How to Start an LLC in North Dakota (2026)

From The Business Formation Podcast · 8:30

Show by The Business Formation Podcast

To start an LLC in North Dakota, you file Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State through the FirstStop portal, and pay $135. Every step for 2026, including the annual report due every November 15, and the three best ways to have it filed for you. The 3 best ways to file in North Dakota (2026) Mainstay Filing (our pick): $199/yr + state fee ($334 at checkout with North Dakota's $135 fee). Includes your Articles of Organization filed, your EIN application, your registered agent every year and your annual report filed. Renews at $199/yr. https://www.mainstayfiling.com/north-dakota/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-north-dakota ND Registered Agents.org: $199 + state fee ($334 at checkout). Prepares and files your Articles of Organization, with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.ndregisteredagents.org/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-north-dakota North Dakota Registered Agent.co: $199 + state fee ($334 at checkout). Forms your North Dakota LLC with the first year of registered agent service free, then $99/yr. https://www.northdakotaregisteredagent.co/llc/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=pod&utm_campaign=pod-llc-north-dakota Chapters 0:00 The short answer0:29 Step 1: Choose a name0:58 Step 2: Name a registered agent1:30 Step 3: File the Articles1:54 Step 4: Write an operating agreement2:15 Step 5: Get a free EIN2:40 Step 6: File the annual report3:10 What it costs3:42 The cost of a missed report4:11 Choosing your agent4:37 What the Articles need5:15 When the first report is due5:57 First-year checklist6:15 The 3 best ways to file in North Dakota7:34 Three years of service fees7:58 Recap North Dakota LLC facts (checked October 7, 2026) Filing: Articles of Organization with the North Dakota Secretary of State through the FirstStop portal: $135. The state issues a certificate of organization. No published processing time or expedite. Name: must contain "limited liability company," "LLC" or "L.L.C."; may not contain "corporation," "incorporated," "limited partnership" and similar terms; distinguishable on the records. Reservation: up to 1 year, $10. Registered agent: a commercial agent, or a noncommercial agent (a North Dakota resident, or a registered business with a North Dakota office), at a physical North Dakota address. The LLC can't be its own agent; get the agent's approval first. Change: $10. The Articles list the agent, the principal executive office and each organizer. Operating agreement: not filed. EIN: free from the IRS at IRS.gov. Annual report: by November 15 each year, starting the year after registration, $50 in FirstStop. Late: $50 fee and Not Good Standing; unfiled reports lead to involuntary termination; 1 year to reinstate (past-due report and fees plus a $135 reinstatement fee). No beneficial ownership (BOI) report for U.S. companies (FinCEN). Sources ND Secretary of State, limited liability company: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/business-structures/limited-liability-company-llc Register a business: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/register-business Registered agents: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/registered-agents Maintain registration: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/maintain-registration Start a business: https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/business-services/start-business NDCC ch. 10-32.1 (PDF): https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t10c32-1.pdf IRS, Get an EIN: https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/get-an-employer-identification-number FinCEN, BOI: https://www.fincen.gov/boi Company prices from each company's own page and checkout, October 7, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.

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