Change Business Name Texas | Lovie — US Company Formation

Changing your business name in Texas is a significant step, often driven by rebranding, mergers, acquisitions, or simply a desire for a fresh identity. Whether you operate as a sole proprietorship with a DBA, a Limited Liability Company (LLC), or a Corporation, the process involves specific legal and administrative procedures. Understanding these steps is crucial to ensure your business continues to operate legally and without disruption in the Lone Star State. This guide will walk you through the essential requirements for changing your business name in Texas, covering different entity types and the necessary filings. For existing businesses, especially those incorporated or formed as an LLC, changing the legal name requires amending your formation documents with the Texas Secretary of State. For businesses operating under a "Doing Business As" (DBA) name, also known as an Assumed Name Certificate, the process is different but equally important. Ensuring all relevant state and federal agencies are notified prevents legal complications and maintains the integrity of your business operations. Lovie can assist you in navigating these complexities, ensuring your name change is filed correctly and efficiently.

How to Change Your Texas LLC Name

Changing the legal name of your Texas LLC involves filing an amendment to your original Certificate of Formation with the Texas Secretary of State. This process is essential to formally update your entity's legal identity. Before you file, it's critical to ensure your desired new name is available and meets Texas's naming requirements. Unlike DBAs, LLC names must be distinguishable from other registered business entities in Texas. You can check name availability on the Texas Secretary of State's

File a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State.
Verify name availability and ensure it meets Texas LLC naming rules.
Pay the required filing fee (currently $150).
Notify the IRS of the name change for your EIN.
Update all business licenses, bank accounts, and contracts.

Amending Your Texas Corporation's Name

Similar to LLCs, Texas corporations must officially change their legal name by filing a Certificate of Amendment to their original Certificate of Incorporation with the Texas Secretary of State. This amendment formally documents the transition to your new corporate identity. The process begins with selecting a new name that is available and distinguishable from other corporate names registered in Texas. A thorough name availability search on the Secretary of State's website is a mandatory first

Submit a Certificate of Amendment for corporations to the Texas Secretary of State.
Confirm the new corporate name is unique and available in Texas.
Pay the $150 filing fee for the amendment.
Notify the IRS of the corporate name change, especially for your EIN.
Ensure all corporate documents and external agreements reflect the new name.

How to Change Your Texas DBA (Assumed Name) Name

If you are operating your business under a DBA (Doing Business As) name, also known as an Assumed Name Certificate in Texas, the process for changing it is distinct from changing the legal name of an LLC or corporation. For sole proprietorships and general partnerships operating under a DBA, you do not file an amendment with the Secretary of State. Instead, you must file a new Assumed Name Certificate with the county clerk's office where your principal place of business is located. If your busin

File a new Assumed Name Certificate with the relevant Texas county clerk(s).
Sole proprietors and partnerships do not file amendments with the Secretary of State for DBAs.
Pay the county filing fee for the new Assumed Name Certificate.
File in every county where you conduct business under the DBA.
Update all public-facing business materials with the new DBA.

State and Federal Notifications After Name Change

Once you've officially changed your business name with the Texas Secretary of State or county clerk, the process isn't complete. A critical next step involves notifying various state and federal agencies to ensure all your business records are up-to-date. For federal purposes, the most important notification is to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If your business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN), you must inform the IRS of the name change. For corporations and LLCs taxed as corpora

Notify the IRS of your business name change, especially if you have an EIN.
Update your name with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for tax purposes.
Inform any Texas state agencies that issued your licenses or permits (e.g., TDLR).
Update your business bank accounts and financial institution records.
Revise all contracts, leases, insurance policies, and vendor agreements.

Legal and Operational Considerations for a Texas Name Change

Changing your business name is more than just a bureaucratic task; it has significant legal and operational implications. Legally, your business's identity is tied to its name. Ensuring the name change is properly filed with the state and county authorities validates the change and protects your business going forward. For LLCs and corporations, the Certificate of Amendment filed with the Texas Secretary of State is the official record of this legal shift. For DBAs, the new Assumed Name Certific

Ensure all legal filings are completed accurately for state and county authorities.
Develop a clear internal and external communication plan for the name change.
Update all digital and physical marketing materials to reflect the new name.
Evaluate the impact on your brand identity and customer perception.
Review and potentially update any existing trademarks or file new ones.

Tips for Choosing a New Business Name in Texas

Selecting a new business name in Texas requires careful consideration to ensure it's not only legally permissible but also effective for your brand. The primary legal constraint is that your chosen name must be distinguishable from other registered business entities in Texas, especially for LLCs and corporations. This means avoiding names that are too similar to existing ones to prevent customer confusion and potential legal challenges. The Texas Secretary of State's database is the essential re

Ensure the name is legally distinguishable from existing Texas business entities.
Check name availability on the Texas Secretary of State's website.
Select a name that is memorable, relevant, and easy to communicate.
Verify availability of domain names and social media handles.
Avoid misleading terms and restricted words.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change a business name in Texas?: Processing times vary. Filing an amendment with the Texas Secretary of State for an LLC or corporation typically takes 2-5 business days for online filings and longer for mail. County filings for DBAs are usually processed within a few business days.
What is the cost to change my business name in Texas?: For LLCs and corporations, the filing fee for a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State is $150. For DBAs (Assumed Name Certificates), there's a county filing fee, typically ranging from $10 to $30, depending on the county.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business name in Texas?: No, you do not get a new EIN. However, you must notify the IRS of your business name change by sending a written notification with your old and new names, EIN, and effective date.
Can I use my old DBA name while waiting for the new one to be approved?: Yes, you can continue using your old DBA name until the new Assumed Name Certificate is officially filed and recorded by the county clerk. It's best to file the new certificate promptly.
What happens if I don't update my business name with all relevant agencies?: Failure to update can lead to legal complications, tax issues, problems with licensing renewals, and confusion for customers and partners. It's crucial to notify all relevant federal, state, and local authorities.

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