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To register an out-of-state business in Montana, you typically need to register as a foreign LLC or corporation with the Montana Secretary of State. We’ll walk you through the process below.

You can also hire us to register your foreign business entity by clicking the button below. You’ll be done in just a few minutes!

Register a Foreign Business

How to Register a Foreign Business in Montana

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Determine the Type of Entity

The first step is to identify the type of business entity you’re registering in Montana (e.g., corporation, limited liability company (LLC), partnership, etc.). Different types of entities may have different registration requirements.

Check Name Availability

Your business name must be distinguishable from other registered businesses in Montana. You can check if your business name is available by searching the Montana Secretary of State’s Business Entity Database.

If your business name is already in use or too similar to another, you may need to use a different name, or register a DBA (“Doing Business As”).

Obtain a Registered Agent

Montana requires that all foreign entities (businesses formed in another state) have a registered agent in the state. This is someone who can accept legal documents and government notices on behalf of your business. The registered agent must have a physical address in Montana (not a P.O. Box).

If you’re planning to file the paperwork for registering your business, we respect that hands-on approach. You can always use this guide to register your foreign business and hire us for Montana registered agent service. Just click the button below and you’ll get the best value for premier registered agent service in Montana. And hey, if after hiring us you decide you want us to handle your foreign registration, you can always add that service through your secure online account!

Order Registered Agent Service
Just $49 a Year

Complete The application for certificate of authority

You’ll need to file an application to register your business as a foreign entity with the Montana Secretary of State (SOS). First, you’ll need to sign up for an online account with the Montana SOS. Then, you can file your application for the Certificate of Authority online by selecting the form that corresponds with your business entity.

  • For LLCs, this is the Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company.
  • For Corporations, it’s the Foreign Registration Statement for Foreign Profit Corporation.

Here’s the key information you’ll need to provide:

  • Your business’s name
  • The state or country where your business was originally formed
  • The date your company was initially started
  • Your Registered Agent’s name and address in Montana

How to File Your Certificate of Authority

Your Montana certificate of authority can be filed online, by mail, or in person. You’ll typically be asked to provide:

  1. Online:
  2. By Mail:
    • You can download the forms from the Secretary of State’s website, complete them, and mail them in. The address for mailing is provided on the forms.
    • Link: Montana Secretary of State Forms
  3. In-Person:
    • You can also file in person at the Secretary of State’s office if you’re in Montana.

Pay the Filing Fees

Fees for filing will vary depending on the type of business. As of the latest available information, here are some fees:

  • Foreign LLC: $70 for online filing.
  • Foreign Corporation: $70 for online filing.

If you file by mail, there may be a higher fee, and processing time can take longer.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain local (city or county) business licenses, state-level permits, or other certifications. This will depend on the type of business you plan to operate.

Maintain Compliance

After registration, you’ll need to keep your business compliant with Montana’s annual reporting requirements and any state tax obligations.

  • Annual Reports: In Montana, foreign entities must file an annual report, which is each year by April 15th. There is typically a $20 fee associated with the report, and failure to file can result in the dissolution of your business in Montana.
  • Taxes: Ensure you file and pay any necessary state taxes.

That’s the overview of how you can register your out-of-state business in Montana. If you’d rather skip the paperwork, our local filing specialists can take care of everything. It takes less than five minutes to order service and we’ll have your Certificate of Authority filed quickly and efficiently!

Let’s Register Your Business!

If you’re a foreigner, and looking for a Montana LLC, this is not the page for you.  A Montana Foreign LLC means you already have an LLC established somewhere and want to register it to do business in Montana. If you’re a foreign person wanting a new Montana LLC, please visit our Montana LLC page.