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How to form an LLC in North Dakota

File an Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Services. State filing fee $135.

Start my North Dakota LLC → Search names on the state site ↗

Due to form

$135

State filing fee

How to file

Online or by mail

Online FirstStop filings usually processed within a few business days.

Keeping it active

Annual Report

November 15 each year, starting the year after formation · $50

The steps in North Dakota

  1. 1

    Choose a name

    It must be distinguishable from other businesses on file and end with “Limited Liability Company”, “LLC”, “L.L.C.”. SOS makes final availability determination; similar name needs signed Consent to Use Business Name ($10). You can reserve a name first for $10 (optional).

  2. 2

    Appoint a registered agent

    ND registered agent with physical ND address; LLC cannot be its own agent; ND-resident individual may be noncommercial agent; agent must consent. The agent must agree to serve — LLCPros prepares a consent for them to sign.

  3. 3

    File the Articles of Organization

    File with the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Services. You can file online or by mail. Fee: $135.

  4. 4

    Sign an operating agreement

    Not filed with the state, and not required by North Dakota law, but banks and partners often ask for one. LLCPros prepares one from your answers.

  5. 5

    Get an EIN and keep up with reports

    Get a free Employer Identification Number from the IRS, open a business bank account, then file the Annual Report (november 15 each year, starting the year after formation).

Fees

Filing fee — Articles of Organization$135
Optional: name reservation$10
Later: Annual Report$50

$135 total registration fee; consent to use similar name $10.

State taxes to know about

No LLC franchise tax.

Questions about North Dakota LLCs

›How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Dakota?

The North Dakota filing fee for the Articles of Organization is $135. Optional expedited processing costs more.

›What document forms an LLC in North Dakota?

You file an Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State, Business Services.

›Does North Dakota require a registered agent?

Yes. ND registered agent with physical ND address; LLC cannot be its own agent; ND-resident individual may be noncommercial agent; agent must consent.

›Does a North Dakota LLC file an annual report?

Yes: the Annual Report, november 15 each year, starting the year after formation, fee $50.

Double-check with the state

We could not confirm these on an official North Dakota page when we last checked (November 12, 2026). Your filing plan lists them too.

  • When the annual (or biennial) report is due, and its fee
  • Expedited filing options and their fees
  • The link to the state’s business name search
  • The current filing fee and any service charge
  • The links to the online filing system and the state’s office
Self-help, not legal or tax advice. LLCPros is not a law firm, does not give legal or tax advice, and is not affiliated with any state or federal agency. We prepare documents from your answers and your state’s published rules; you file them and pay the state’s fees directly. Rules and fees change — check the official state links before filing, and talk to a lawyer or accountant about your situation.