How to Change an LLC Name in Texas? (Step by Step Guide)

Published by Jon Morgan | Co-Founder & Chief Editor

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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Rebranding happens. Maybe you're expanding into new markets, adding services, or the original name just doesn't fit anymore. Whatever the reason, changing your LLC name in Texas is doable — it just requires hitting the right steps in the right order.

We've worked directly with legal experts and guided Texas business owners through this process firsthand, so we know exactly where people get tripped up.

Here's how to get it done without the headaches.

Quick Summary

3 Steps to Change an LLC Name in Texas

Changing an LLC name in Texas comes down to three steps. It's not a quick afternoon project — there's paperwork, member votes, and state filings involved — but it's manageable if you know what's coming.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Choose A New Texas LLC Name

Before anything else, you need a name that's actually available and meets Texas's naming rules. I've seen a lot of business owners skip this part and end up restarting the process from scratch — don't be that person.

The Texas Administrative Code lays out specific requirements you'll need to follow.

The state requires:

• The business name must contain the words "Limited Liability Company" or the abbreviations "LLC, Ltd, Co, or LC."
• The new name must be distinguishable from any other Texas business entities.
• Your name must not be confused with any other business operating in the state.
• Extra documentation if your name contains certain restricted words [1].

Run your preferred name through the Texas Entity Search [2] before you do anything official. This tool lets you search by business name, file number, or registered agent — and it takes about two minutes. We'd also recommend running a search through the US Patent and Trademark Office's database, especially if you're planning to trademark the new name down the line.

You can also check the county clerk's office or city secretary's website if you want to verify name availability at the local level. Once you confirm it's clear, double-check it against Texas's naming rules before moving forward.

File a Name Reservation Form

Found a name you like? You can lock it in for 120 days by filing a Name Reservation form — useful if you're not ready to change the LLC name right away.

You can file online or by mail. The Texas filing fee is $40. We filled ours out with the desired business name, a signature, and a mailing address. Pretty quick process overall.

2. Get Member Approval For Name Change

This step catches a lot of people off guard. Before you file anything with the state, you need your members on board — and that means following whatever process your operating agreement lays out.

Schedule a member meeting, put the name change on the agenda, and give everyone proper notice. During the meeting, present the new name, hold a vote, and make sure the outcome meets the majority threshold in your operating agreement. Document everything in the meeting minutes. That record matters if anyone questions the change later.

Once you've got the vote locked in, you're ready to file with the state.

3. File a Texas Certificate of Amendment

To make the name change official, you'll file a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State [3]. This is the form that actually updates your LLC's legal name on the state's records.

You'll need to include:

• Your current name of LLC on file with the state
• The new name of the LLC
• Effective SOS Registration Date
• Method of adoption, either by members or organizers
• Signature of authorized person (manager or member as per Texas Law)

You can file online, in person, by fax, or by mail. Here's how each option works.

To file online, you must:

• Fill, scan, and save your document on your computer.
•  Log in to your LLC account on the SOS upload portal. Input your credit card information and continue (the filing fee is $150 plus the online processing fee).
• Since you're not filing for a new entity, select the "No" tab.
• Choose "Certificate of Amendment" under "Filing Type" in the drop-down menu.
• Find the scanned Certificate of Amendment file on your computer, and click the button to Upload the file.
• Click submit for a review to finish the process.

If you file by mail, submit 2 copies of the amendment form to the following:

Texas Secretary of State
PO Box 13697
Austin, TX 78711-3697

In-person filing:

James Earl Rudder Office Building, 1019 Brazos
Austin, TX 78701
Fax: (512) 463-5709

Mail filings can be paid by check or money order, made payable to the "Secretary of State." If you're filing by fax, attach a fax cover sheet and credit card information (Form 807).

Standard processing runs 3–5 business days.

Need it faster? The Secretary of State offers next-day expedited processing for an extra $25. Just include a cover letter with your amendment requesting expedited service.

Once approved, the Secretary of State will email you a certified copy. We filed by mail and got a stamped copy back in the post — we kept it as physical proof of the name change. Worth holding onto.

"After changing your LLC name with the Secretary of State, your old LLC name remains unchanged everywhere else. Essentially, the name change only applies to one aspect of the state government, necessitating updates across all other platforms."

- Jon Morgan, CEO, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter

What to Do After You Change Your Texas LLC Name?

The state filing is done, but you're not finished yet. A name change ripples through every corner of your business, and missing any of these follow-up steps can cause real problems down the line.

Here's what needs updating once your LLC name change goes through:

• Notify government agencies: Contact the Texas Comptroller by phone or email and notify them of the change to update your LLC business accounts for tax purposes. Update your business name with all other relevant government entities, including local and federal ones.
• Update licenses and permits: Apply for new business licenses/permits by contacting the state licensing agency and local government.
• Update your operating agreement: Update the business name on all internal documents including the LLC operating agreement.
• Update contracts and agreements: Change the LLC name on any employment or independent contractor agreements.
• Notify clients and customers: Don't assume your clients will figure it out on their own. A quick heads-up — email works fine — keeps the relationship intact and avoids confusion on invoices or contracts.
• Notify banks and financial institutions: Update your LLC business bank account, debit, credit cards, checks, and all accounts associated with your LLC, like creditors, suppliers, brokerages, etc.

Related articles:

• How to Start an LLC in Texas
• Best LLC Filing Services in Texas

Alternatives to LLC Name Change

A full name change isn't always the right move. Depending on what you're trying to accomplish, Texas gives you two lighter-weight options worth knowing about.

DBA

A DBA — "Doing Business As" — lets you operate under a different name without changing your LLC's legal name. It's a good fit if you're testing a new brand or running a side operation under the same entity.

That said, your LLC's legal name stays the same on all official documents and filings. So while a DBA gives you flexibility, it doesn't change your liability structure or how the state identifies your business. Make sure you register it properly under Texas state and local rules.

Certificate of Correction

If the issue is a typo or registration error — not an actual rebrand — a Certificate of Correction is the faster fix. Say your LLC was filed as "Bleu LCC" instead of "Blue LLC." That's exactly what this form is for.

It's a narrower tool than a full amendment, but it's the right one for those situations. Don't file a full Certificate of Amendment when a correction will do — it saves time and money.

FAQs

Changing your LLC name in Texas takes a bit of work, but it's not complicated once you know the process. Choose a compliant name, get member approval, file the Certificate of Amendment, and update your records everywhere it matters.

If you follow those steps, you'll be operating under your new name without any compliance gaps.

References:

1. https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/
2. https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/
3. https://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/amendmentsfaqs.shtml