How Much Does It Cost to Start an LLC in North Dakota?
The cost to start an LLC (limited liability company) online in North Dakota is $135. This fee is paid to the North Dakota Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.
We recommend Northwest ($29 + State Fees) to help form your LLC.

How Much Does an LLC Cost in North Dakota?
North Dakota LLC Online Filing Fee: $135
The main cost to start an LLC in North Dakota is the $135 fee to file your LLC's Articles of Organization online with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
For a look at LLC costs in every state, read our other Cost to Start an LLC and How to Form an LLC guides.
Cost to Form a Foreign LLC in North Dakota
If you already have an LLC that is registered in another state and you’d like to expand your business into North Dakota, you’ll need to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in North Dakota.
The cost for registering a North Dakota foreign LLC is $135. You can register a foreign LLC in North Dakota by filing a Certificate of Authority Application.
Optional LLC Formation Costs
There are optional fees associated with LLC formation:
LLC Name Reservation
Reserve your name for up to 12 months prior to LLC formation by filing a Reserved Name Application and paying the $10 filing fee.
Trade Name
File a Trade Name Registration and pay the $25 filing fee to create a name other than your legal LLC business name.
Ready to Start Your North Dakota LLC?
Read our top LLC formation services review to choose the right service for you.
North Dakota LLC Ongoing Fees
Maintaining a limited liability company (LLC) in North Dakota involves ongoing costs that should be considered when managing your LLC's finances.
Understanding these expenses will help you plan your budget and ensure the financial stability of your LLC. Here are the primary ongoing fees for a North Dakota LLC:
- Registered Agent Fee: North Dakota requires every LLC to have a registered agent. The registered agent serves as the official point of contact for legal documents and official correspondence on behalf of the LLC. There is no ongoing fee associated with the Registered Agent role unless you choose to hire a registered agent service.
- Annual Report: LLCs in North Dakota are required to file an annual report. The annual report fee is $75.
North Dakota does not have any additional specific state compliance fees for LLCs. However, there may be other applicable fees based on your LLC's specific operations, industry, and location within the state.
How to Register a North Dakota LLC Yourself
Setting up your own LLC in North Dakota is a straightforward process. By carefully following the steps outlined below, you can easily register your North Dakota LLC.
Recommended: Using an LLC formation service like Northwest ($29 + State Fees) saves time and ensures compliance. Besides the low cost, we like their streamlined approach and excellent customer service.
Seven Basic Steps to Start an LLC in North Dakota
Step 1: Name Your North Dakota LLC
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
Step 5: Get an EIN
Step 6: File the Annual Report
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant
Step 1: Name Your North Dakota LLC
When you name your North Dakota LLC, you’ll need to choose a name that:
- Is available for use in the state of North Dakota
- Meets North Dakota naming requirements
- Is available as a web domain
Recommended: Visit our Start an LLC in North Dakota guide for detailed naming rules and instructions for registering a business name in North Dakota.
Not sure what to name your business? Check out our How to Name a Business guide and free LLC Name Generator.
We recommend that you check online to see if your business name is available as a web domain. Even if you don't plan to create a business website today, you may want to buy the URL in order to prevent others from acquiring it.
Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
All LLCs in North Dakota must appoint a registered agent. A registered agent primarily acts as your LLC’s main point of contact with the state. But most importantly, they are responsible for accepting service of process in the event your business is sued.
Your North Dakota registered agent must:
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Have a physical address in North Dakota
- Be available during normal business hours to accept service of process
Recommended: Get a free year of registered agent services when you hire Northwest to form your LLC. $29 (plus state fees).
Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
The North Dakota Articles of Organization is a document that is filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State to form an LLC. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $135 online.
For detailed instructions for completing the Articles of Organization, visit our How to File the North Dakota Articles of Organization guide.
File the North Dakota Articles of Organization
File Online With North Dakota FirstStop
State Filing Cost: $135, payable to the Secretary of State
Step 4: Create an Operating Agreement
An operating agreement isn't required for North Dakota LLCs, but it's a good practice to have one.
What is an operating agreement? An operating agreement is a legal document outlining the ownership and operating procedures of an LLC.
Why are operating agreements important? A comprehensive operating agreement ensures that all business owners are on the same page and reduces the risk of future conflict.
For more information on operating agreements, read our North Dakota LLC operating agreement guide.
Step 5: Get an EIN
What is an EIN? An EIN or Employer Identification Number is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue System (IRS) to identify a business for tax reporting purposes. An EIN is essentially a Social Security number (SSN) for your company.
Why do I need an EIN? An EIN number is required for the following:
- Opening a business bank account
- Hiring employees
Free EIN: You can get an EIN from the IRS website (free of charge) after forming your business.
Step 6: File the Annual Report
North Dakota requires LLCs to file an annual report with the Secretary of State. This must be done online by November 15 each year. The first annual report is due the year following LLC formation.
North Dakota charges a $50 penalty for failure to file on time. In addition, North Dakota can revoke an LLC’s business registration after 6 months for failure to file an annual report.
Step 7: Keep Your Company Compliant
Keeping your North Dakota LLC compliant involves several steps, including obtaining the correct business permits and licenses, understanding and fulfilling tax requirements, and following legal hiring practices.
Here's a summary:
- Secure necessary business licenses and permits. These depend on your business type and location. Refer to our North Dakota Business License guide, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) guide, and North Dakota's New Business Registration Licensing Information resource for more details.
- Stay updated on North Dakota LLC tax requirements. If you sell physical goods, you’ll typically need to register for a seller's permit through the North Dakota Taxpayer Access Point website. If you have employees, register for Unemployment Insurance Tax and Employee Withholding Tax.
- Fulfill federal tax obligations. Most LLCs will need to report their income to the IRS each year.
- If you're hiring employees, make sure to:
- Verify their eligibility to work in the US.
- Report them as "new hires" to the state.
- Provide workers' compensation insurance.
- Withhold employee taxes.
- Display workplace compliance posters in your workspace.
For more information, visit the State of North Dakota website. Our Hiring for your Small Business Guide also offers useful resources like sample job descriptions and payroll service reviews.
Steps After LLC Formation
Read all the steps you’ll need to maintain your LLC’s personal liability protection, open a business bank account, get business insurance, and stay up to date with state reporting requirements.
Visit our After Forming an LLC guide to learn more.
North Dakota LLC Cost FAQ
What are the costs involved in forming an LLC in North Dakota?
To establish an LLC in North Dakota, a $135 fee is required to file the Articles of Organization. This fee does not include other potential costs, such as those for hiring a registered agent or registering a trade name or fictitious name.
What is the process of filing the Articles of Organization in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, the Articles of Organization are filed with the Secretary of State to officially register your LLC. This process can be completed online. The fee for filing the Articles of Organization is $135.
Is a registered agent necessary for my LLC in North Dakota?
Yes, it's required to have a registered agent for your LLC in North Dakota. A registered agent is responsible for receiving and managing significant legal and tax documents on behalf of your LLC. They play a crucial part in ensuring your business complies with state law.
How do I register a trade or fictitious name for my LLC in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, your LLC can operate under a trade name or fictitious name, which is different from the official name registered with the state. This can be beneficial for your branding or operating strategies.
What are the requirements for the annual report for an LLC in North Dakota?
North Dakota requires LLCs to file an annual report to keep the state informed about important information regarding your business. The filing fee for the annual report in North Dakota is $50.
What are the advantages of using an LLC formation service in North Dakota?
An LLC formation service can make setting up an LLC in North Dakota much easier. They manage the paperwork, offer registered agent services, and ensure you meet all state compliance requirements. By using such services, you can save valuable time and focus more on other crucial aspects of launching and running your business.
How can I check if my desired LLC name is available in North Dakota?
You can check the availability of your desired LLC name in North Dakota using the Business Search tool provided by the state. This ensures that your chosen name is not already being used by another business entity in the state.
What is a Certificate of Good Standing, and why might I need one in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, a Certificate of Good Standing is a document that validates your LLC's correct registration and its good standing with the state. This certificate might be needed for situations such as applying for business loans, negotiating contracts, or registering your business in other states.
Article Sources
North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner:
https://www.tax.nd.gov
IRS - Employer ID Numbers:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employer-id-numbers
North Dakota Secretary of State
https://firststop.sos.nd.gov/
SBA - Apply for licenses and permits
https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/apply-licenses-permits
Chamber of Commerce - North Dakota Chamber of Commerce List
https://www.officialusa.com/stateguides/chambers/northdakota.html