Texas (TX) Secretary of State (SOS) LLC & Business Search - Switch On Business (2024)

The Texas Secretary of State manages an Online Business Service database called SOSDirect that holds business information which includes business entity information, trademark and service mark registrations.

This database is a restricted database which is not openly available like many other state databases.

The Texas SOSDirect Online Business Service is designed to assist businesses in:

• Accessing information that is stored by the Office of the Secretary of State
• File business formation documents
• Order certified or plain copies of documents
• File UCCs
• Search for business entities
• Check name availability
• Reserve entity names
• Validate certificates
• Find forms

However, to use these services you will need to have an account with them and some of these services are chargeable, such as a $1 statutorily authorized fee is charged for each online search and filing of UCC documents costs $5.

You can access their public information specialists who can conduct a computer database search on your behalf either by:

• Telephone by calling (512) 463-5555 and there is no fee
• Facsimile on (512) 463-5709 which is charged at $5 per entity
• Email corpinfo@sos.texas.gov and there is no fee
• Mail to Corporations Section, Secretary of State, PO Box 13697, Austin, Texas 78711-3697 which is charged at $5 per entity
• Online at SOSDirect which is charged at $1 per search but an account is needed

Contact details

Website: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/

Phone: (512) 463-5555

Address: PO Box 13697, Austin, TX 78711-3697

Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am-5.00pm

Email: corpinfo@sos.texas.gov

How to register a business in Texas?

If you are setting up a business in Texas then you will need to register your business before you start operating. The below steps can help you to register your business:

1. The first step is to choose your business name and it is advisable to check the business name availability. You can do a free name availability search with the Texas Secretary of State by contacting them on (512) 463-5555 or email them at corpinfo@sos.texas.gov.
2. The next step is to decide what business structure you will be operating under so that you register your business as the right type.
3. After you have completed the first two steps you can then register your business. It will depend on your business structure where and how you will register your business:
   • Sole proprietorships and general partnerships need to register and file their business name with their local city or county clerk’s office.
   • Limited companies/partnerships and corporations need to register with the Secretary of State by filing a certificate of formation using SOSDirect.

How much does a Texas business entity search cost?

Texas Secretary of State charges for some of its business entity searches and the cost varies depending on the search method. Telephone and email searches are free, online searches cost $1 per search, facsimile and mail searches cost $5 per entity.

How can I get a business license in Texas?

There isn’t a general statewide business license in Texas but there are licenses, permits and certifications that businesses will be required to have before they start to operate. Some of these licenses, permits and certifications will be state level and others will be local or federal level. Texas has compiled a comprehensive guide of licenses to assist businesses who operate in Texas which is called the 2024-2025 Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide. Support is also available from the Texas Economic Development & Tourism’s Business Permit Office.