Texas Collection Agency License Guide

In Texas, any entity acting as third-party debt collector or a credit bureau is required to file a Collection Agency Bond application with the state.

Third-party debt collectors include entities that engage in debt collection and/or sell collection system, device, or scheme forms. Attorneys fall under this definition only if they have non-attorney employees who regularly solicit collection debts or contact debtors for collection purposes.

The Texas Secretary of State is responsible for regulating debt collection activity in the state, as well as reviewing Third Party Debt Collector Bond applications.

You can find all applicable forms on the Statutory Documents Forms page via the TX Secretary of State.

• Third Party Debt Collector Surety Bond application form available here .

Note : As document links are updated regularly, they may have expired. If you have trouble accessing the form, please go directly to the Statutory Documents Forms page .

To engage in the debt collection business, all third party debt collector applicants are required to file a completed and signed Surety Bond application form. You will be required to provide the following:

• Principal Information : The applicant must provide their full name and address on the application form.

• Surety Company Information : State the name of your surety company, as well as the bond number.

All third party debt collectors in Texas are required to provide and maintain a surety bond. Please note that the bond must be furnished by a surety company authorized to conduct business in the state.

• Bond Amount : $10,000

In Texas, there are no filing fee requirements for Third Party Debt Collector Bond applicants.

Your completed bond application can be delivered to one of the following addresses:

In-Person Delivery Address:
James Earl Rudder Office Building
1019 Brazos, 1st Floor
Austin, Texas 78701

Mailing Address:
Registration Unit
P.O. Box 13193
Austin, Texas 78711-3139

For further information or assistance with the Third Party Debt Collector Surety Bond application, you may contact the TX SOS Registration Unit at (512) 475-0775 or [email protected].