How to Change a Business Name in Texas | Lovie — US Company Formation

Changing your business name in Texas is a common step for growing companies, rebranding efforts, or correcting initial filings. Whether you operate as a Limited Liability Company (LLC), Corporation, or a Sole Proprietorship using a Doing Business As (DBA) name, understanding the specific procedures is crucial to maintain compliance and ensure your business identity is legally recognized. This guide will walk you through the essential steps for updating your business name with the Texas Secretary of State and other relevant agencies, ensuring a smooth transition for your operations. It's important to note that the process can vary slightly depending on your business structure. An LLC or Corporation will typically involve amending its formation documents, while a DBA requires updating the assumed name certificate. Regardless of your structure, a thorough understanding of Texas business law and the filing requirements will prevent costly errors and potential legal complications. Lovie is here to assist you with these processes, making business formation and changes as straightforward as possible.

Understand How Your Business Structure Affects Name Changes in Texas

The first critical step in changing your business name in Texas is recognizing how your legal structure dictates the process. Texas classifies businesses primarily as LLCs, Corporations (including S-Corps and C-Corps), Partnerships, or Sole Proprietorships. Each has distinct requirements for name changes. For Texas LLCs and Corporations, the name is established when the entity is formed by filing a Certificate of Formation (for LLCs) or Articles of Incorporation (for Corporations) with the Texa

LLC and Corporation name changes require amending formation documents filed with the Texas Secretary of State.
Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships change DBA (Assumed) names by filing new certificates at the county level.
Understand the difference between a legal entity name and an assumed business name for accurate filing.
Keep track of filing fees, which vary by entity type and registration location.

Choosing and Verifying Your New Texas Business Name

Before you can officially change your business name, you need to select a new one and ensure it's available and compliant with Texas regulations. This step is critical for both legal entities and DBA users. For LLCs and Corporations registered in Texas, the Texas Secretary of State's office maintains a database of all registered business names. Your chosen name must be distinguishable from any other name already on file. You can perform a preliminary name availability search on the Texas Secret

Verify name availability with the Texas Secretary of State for LLCs and Corporations.
Check county clerk records for DBA (Assumed Name) availability.
Conduct trademark searches (USPTO) to prevent infringement.
Ensure the new name is distinguishable and compliant with Texas naming rules.

Filing the Necessary Documents in Texas

The core of changing your business name involves filing the correct paperwork with the appropriate Texas state or county agency. The document you file depends entirely on your business structure. For Texas LLCs and Corporations: You must file an 'Amendment to the Certificate of Formation' for an LLC or an 'Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation' for a corporation. These forms are filed with the Texas Secretary of State. The amendment form will require details such as the original filing dat

File an 'Amendment to Certificate of Formation' for LLCs or 'Amendment to Articles of Incorporation' for Corporations with the Texas Secretary of State.
Pay the $300 amendment filing fee to the Secretary of State.
Sole proprietors and partnerships file a new 'Assumed Name Certificate' at the county clerk's office for DBA changes.
File separate Assumed Name Certificates in each county where the business operates under the DBA.

Updating Other Registrations and Business Accounts

Changing your business name is more than just filing paperwork with the state or county. To ensure your business operates smoothly and remains compliant, you must update your business name across all relevant platforms and with various agencies. Internal Revenue Service (IRS): If your business is an LLC or Corporation, and you've legally changed your business's name by filing an amendment with the Texas Secretary of State, you generally do not need to obtain a new Employer Identification Number

Notify the IRS of your business name change, but generally, you do not need a new EIN.
Update your business name with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts for state tax purposes.
Inform your bank, update all licenses and permits, and review existing contracts.
Ensure consistency by updating your name across all online platforms and marketing materials.

Understanding Legal and Tax Implications of a Name Change

Changing your business name is more than a simple administrative task; it carries significant legal and tax implications that every business owner in Texas must understand. Ensuring these aspects are handled correctly is vital for maintaining legal standing and tax compliance. Legal Continuity: When you change the legal name of your LLC or Corporation by filing an amendment with the Texas Secretary of State, the entity itself continues to exist without interruption. The name change is a modific

Legal entity name changes (LLC/Corp) do not create a new business; existing obligations continue.
DBA name changes affect the alias, not the underlying legal structure or obligations.
Report name changes to the IRS and Texas Comptroller, but a new EIN is usually not required.
Consider amending existing contracts and updating trademark registrations for the new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to change a business name in Texas?: Changing an LLC or Corporation name in Texas typically takes 1-2 weeks for processing by the Secretary of State after filing the amendment. DBA name changes at the county level can often be processed within a few business days.
Do I need a new EIN if I change my business name in Texas?: Generally, no. If you are an LLC or Corporation and only changing your business name, your EIN remains the same. You must notify the IRS of the name change by writing it on your tax return.
What is the cost to change a business name in Texas?: For LLCs and Corporations, filing an amendment with the Texas Secretary of State costs $300. For DBA (Assumed Name) changes, county filing fees vary but are typically between $10-$50 per county.
Can I use my old business name after changing it?: Once you officially change your business name, you should cease using the old name for business operations to avoid confusion and ensure legal compliance. The old name is no longer your legal business identity.
What if my business name change is rejected by the Texas Secretary of State?: If your amendment is rejected, the Secretary of State's office will usually provide a reason. Review the reason, correct the filing errors, and resubmit the amendment. Common issues include name conflicts or incorrect form completion.

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