fee. A Notice of Withdrawal cannot be filed online.

Transferring a Reserved Name

It is possible to transfer your reserved name to another individual or business entity. In order to transfer your reserved name, you must submit a Notice of Transfer of Entity Name form to the Secretary of State’s office. There is a $15 filing fee. You cannot file a Notice of Transfer online.