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Foreign registration: what is it?

What an out-of-state LLC files so it may operate in a new state. A few states name the approval a certificate of authority.

Answered by the Ask About LLC editorial team ·

The short version

Also known as
Foreign qualification or certificate of authority
Related words
Foreign LLC and perhaps Certificate of good standing and perhaps Annual report

Why should I care?

Registering does not create a new company. It adds a state to the one you have.

Does my state do it differently?

The range runs $50 in Michigan to $750 in Texas. See every state's rule.

Where does this come up?

It shows up here: Forming an LLC: your state's answers, Registered agent rules: your state's answers, Taking an LLC to another state: your state's answers.

Sources for this answer

  1. Our answer on LARA Corporations Division rests on michigan.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  2. Our answer on LARA limited liability company forms rests on michigan.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  3. Our answer on MCL 450.5002, certificate of authority rests on legislature.mi.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  4. Our answer on MCL 450.5008, activities that are rests on legislature.mi.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  5. Our answer on MCL 450.5007, consequences of transacting rests on legislature.mi.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  6. Our answer on LARA annual reports and annual rests on michigan.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  7. Our answer on Texas Secretary of State, foreign rests on sos.state.tx.us, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  8. Our answer on Form 304 instructions rests on sos.state.tx.us, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  9. Our answer on Fee schedule, Form 806 rests on sos.texas.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  10. Our answer on Business Organizations Code, Chapter 9 rests on statutes.capitol.texas.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to
  11. Our answer on Texas Comptroller, franchise tax rests on comptroller.texas.gov, a page we confirmed October 2026 and still point you to