Short answer: File Certificate of Authority Application with the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration Unit for $135, and name a North Dakota registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration Unit'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 North Dakota
File Certificate of Authority Application with the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration Unit ($135). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a North Dakota registered agent.
Physical street address in the state required; PO box is insufficient.
How North Dakota compares
North Dakota's foreign LLC registration fee is $135. That's the 23rd lowest of 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so North Dakota comes in $15 under it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $135 | 25 of 47 |
| Minnesota | $205 | 16 of 47 |
| Montana | $70 | 43 of 47 |
| South Dakota | $750 | 1 of 47 |
| Iowa | $100 | 33 of 47 |
| Wyoming | $150 | 19 of 47 |
North Dakota fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $50 | annual, November 15 |
| Certificate of Authority Application | $135 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: North Dakota questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in North Dakota?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in North Dakota (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Registration Unit.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in North Dakota?
$135 to file Certificate of Authority Application.
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in North Dakota?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in North Dakota. Physical street address in the state required; PO box is insufficient.
Does a foreign LLC file the North Dakota 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.