Short answer: File Application for Certificate of Authority with the South Dakota Secretary of State for $750, and name a South Dakota registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the South Dakota 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 South Dakota
File Application for Certificate of Authority with the South Dakota Secretary of State ($750). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a South Dakota registered agent.
Physical South Dakota address (no PO boxes) required. Individual resident or commercial entity can serve.
How South Dakota compares
South Dakota's foreign LLC registration fee is $750. That's the highest of the 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so South Dakota runs $600 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | $750 | 1 of 47 |
| Iowa | $100 | 33 of 47 |
| Nebraska | Varies | Not confirmed |
| North Dakota | $135 | 25 of 47 |
| Wyoming | $150 | 19 of 47 |
| Colorado | $100 | 33 of 47 |
South Dakota fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Report | $55 | annual, First day of the LLC's anniversary month |
| Application for Certificate of Authority | $750 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: South Dakota questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in South Dakota?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in South Dakota (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the South Dakota Secretary of State.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in South Dakota?
$750 to file Application for Certificate of Authority.
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in South Dakota?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in South Dakota. Physical South Dakota address (no PO boxes) required. Individual resident or commercial entity can serve.
Does a foreign LLC file the South 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.