Election Outlook: Election Outlook: Secretary Hughs Marks National Voter Registration Day, Urges All Eligible Texans To Register To Vote By October 5th | Monday, October 5, 2020 is the last day to register to vote for the November 3, 2020 Uniform Election | More about Identification Requirements for Voting | What’s on the Ballot? | Am I Registered to Vote? | Election Results | Voter Information | Voting Issues for Texas Evacuees Due to Natural Disasters | Texas Election Security Update

COVID-19 - As recommended precautions continue to increase for COVID-19, the James E. Rudder Building will be closed to visitors and customers beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020. The Office of the Secretary of State is committed to continuing to provide services to ensure business and public filings remain available 24/7 through our online business service, SOSDirect or use the new SOSUpload. Thank you in advance for your patience during this difficult time. Information on Testing Sites is now available.

Online Searching and Filing

Guides and Resources

Start-Up Guides and Resources

Texas.gov: The award-winning official eGovernment website for the State of Texas, providing citizens, local government, and state agencies with a single, secure structure to conduct business online.
Texas Hospitality for Small Business Owners: Information provided by the Texas Economic Development Division within the Governor's Office, includes information on business structure, EINs, business taxes, and employer requirements.
The Governor's Office Small Business Handbook (PDF): A start-up guide for small businesses provided by the Texas Economic Development Division within the Governor's Office.
Small Business | USA.gov: An official site of the U.S. Government that provides access to federal, state, and local information for small business owners.
Starting & Managing Your Business: Guides provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration for every stage of business.

Small Business Resources

U.S. Small Business Administration: The SBA provides programs and services for small businesses and partners in a network of local small business development centers.
Search for Your Local Small Business Development Center
Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE): Mentoring and other assistance to small businesses through partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Other City and County Resources
Corporate Filing Offices in other States
Lawyer Referral Service of Central Texas

Permits and Licenses

Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights

Securities Issues

Other Resources

Business Identity Theft: Information concerning business identity theft and strategies to employ if you think you may be a victim.