Starting an LLC in North Dakota — Costs, Steps, and Requirements

A North Dakota LLC costs $135 to form, takes 5 to 10 business days to process, and requires a registered agent from day one. Annual maintenance is minimal at $50/year for reports. Below is every step and cost you will encounter.

Why Choose an LLC

A limited liability company creates a legal barrier between your personal assets and business obligations. Creditors and lawsuits target the LLC, not your personal bank account, home, or retirement savings (provided you maintain proper separation).

North Dakota LLCs offer pass-through taxation by default, flexible management structures, and minimal governance requirements compared to corporations. They are the most common entity type for small businesses, real estate investors, and independent professionals in the state.

Cost Breakdown

• State filing fee: $135 (Articles of Organization, paid to ND Secretary of State)
• Registered agent: $99/year (required — we provide this)
• Annual report: $50/year (due November 15)
• EIN from IRS: Free

Total first-year cost with our service: $284 (formation + agent + first annual report)

Step-by-Step Formation

1. Choose a Compliant Name

Include "Limited Liability Company," "LLC," or "L.L.C." in the name. It must be distinguishable from existing entities on file with the ND Secretary of State. Search their database before committing.

2. Appoint a Registered Agent

North Dakota requires a registered agent with a physical in-state address. Your entity cannot serve as its own agent. An individual agent must be an ND resident. A business entity agent must be registered, in good standing, and maintain an ND office.

We serve as your registered agent for $99/year. Our address goes on your formation documents, keeping your personal address private.

3. File Articles of Organization

Submit to the ND Secretary of State at sos.nd.gov with the $135 fee. The filing includes your LLC name, principal address, registered agent details, management structure, and organizer names.

Processing takes approximately 5 to 10 business days.

4. Create an Operating Agreement

Not filed with the state, but critical for your business. Governs ownership, profit sharing, decision-making, and member departures. Banks and courts will ask for it. Without one, North Dakota default rules apply.

5. Obtain an EIN

Apply free at IRS.gov. Takes about 10 minutes. Required for business bank accounts, hiring, and tax filings. Never pay a third party for this.

6. Maintain Compliance

After formation:

• Keep a registered agent active at all times
• File annual reports by November 15 each year ($50)
• Maintain separate business and personal finances
• Meet state and federal tax obligations

The Registered Agent Requirement

Every ND LLC needs a registered agent — no exceptions. The address you designate becomes public record. If that is your home, your home address is searchable through state databases.

North Dakota Registered Agent.co provides our physical address for your filings, scans and forwards all documents same-day, and sends compliance reminders for the November 15 deadline. $99/year covers everything.

Key Questions

How much to form? $135 state fee + $99 agent = $234 at formation.

Processing time? 5 to 10 business days standard.

Annual report? $50 due November 15 each year. $50 late fee if missed.

Can non-residents form an ND LLC? Yes. You need a registered agent with a physical ND address, which we provide.

Form Your LLC with Us as Agent

List North Dakota Registered Agent.co on your formation documents. Ready to receive documents from day one. $99/year, no hidden fees.

Start Now — $99/yr