Opening a business in Texas: state licenses, permits and registrations
The 9 state-level filings in Texas, and full guides for 6 cities there. The fixed government fees add up to about $1,075, 3 fees are set by the space or the business and 3 filings are free.
Fees and timelines at a glance
| Filing | Agency | Government fee | How long | Renews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Formation (Texas LLC) | Texas Secretary of State | $300 | No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days. | Not listed |
| Application for Registration of a Foreign LLC | Texas Secretary of State | $750 | No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days. | Not listed |
| Assumed Name Certificate (DBA) | Texas Secretary of State | $25 | No standard time published; paid expedited service typically takes 2 to 3 business days. | Valid up to 10 years. |
| Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit Application | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | Free | Permit arrives in about 2 to 3 weeks. | Does not expire. |
| Certified food manager | Texas Department of State Health Services | Varies | DSHS doesn't issue the certificate itself; the accredited exam provider issues it as soon as you pass the exam. | Every 5 years. |
| Food handler certificates for staff | Texas Department of State Health Services | Varies | Each food employee must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of being hired; the training provider issues the card. | Valid to the date on the card, or 2 years if none. |
| Unemployment tax account | Texas Workforce Commission | Free | Account number issued instantly online. | Not listed |
| Texas alcohol permit (beer and wine: BG) | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission | Varies | Not listed | Not listed |
| Franchise tax annual report | Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts | Free | The Comptroller doesn't publish a processing time for the report; the annual franchise tax report is due May 15 (next business day if it falls on a weekend or holiday). | Every year by May 15. |
City guides in Texas
Every filing links to the agency's own page, and every fact comes from an official form or agency page. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file. How we source and check these guides
Was this page helpful?
Get the plan for your exact address
This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
- The full list for your address, in filing order
- The official forms, filled line by line
- Renewal and inspection reminders