Updated May 2026 North Dakota
North Dakota LLC Formation Cost (2026)
Complete breakdown of North Dakota LLC costs — from the initial filing fee to annual report fees, publication requirements, and ongoing taxes.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$135
Filing Fee
One-time
$50
Annual Report
Recurring
None
Publication Cost
$135+
Est. Year-1 Total
Excl. annual fee
LLC Formation Cost Calculator
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Form LLC → Forming an LLC in North Dakota: Full Cost Breakdown
To form an LLC in North Dakota, you file Articles of Organization (sometimes called a Certificate of Formation or Certificate of Organization) with the North Dakota Secretary of State. The state filing fee is $135.
Standard processing time is 5. Expedited processing is available: 1.
Watch out
North Dakota requires an annual report every year — don't miss the deadline.Pro tip
Moderate fees and low business competition in many sectors.Don't forget your Operating Agreement
Even though North Dakota may not legally require it, an Operating Agreement protects your limited liability status and is essential if you have co-founders or a business bank account.Editor's pick
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Registered agent required in North Dakota
Every LLC must designate a registered agent with a physical North Dakota address to receive legal documents. Using a commercial service ($50–$150/yr) keeps your home address off the public record.Frequently Asked Questions — North Dakota LLC
How much does it cost to form an LLC in North Dakota?
Forming an LLC in North Dakota costs $135 for the state filing fee. The annual report fee is $50 per year. Estimated first-year cost is approximately $135.
What is the LLC filing fee in North Dakota?
The North Dakota LLC filing fee is $135. This one-time charge is paid to the North Dakota Secretary of State to officially register your LLC.
Does North Dakota require an annual report for LLCs?
Yes — North Dakota LLCs must file an annual report with a fee of $50. Failure to file can result in administrative dissolution of your LLC.
Does North Dakota require LLC publication?
No — North Dakota does not require LLC publication. This eliminates a significant additional cost compared to states like New York that mandate it.
What is the North Dakota LLC franchise tax?
North Dakota does not impose a separate franchise tax on LLCs, keeping ongoing operating costs lower.
How do I form an LLC in North Dakota?
To form an LLC in North Dakota: (1) choose a unique name including "LLC" or "Limited Liability Company", (2) appoint a registered agent with a North Dakota address, (3) file Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and pay the $135 fee, (4) create an Operating Agreement, and (5) get a free EIN from the IRS. See our full North Dakota LLC formation guide for step-by-step instructions.