Starting October 1st, Texas businesses can get critical corporate documents processed by the end of the same business day – if they’re willing to pay $750 on top of regular filing fees. Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced “Texas Express,” a three-tier system of expedited services that promises to help companies “move at the pace of today’s economy.”
For businesses closing million-dollar deals or racing against regulatory deadlines, that $750 same-day service could be a bargain. For smaller companies, it might feel like highway robbery. Here’s what you need to know about whether Texas Express is worth your money.
The Three Speed Options
Same-Day Service ($750 + filing fees) – Filings received by noon get processed by close of business the same day. Available only for in-person delivery or courier service.
Next-Day Service ($500 + filing fees) – Filings received by noon get processed by close of business the next day. Also requires in-person or courier delivery.
Standard Expedited ($50 + filing fees) – Documents get processed before regular submissions, typically within 2-3 business days. Available for mail and in-person filings.
What You Can Actually Speed Up
The premium same-day and next-day services initially cover only five document types:
- Certificate of Conversion
- Certificate of Merger
- Certificate of Amendment (domestic entities)
- Restated Certificate of Formation (domestic entities)
- Certificate of Validation (domestic corporations)
Secretary Nelson emphasized that additional filing types will become eligible in 2026, but for now, you’re limited to these high-stakes corporate restructuring documents.
When That $750 Fee Makes Perfect Sense
“As a former business owner, I know firsthand how important it is to have timely filings when you are closing a deal or pursuing a new opportunity,” said Secretary Nelson. “Texas Express will give businesses the certainty they need to move forward quickly and confidently.”
For major business transactions, $750 can be pocket change compared to what’s at stake. Consider these scenarios:
Corporate Mergers – When two companies are merging and need regulatory approval by a specific date, a $750 fee to ensure same-day processing could save millions in delayed deals.
Emergency Restructuring – If a company needs to convert its structure to meet investor requirements or compliance deadlines, same-day service eliminates the risk of missing critical windows.
Contract Deadlines – Some business agreements require specific corporate actions to be completed by exact dates, making guaranteed same-day processing invaluable.
The Current Reality: Weeks of Waiting
Right now, even expedited business filings in Texas can take 12 to 14 business days according to business formation attorneys. “Due to the volume of documents received by the Texas Secretary of State, even expedited requests take 12 to 14 business days. As a result, you should expect the formation of an entity to take around three weeks,” notes one Houston business law firm.
Standard LLC formation through the state’s online system typically takes 5-7 business days, but can stretch to 40 days during busy periods. For businesses that can’t wait weeks for approval, Texas Express represents a dramatic improvement.
The Lawyer’s Perspective
Business attorneys have mixed reactions to the new pricing structure. On one hand, they appreciate having reliable timeline options for clients facing urgent deadlines. “An experienced business formation attorney can ensure that the certificate is filed correctly the first time, preventing further delays,” one attorney notes, highlighting how professional preparation becomes even more crucial when paying premium fees.
However, the $750 same-day fee does put premium speed out of reach for smaller businesses. As one business formation expert who compared attorney costs to online services noted: “I paid $600 plus a $50 state fee to the lawyer in his office… That same lawyer today probably charges $900 for these 10 minutes of work.”
When attorney fees already run $600-900 for business formation, adding another $750 for same-day processing pushes the total cost well over $1,500 for urgent filings.
Who Should Use Each Tier
Same-Day ($750): Large corporations, private equity deals, emergency compliance situations, or any business where delays could cost more than the fee.
Next-Day ($500): Mid-size companies with important but slightly less urgent deadlines, or businesses that want premium speed without maximum cost.
Standard Expedited ($50): Small businesses, startups, or routine filings where 2-3 days is acceptable and the modest fee provides worthwhile peace of mind.
The Preclearance Advantage
Secretary Nelson’s office “highly encourages” preclearance for same-day and next-day filings. For $50, the state will review your documents in advance to ensure they’ll be approved when you submit for final processing. Given the premium fees for express service, that $50 preclearance becomes essential insurance against rejection and wasted expedite fees.
Smart Money Moves
If you’re considering Texas Express, here’s how to maximize value:
- Use preclearance religiously – That $50 review could save you from losing $750 on a rejected same-day filing
- Submit before noon – Miss the deadline and your premium service gets delayed a full day
- Have courier service ready – Same-day and next-day require in-person delivery, so factor in courier costs
- Bundle related documents – The fee applies per document, so consolidate when possible
The Bottom Line
“Whether you are running a Fortune 100 company or starting your first small business, our office is committed to providing efficient, reliable service,” Secretary Nelson said. The three-tier pricing structure reflects that reality – Fortune 100 companies can afford same-day service when deals are on the line, while small businesses get meaningful speed improvements for $50.
Texas Express represents the state’s recognition that business moves faster than government traditionally has. For companies where time literally equals money, these new options provide certainty that’s been missing from the business formation process.
Whether it’s worth the cost depends entirely on what those extra days or weeks of waiting might cost your business. For some companies, $750 for same-day service will be the best money they ever spent. For others, the standard expedited option at $50 will provide all the speed they need.
Starting October 1st, Texas businesses finally get to choose their own pace – and pay accordingly.
