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Register Your Washington LLC in Texas

Step-by-step foreign qualification requirements, fees, and filing instructions for Washington LLCs expanding into Texas.

Cost Summary

Texas filing fee
$750
Washington Certificate of Existence
$20
Annual obligation in Texas
$0/year (report required, no fee)
Estimated year 1 total
$770
Note: Year 1 total includes the $750 filing fee in Texas plus the $20 Certificate of Existence fee from Washington. Registered agent fees (typically $100-$200/year) are not included.
Washington data verified Apr 18, 2026 · sos.wa.gov
Texas data verified Apr 18, 2026 · sos.texas.gov

How to register your Washington LLC in Texas

1

Check name availability in Texas

Before filing, verify that your LLC name (or a distinguishable variation) is available in Texas. If your exact name is already taken, you may need to register under a fictitious or assumed name.

Search Texas business names ↗
2

Get a Certificate of Existence from Washington

Texas requires a Certificate of Existence from Washington to prove your LLC is in good standing. The fee is $20. No expiration printed; WA requires foreign Certificate of Existence dated within 60 days for inbound foreign qualifications.

3

File the Application for Registration of Foreign LLC in Texas

Submit your application along with the Certificate of Existence and the $750 filing fee. Processing time is 5-7 business days. Expedited processing available for $25 (24-hour), $50 (4-hour). Online filing is available.

Texas filing portal ↗
4

Appoint a registered agent in Texas

You must designate a registered agent with a physical address in Texas to accept legal documents on behalf of your LLC. This is required as part of the foreign qualification application.

Ongoing compliance in Texas

Annual report
$0/year (report required, no fee)
Report due
May 15
Processing time
5-7 business days
Expedite
$25 (24-hour), $50 (4-hour)
Note: Texas has one of the highest qualification fees in the country at $750.

Important to know about Texas

  • $750 filing fee is among the highest in the country
  • Franchise tax filing is required even if no tax is owed
  • Certificate of Good Standing from home state must be dated within 90 days of filing

Activities that do NOT require registration in Texas

  • Maintaining or defending a lawsuit
  • Holding meetings of members or managers
  • Maintaining bank accounts
  • Selling through independent contractors
  • Soliciting orders by mail, telephone, or internet if accepted outside Texas
  • Conducting isolated transactions completed within 30 days

Per Texas Business Organizations Code Section 9.251.

Need a registered agent in Texas?

A registered agent is required for foreign qualification. These services operate in all 50 states.

Get Northwest Registered Agent ↗
Recommended · $125/year · Privacy included
Registered Agents Inc
$200/year · Includes annual report filing
Visit site ↗
Harbor Compliance
$99/year · Full-service compliance option
Visit site ↗

Not sure which service fits? Our full Northwest Registered Agent review and Harbor Compliance review cover pricing, renewal terms, and where each one fits.

Check your full compliance

Use our free tool to check if you need to register in additional states.

Start free compliance check ↗

This page provides general information based on publicly available state requirements. It is not legal advice. Verify all fees and requirements with the Texas Secretary of State before filing.