Filing a Texas LLC Online via SOSDirect

The fastest way to form your Texas LLC is filing online through SOSDirect, the Texas Secretary of State's electronic filing portal. Online filings are processed in 5-7 business days — significantly faster than mail submissions. This page walks through the exact online filing process. For the overall formation guide, see How to Form a Texas LLC.

About SOSDirect

SOSDirect (https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/) is the Texas Secretary of State's official online business filing system. It handles:

• Entity formation filings (LLCs, corporations, LPs)
• Name availability searches
• Name reservations
• Amendments and other post-formation filings
• Document retrieval and certified copies
• Annual report submissions

SOSDirect accepts credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers for payment. You need to create a free account to file, though searching is available without an account.

Step-by-Step Online Filing Process

1. Create a SOSDirect Account

• Go to https://direct.sos.state.tx.us/
• Click "Sign Up" or "Create Account"
• Provide your name, email, and create a password
• Verify your email address

2. Start a New LLC Filing

• Log in to SOSDirect
• Navigate to "Business Formations" or "File a Document"
• Select "Formation of a Domestic Limited Liability Company"
• The system presents Form 205 (Certificate of Formation) in an online interface

3. Complete the Formation Fields

Entity Information:

• Entity name (must include LLC designator and be distinguishable from existing entities)
• Whether the duration is perpetual or a specific term

Registered Agent:

• Agent name (individual or company)
• Agent street address in Texas (no PO boxes)
• Agent consent acknowledgment

Management and Governing Authority:

• Select member-managed or manager-managed
• Provide names and addresses of all initial managers (if manager-managed) or members (if member-managed)

Purpose and Supplemental Provisions:

• Purpose statement (typically "the transaction of any or all lawful business for which limited liability companies may be organized under the Texas Business Organizations Code")
• Optional supplemental provisions (Series LLC language, professional LLC designations, etc.)

Organizer:

• Name and address of the person submitting the filing

Effective Date:

• Filing date (immediate upon SOS processing) or a future date up to 90 days out

4. Pay the Filing Fee

• Fee: $300 (non-refundable)
• Payment methods: credit card, debit card, or SOSDirect prepaid account
• You can pre-fund your SOSDirect account via ACH for faster processing on future filings

5. Submit and Confirm

• Review all entered information carefully before submitting
• Click submit — you will receive an electronic confirmation number
• The filing enters the SOS processing queue
• Standard processing: 5-7 business days

6. Check Filing Status

• Log back into SOSDirect
• Navigate to "Document Tracking" or check your filing history
• Status will show "pending," "filed," or "rejected"
• Once filed, the Certificate of Formation appears in the SOS public database

Online vs. Mail Filing Comparison

Tips for Smooth Online Filing

1. Have your registered agent's consent before filing — you are certifying they agreed to serve
2. Decide on management structure in advance — member-managed is standard for owner-operated businesses
3. Prepare all manager/member names and addresses — you cannot save and return to a partially completed filing
4. Use a modern browser — SOSDirect works best in Chrome or Firefox
5. Save your confirmation number — this is your receipt and tracking reference
6. Do not use a VPN — SOSDirect may block some VPN connections during payment processing

After Your Online Filing Is Approved

Once the Secretary of State processes and files your Certificate of Formation:

1. Download your filed certificate from SOSDirect (available in your account)
2. Draft your operating agreement
3. Apply for your EIN
4. Open a business bank account
5. Mark your calendar for May 15 — your first Franchise Tax Report deadline

FAQ

Is SOSDirect available 24/7?

The search functions are available around the clock. Filing submissions are processed during SOS business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm Central). Filings submitted outside business hours enter the queue for the next business day.

What if I make an error on my online filing?

If you catch an error before the SOS processes the filing, you may be able to contact them to withdraw it — but the $300 fee is still non-refundable. If the error is caught during processing, the SOS may reject the filing and notify you of the issue. For errors discovered after filing, you will need to file a Certificate of Amendment (Form 424, $150 fee).

Can I expedite my online filing?

The SOS offers expedited processing for additional fees, though availability and pricing vary. Check the SOSDirect portal for current expedited options. Standard processing is 5-7 business days.

Do I receive a physical certificate?

SOSDirect provides an electronic copy of your filed Certificate of Formation. If you want a physical certified copy, you can order one through SOSDirect for $15.