How to Change an LLC Name in Texas: The 2026 Audit-Proof Guide
This article provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Laws vary by state, and individualized guidance is recommended.
In Texas, your LLC’s name is more than just a brand; it’s a legal anchor. Changing it requires moving in lockstep with the Secretary of State (SOS) and the Comptroller to avoid frozen accounts or tax penalties. Failing to sync your name change correctly can lead to rejected tax filings or even the loss of your "good standing" status.
Disclaimer This article provides general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney. Laws vary by state, and individualized guidance is recommended.
Changing your Texas LLC’s name is straightforward, but it involves more than simply filing a form with the Secretary of State. You should also update your internal records, federal tax information, banking documents, and business licenses to ensure the new name is recognized everywhere your business operates.
Step 1: Approve the Name Change
Before filing anything with the Texas Secretary of State, review your Company Agreement.
Most LLCs require member approval before amending the Certificate of Formation. The required voting threshold is determined by the Company Agreement. If the agreement is silent, the Texas Business Organizations Code provides default approval rules.
Keep a written resolution or member consent with your company records. It is not filed with the state but serves as evidence that the amendment was properly authorized.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Filing
Not every name change requires the same form.
Situation | Form |
|---|---|
Intentional business name change | Form 424 – Certificate of Amendment |
Correcting a recent filing error | Form 403 – Certificate of Correction |
Reserving a future business name | Form 501 – Name Reservation |
Intentional business name change
Form 424 – Certificate of Amendment
Correcting a recent filing error
Form 403 – Certificate of Correction
Reserving a future business name
Form 501 – Name Reservation
A Certificate of Correction should only be used to correct inaccuracies in an existing filing—not to adopt an entirely new business name.
Step 3: Confirm Name Availability
Before filing Form 424, verify that the new name is distinguishable from existing Texas entities.
A name search through SOSDirect can help identify obvious conflicts before you submit the amendment.
If you are not ready to file immediately, you may reserve the name for 120 days.
Step 4: File Form 424
Form 424 requires basic information, including:
- Current LLC name
- SOS file number
- New legal name
- Description of the amendment
- Authorized signature
If the company is changing more than its name—for example, its business purpose or management structure—those amendments may generally be included in the same filing.
Foreign LLCs registered in Texas use different amendment forms for their registrations.
Filing Fees
Filing | State Fee |
|---|---|
Certificate of Amendment (Form 424) | $150 |
Certificate of Correction (Form 403) | $15 |
Name Reservation (Form 501) | $40 |
Certificate of Amendment (Form 424)
$150
Certificate of Correction (Form 403)
$15
Name Reservation (Form 501)
$40
Texas also offers expedited processing for an additional fee through the Texas Express program.
After the Amendment Is Approved
Once the Secretary of State accepts the filing, update the rest of your business records.
Internal Documents
Update your:
- Company Agreement
- Membership ledger
- Stock or ownership records (if applicable)
- Internal resolutions
- Contracts and templates
IRS
Notify the IRS of the name change using the method appropriate for your federal tax classification.
For many LLCs, this is accomplished by checking the appropriate name-change box on the next federal return or by sending written notification to the IRS.
Texas Comptroller
Review your Comptroller account after the amendment is processed to ensure the new legal name appears correctly. If necessary, update any business information through the Comptroller’s online services.
Banks and Financial Institutions
Most banks will request:
- Filed Certificate of Amendment
- Updated Company Agreement (if applicable)
- New banking resolution
- Updated EIN records if required
Some institutions also request a Certified Copy of the amendment from the Secretary of State.
Other Records
Remember to update:
- Business licenses
- Sales tax permits
- Insurance policies
- Contracts
- Vendor accounts
- Payroll providers
- Professional licenses
- Website and marketing materials
Amendment vs. DBA
If you simply want to operate under a different brand name while keeping your existing legal LLC name, you may not need to change the LLC’s legal name at all.
Instead, you can file an Assumed Name Certificate and continue using your existing entity name for legal purposes.
Final Takeaway
Changing your Texas LLC’s name is usually a simple process when completed in the proper order:
- Obtain the required internal approval.
- Confirm the new name is available.
- File Form 424 (or Form 403 if correcting an error).
- Update your IRS, Comptroller, banking, licensing, and company records.
Completing these steps promptly helps avoid confusion with customers, financial institutions, and government agencies while keeping your LLC in good standing.
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