Out-of-State LLC Registration
What is a foreign LLC?
As it pertains to Georgia, a foreign LLC, also know as an out-of-state LLC, is any limited liability company formed outside the state of Georgia. All LLCs formed in states other than Georgia must register in order to do business in GA.
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Our Out-of-State LLC Registration Package includes same-day filing, Georgia registered agent service, and free business documents.
GET STARTEDHow to Register an Out-of-State LLC in Georgia
If you own or operate an LLC outside of Georgia and wish to expand your business into the Peach State, you will ultimately have to register your LLC as a foreign LLC in Georgia.
To register a foreign LLC in Georgia you must file an Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company. The Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company costs $230 to file and can either be filed online at the Georgia Secretary of State’s website or mailed in to the Georgia Secretary of State.
Need to register an out-of-state corporation instead? Learn how to obtain a Georgia Certificate of Authority for your corporation.
How do I file the Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company?
To qualify a foreign LLC in Georgia you must file the Application for Certificate of Authority either online at the Georgia Secretary of State website, or via mail. The forms necessary to complete the filing are available online as PDFs as well.
All foreign entities must have a registered agent in Georgia. You can hire us as your Georgia registered agent for just $25 a year. If we are your registered agent, we can file your Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company for an additional $100—just add the filing in your online account.
In accordance with Georgia Code § 14-11-702, you must include the following information:
- The name of your LLC
- The physical address and county of your LLC
- The address of your principle place of business in your original State of formation
- The date your LLC was formed in its original state
- The name and address of your registered agent in Georgia
- An authorized signature
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What are the fees to form a foreign LLC in Georgia?
You must pay a $230 filing fee to submit the Application for Certificate of Authority for Foreign Limited Liability Company. Additionally, once the LLC is qualified as a foreign LLC in Georgia, the LLC must file annual registration with the Secretary of State. Annual registrations cost $55 to file.
How do I know I need to register as a foreign LLC in Georgia?
You need to register or qualify if your LLC is “conducting activities” or “transacting business” in Georgia, but in the digital age those terms have been rendered more nebulous. You may want to consult an attorney if you’re unsure, but typically such conditions are met if your LLC has a physical presence in Georgia by way of:
- A business location in Georgia
- A sales rep in the state
- If you have contractors physically doing work or selling items in Georgia
- Have sales totaling over $250,000 dollars from sales of tangible personal property delivered electronically or physically
How do I register if my business name isn’t available in Georgia?
If the name of your LLC is already taken in Georgia, or is not permitted by Georgia LLC naming guidelines, you must choose a new name for the foreign LLC that will be transacting in Georgia. A directory of claimed LLC names can be found on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.
Are there penalties if I don’t register my business as a foreign LLC in Georgia?
Yes, your LLC could be liable for fees and assorted penalties. Not only will you not be able to sue to collect debts, but you will not be able to represent your LLC in any legal matters because in the eyes of Georgia Courts, your LLC has no legal standing.