Short answer: File Certificate of Authority with the Minnesota Secretary of State for $205, and name a Minnesota registered agent.
We've pulled these figures from the Minnesota Secretary of State's own pages. If something's changed since our last check, the state's portal wins, so it's worth a quick look before you pay.
Registering an out-of-state LLC in Minnesota
File Certificate of Authority with the Minnesota Secretary of State ($205). You'll usually need a certificate of good standing from your home state and a Minnesota registered agent.
Registered office (physical street address in MN, no PO Box alone) is required, but naming a specific registered agent is entirely optional.
How Minnesota compares
Minnesota's foreign LLC registration fee is $205. That's the 16th highest of 47 jurisdictions we track. The national median is $150, so Minnesota runs $55 above it.
| State | Fee | National rank (1 = highest) |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $205 | 16 of 47 |
| Illinois | $150 | 19 of 47 |
| Iowa | $100 | 33 of 47 |
| North Dakota | $135 | 25 of 47 |
| Indiana | $107 | 30 of 47 |
| South Dakota | $750 | 1 of 47 |
Minnesota fees that apply here
| Filing | State fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Renewal | $0 | annual, December 31 of each year, beginning the calendar year following formation |
| Certificate of Authority | $205 | For LLCs formed in another state |
Foreign LLC registration: Minnesota questions
Do I need to register my out-of-state LLC in Minnesota?
If your LLC is "transacting business" in Minnesota (for example, an office, employees or ongoing operations there), you generally must register as a foreign LLC with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
How much does foreign LLC registration cost in Minnesota?
$205 to file Certificate of Authority.
Does a foreign LLC need a registered agent in Minnesota?
Yes. Every registered LLC needs an agent with a physical address in Minnesota. Registered office (physical street address in MN, no PO Box alone) is required, but naming a specific registered agent is entirely optional.
Does a foreign LLC file the Minnesota annual report too?
Generally yes. Registered foreign LLCs usually carry the same Annual Renewal obligation. Confirm the foreign LLC fee with the state.
Sources and verification
Last checked against official state sources on . States change fees with little notice, so confirm on the filing portal before you pay. How we verify.