Montana Certificate of Authority
If you own an LLC outside of Montana and plan to do business here, you will need to register your Limited Liability Company as a foreign LLC. This requires you to submit an Application for a Certificate of Authority to the Montana Secretary of State and pay $70 in state fees. Our step-by-step guide below will show you how to register your Foreign LLC yourself.
Or, avoid the hassle and hire us to register your foreign LLC for you. We are committed to making sure you get started on the right foot.
4 Steps To Register a Foreign LLC
1. Check Name Availability
Before doing anything, you’ll want to first check the availability of your LLC’s name in Montana by using the state’s Business Search tool. Your LLC’s name must comply with Montana’s naming rules. If the name is too similar to another or is already taken, then you may want to choose a different name or file as a DBA (Doing Business As).
2. Appoint a Montana Registered Agent
The state of Montana requires all corporations and LLCs (including foreign LLCs) to have a registered agent. Before you appoint a registered agent, make sure that person or entity meets the state of Montana’s requirements:
- Open during normal business hours (9AM – 5PM)
- Available to receive important documents and other legal correspondence
- Has a physical address in Montana
You can always hire us to be your registered agent for your foreign LLC. Hiring us will get you affordable and reliable service.
3. Complete The Application for Certificate Of Authority
To get started, you’ll need to go to the Montana Forms page on the Secretary of State website and click on Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company. You’ll be asked to create an account, then you can complete the application online.
The following information will be needed to complete Montana’s Certificate of Authority of Foreign Limited Liability Company:
• The name of your LLC
• The state or country where your LLC was originally formed
• The date your company initially started
• The name of your registered agent and address in Montana
• The signature, phone number, and email of an authorized LLC member or manager
Once you have completed the Certificate of Authority application, submit your application and pay the $70 filing fee.
Note: Montana requires that the Certificate of Authority of Foreign Application be completed online.
4. Obtain Your Certificate of Authority
Once approved, you will be notified by Montana’s Secretary of State by email with instructions to retrieve your documents from the state’s online portal. You will have the choice of saving your documents digitally or printing them for your physical records.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I register my business as a foreign LLC in Montana?
If your LLC is considered to be “transacting business” in Montana, then you are required to register as a foreign LLC. Transacting businesses can include having a physical office in the state or earning revenue in Montana.
Can I file my Montana Foreign LLC application in person or by mail?
No. Montana Secretary of State requires that the application for a Certificate of Authority must be completed online via the Secretary of State online portal.
Is a Certificate of Good standing from my home state required for registering a Foreign LLC in Montana?
No, The state of Montana does not require a certificate of good standing from your home state to successfully register your foreign LLC in Montana.
Do I need a Montana business license to register my foreign LLC?
No. You do not need a business license to register a Foreign LLC in Montana. When you register a foreign LLC it is with the Montana Secretary of State. Although a business license is not required to register as a Foreign LLC, you may need a business license depending on the local county or city you will be doing business in.
How much does it cost to file the Certificate of Authority for Foreign LLCs in Montana?
The standard cost to file the Certificate of Authority for a Foreign LLC is $70.
You can avoid the hassle and hire us for $100 plus the state filling fee and we can file it for you.
How long does it take for the Montana Secretary of State to process my Foreign LLC filing?
Typically your Montana Foreign LLC filing can get approved within 7-10 business days. Montana also offers two other options:
• 24-Hour processing (one business day): $90.00
• One-hour processing (one business hour): $170.00
Note: Montana’s Secretary of State only accepts payments done as credit, debit, or e-check.