Short answer: File Certificate of Authority with the Montana Secretary of State for $70, and name a Montana registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the Montana Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Registering an out-of-state LLC in Montana
File Certificate of Authority with the Montana Secretary of State ($70). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a Montana registered agent.
A registered agent with a physical Montana street address is required. Both residents and authorized business entities qualify.
How Montana compares
Montana's foreign LLC registration fee is $70. That's the 4th lowest of 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so Montana comes in $80 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | $70 | 43 of 47 |
| Idaho | $100 | 33 of 47 |
| North Dakota | $135 | 25 of 47 |
| Wyoming | $150 | 19 of 47 |
| Nevada | $425 | 4 of 47 |
| South Dakota | $750 | 1 of 47 |
Montana fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $0 | annual, January 1 to April 15 |
| Certificate of Authority | $70 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: Montana questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in Montana?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in Montana (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the Montana Secretary of State.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in Montana?
$70 to file Certificate of Authority.
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in Montana?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in Montana. A registered agent with a physical Montana street address is required. Both residents and authorized business entities qualify.
Does a foreign LLC file the Montana annual report too?
Generally yes. Registered foreign LLCs usually carry the same Annual Report obligation. Confirm the foreign LLC fee with the state.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.