Form a Texas LLC (Free for Veterans)
Texas offers qualifying veterans a fee waiver for forming an LLC. The standard $300 filing fee can be waived by submitting three documents through the state's SOSUpload system. This guide walks you through the complete process from document preparation to approval.
Important Disclaimer
This page is informational and may change. Always confirm current requirements and deadlines on official Texas Secretary of State, Texas Comptroller, IRS, and FinCEN sites.
ABefore You Start
Required Documents
- Veteran Verification Letter (VVL) with unique code
- Texas Comptroller Form 05-904 (Certification of New Veteran-Owned Business)
- Form 205 (Certificate of Formation for LLC)
Critical Requirements
- →Business name must be EXACTLY the same across all three documents
- →Save documents as separate PDFs
- →Remove all instruction pages from PDFs before uploading
BHow to Get Your Veteran Verification Letter (VVL)
The VVL is issued by the Texas Veterans Commission and verifies your veteran status with an honorable discharge. It includes a unique identification code required for your filing.
Request Your VVL
- Visit the Texas Veterans Commission VVL page
- Connect with a business consultant to start your VVL request
- Upload your DD-214 (Member 4 or Service 2) showing honorable discharge status
- If your name changed since discharge, include supporting documentation (marriage certificate, etc.)
- A TVC consultant will verify your documents and issue your VVL with a unique code
Important: Request your VVL early—processing time varies. You'll need the VVL before filing your LLC documents.
CComplete Form 205 – Certificate of Formation
Form 205 officially creates your LLC with the Texas Secretary of State. This document defines your LLC's name, registered agent, governing authority, and organizer.
Download Form 205
Official Form 205 (PDF)Key Requirements
- •Business name must include "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company"
- •Name must match exactly on Form 205, Form 05-904, and SOSUpload
- •List a Texas registered agent (can be yourself or a paid service)
- •No PO Boxes for registered agent address
- •Most single-owner veteran businesses choose member-managed LLC
Before saving: Remove all instruction pages, sign and date the form, and save as a separate PDF (do not combine with other documents).
DComplete Form 05-904 – Veteran Business Certification
Form 05-904 certifies that your business is 100% veteran-owned and is required to waive the LLC filing fee and Texas franchise tax for eligible veterans.
Download Form 05-904
Official Form 05-904 (PDF)What You'll Need
- Exact legal business name (must match Form 205)
- Owner's printed name(s)
- VVL unique identifier code for each veteran owner
- Ownership percentage (must total 100%)
- Signature(s) of veteran owner(s)
Critical: Total veteran ownership must equal 100%. Each veteran owner must have their own VVL. If you are the sole owner, list 100% ownership.
EStep 1: Prepare Your Documents
FStep 2: Create/Access SOSDirect Account
You need a SOSDirect account for login credentials, but you MUST file through SOSUpload to use the veteran fee waiver path. SOSDirect is only for account creation and login—actual filing happens in SOSUpload.
Important: Filing directly through SOSDirect will NOT qualify for the fee waiver. You must use SOSUpload.
GStep 3: File via SOSUpload
Filing Settings
CRITICAL STEP
You MUST check the "Veteran-Owned Business" checkbox during the filing process. Missing this checkbox means you won't receive the fee waiver.
HStep 4: Upload Documents
Upload each document separately with the correct document type designation:
Document 1: Form 205
Document Type: Filing Document
Document 2: Form 05-904
Document Type: Form 05-904 (separate upload)
Document 3: VVL
Document Type: Letter of Verification
After uploading all three documents, click "Submit for Review" and save your Document Number for tracking.
IStep 5: Track Your Filing Status
Use the Texas Secretary of State Filing Status Tracker to monitor your submission. You'll need your Document Number from Step 4.
Track Filing StatusJAfter Approval: Next Steps
Once your LLC is approved, you'll need to complete these additional requirements:
1. Obtain an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Apply for your federal tax ID through the IRS. This is required for most LLCs and is free.
2. File BOI Report (Beneficial Ownership Information)
New LLCs must file beneficial ownership information with FinCEN under federal law. BOI rules and deadlines can change—check FinCEN for current requirements.
Important: BOI reporting requirements and deadlines are subject to change. Always verify the latest requirements on the official FinCEN website.
KCommon Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Filing through SOSDirect instead of SOSUpload
You must use SOSUpload to access the veteran fee waiver path.
- ✗Forgetting to check the veteran checkbox
Without this checkbox, you'll be charged the full filing fee.
- ✗Uploading instruction pages
Remove all instruction pages before converting to PDF.
- ✗Uploading combined PDFs instead of separate documents
Each document must be uploaded individually with the correct document type.
- ✗Name mismatch between Form 205 and Form 05-904
Business name must be identical across all documents—character for character.